Category: General

The adrenal gland is a set of glands on top of the kidneys that produce cortisol, aldosterone, sex steroids and adrenaline. Cortisol is a hormone that is increased during stress. There is a theory that chronic stress can drain the adrenal dry of cortisol, leading to inadequate cortisol, which is called adrenal fatigue. However, the proponents of this theory believe that routine blood tests cannot detect this deficiency.

However, modern science does not agree with this. People can have various degrees of adrenal deficiency detected by blood tests. This deficiency is not due to chronic stress but various diseases that destroy the adrenal cells.

If you have tiredness, low blood pressure, nausea, loss of hair, or sleep problems, meet an endocrinologist to find out if you have any hormonal issues. Don’t self-administer steroids or any adrenal supplements. They could be potentially dangerous.

So, adrenal fatigue is not a medically recognized disease. Chronic stress does not cause adrenals to fatigue. Hence, try to alleviate your stress with other lifestyle measures like yoga and regular exercise and treat your symptoms only after proper medical consultation.

Dr. Deepa G, MHSc (Diab), Dip (Diab)

Although obesity medicines produce weight loss, which helps with many obesity-related diseases, they are not for everyone. A small proportion of people with obesity are not suitable for anti-obesity medicines. Another group, although appropriate, may discontinue these medicines due to the adverse effects.

Orlistat cannot be used in people with malabsorption syndromes, those conditions that lead to blockage of bile (cholestasis) or allergies to the drug. Some people who start Orlistat may discontinue it due to tummy issues like oil leakage in stools.

Liraglutide, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

Around 5 to 10 % of people who are on Liraglutide, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide may experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, leading to discontinuation of these drugs. This happens especially during the dose escalation stages of the drug.

Dr. Mathew John MD, DM

Obesity is regarded as a chronic disease, necessitating medication that may be required for the long term or even lifelong to sustain weight loss and enhance health. The duration of anti-obesity medication treatment varies based on an individual’s health objectives, the effectiveness of the treatment, and their physician’s recommendations. Some patients may experience benefits within a few months, while others may require ongoing use to maintain results. Should an individual not achieve at least 5% body weight reduction after taking the full dose of a medication for 3 to 6 months, it is likely that their physician will adjust the treatment plan, potentially switching to an alternative medication.

Discontinuation of anti-obesity medication should always occur under medical supervision. Establishing and adhering to healthy dietary practices and increasing physical activity can assist in minimizing weight regain or maintaining weight loss. A supervised exercise regimen may also help reduce the rate of weight regain, and many individuals will likely need to continue medication in the long term.

Dr. Tittu Oommen MD,DM

Anti-obesity medications can have an impact on other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Some weight-loss medications like Metformin,GLP-1 analogues help to improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and may reduce the need for other diabetes medications also. Similarly, weight loss can lead to lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels especially LDL and Triglyceride levels and thus reduce the risk of future cardiovascular diseases.

However, these medications may have potential side effects or interactions with other medications used for these conditions. The efficacy of these drugs can vary depending on individual factors like the initial weight ,the adherence to diet and exercise and also adherence to medication .Hence it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any anti-obesity treatment to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your specific health needs. Regular monitoring of your health parameters ,lifestyle changes including low carb diets and exercises along with proper medication adherence may help in managing weight and associated health conditions effectively.

Dr. Deepa G, MHSc (Diab), Dip (Diab)

Anti-obesity medications can support weight loss, but they work best with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. These medicines help by reducing appetite, blocking fat absorption, or influencing metabolism, but they are not a substitute for nutritious eating. Combining medication with a healthy diet can lead to better weight loss. A balanced diet rich in proteins, dietary fiber, low GI carbs, and healthy fats ensures that your body gets essential nutrients while managing calorie intake effectively. Diet and lifestyle changes help to develop habits that promote long-term weight management. Relying solely on medication without proper dietary control may limit long-term success and could lead to weight regain once the medication is stopped.

Focus on:

1. Eating mindfully, controlling portion sizes, and choosing whole, unprocessed foods can enhance the effectiveness of weight-loss medications.

2. Pairing diet with regular physical activity further accelerates results, helping to build a sustainable and healthier lifestyle.

3. Hydrate adequately.

4. Restrict sugars, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates.

5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and regular physical activity.

Ms. Sreekutty S, MSc

Losing weight in nowadays is a challenging journey. Effective exercises for weight loss are those that not only burn calories but also aid in muscle building, increase metabolism, and boosts overall physical and mental well-being. Losing weight can be achieved through a combination of regular exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Here is some effective exercise for weight loss.

Aerobic Exercises

1. Brisk Walking: Walking at least 10 mins per session, 3-4 times a week or 150 min of moderate walk per week.

2. Jogging/Running: Running or jogging at a moderate intensity with 10-15 mins, 2-3 times a week, and gradually increase duration and frequency.

3. Swimming: Start with 20-30-minute swimming sessions, 2-3 times a week.

4. Cycling: Cycling is a low-impact, aerobic exercise that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. Start with 20-30 minutes of alternating between high-intensity cycling and 5-10 minutes of cool down period.

5. Dancing: High-energy dance workouts like Zumba.

Strength Training Exercises

1. Squats: Its targets lower body muscles, including quads, hamstrings, and glutes. It is recommended to do 3 sets with 8-12 repetitions.

2. Lunges: Lunges are a compound exercise that target multiple muscle groups in the legs, hips, and glutes. Start with a frequency of 2-3 times a week, allowing for at least one day of rest in between.

3. Push-ups: Push-ups are a classic exercise that target multiple muscle groups, including the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. Start with 3 sets of 10 reps with 5-10 minutes of static stretching.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

1. Burpees: A full-body exercise that involves a squat, push-up, and jump. Start with 3-4 sets with 8-10 repetitions, 2-3 times per week.

2. Jump Squats: Jump squats are a plyometric exercise that combines the strength and power of squats with the explosive movement of jumping. It is advised to start with 5-10 of light cardio with 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

3. Plank: Its targets multiple muscle groups, improving overall core strength, stability, and posture. Start with 3 sets of 50-60 seconds with 60-90 seconds of resting time.

Yoga and Flexibility Exercises

1. Yoga: Yoga postures can help build strength, especially in the core muscles, arms, and legs. Various styles like Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga can help with weight loss.

2. Pilates: Pilates targets the core muscles, including the abdominals, oblique, and lower back muscles. A low-impact exercise that targets core strength and flexibility making it easier to move and perform daily activities.

3. Stretching: Regular stretching exercises can improve flexibility and balance.

Remember to:

• Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.

• Always start with a warm-up exercise to prepare your muscles and prevent injuries.

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

• Incorporate strength training exercises at least two times per week.

• Listen to your body and rest when needed and stay hydrated

• Combine exercise with a healthy, balanced diet for sustainable weight loss.

Ms. Revathy.V.K, MSc

The most effective anti-obesity medicines available are orlistat (Xenical), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), lorcaserin (Belviq), bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave), Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

Anti-obesity medicines help people with obesity lose weight and keep it off. New drugs like Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) can help people lose 10-20 % of their weight. They also help control glucose and reduce heart disease, blood pressure, sleep apnea, fatty liver, and heart failure associated with obesity.

These drugs should only be used under the supervision of a doctor with expertise in treating people with obesity. They will always be a part of a weight management regime that includes appropriate diet, physical activity and behavioural changes.

Dr Mathew John MD, DM

As you are aware, obesity is associated with a host of diseases that include diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, gout, gall bladder stones, osteoarthritis, heart failure and increased chances of death. The treatment of obesity is aimed at reducing the risk of these diseases and death. It is known that the higher the degree of obesity, the higher the risk of developing these diseases, but different people can develop these diseases at various levels of BMI.

Anti-obesity drugs are indicated if

1. The BMI is 30 kg/m2 or more.

2. The BMI is 27 kg /m2 or more in the presence of an obesity-related disease like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease or sleep apnea.

It is known that people in India can develop complications of obesity at lower levels of BMI, and the definition of obesity is beyond a BMI of 23 kg/m2. Please check with an endocrinologist to see if you will benefit from anti-obesity medicines.

Dr Mathew John MD, DM

Puberty is a time of life when there is rapid growth and attainment of final height. There is also rapid bone deposition, leading to increased bone mass. Further, there is an increase in muscle mass and growth of sexual organs in both sexes. Poor dietary choices will lead not only to an impairment in these processes but also to obesity.

The following aspects are essential.

1. Age and weight-appropriate calorie intake. A nutritionist should preferably guide this.

2. Protein is essential for muscle development during puberty. It should come from sources like eggs, chicken, fish, lean meat, nuts, seeds, beans, and soy products.

3. Calcium helps to build bone mass and promote growth. Food should include low-fat dairy, broccoli, tofu, nuts, and seeds.

4. Iron is vital for rapid growth, muscle mass, and blood volume. Good sources of iron include legumes, enriched grains, leafy vegetables, chicken, and beef.

5. Regularly use fruits and greens to supply folate, iron, and fibre.

It is always good to consult with your dietician to understand the dietary needs appropriate for pubertal development and preventing obesity.

Mrs. Rejitha Jagesh MSc

In boys, puberty generally starts between ages 10 to 14. However, it could start any time after nine years of age. The first sign of puberty in boys is the enlargement of the testes. However, this is rarely noticeable from the outside. Later, the pubic hair starts to appear. Further developments lead to an enlarged penis, voice changes and an increase in height. Most boys would complete the pubertal growth by 18 years of age.

If you notice any signs of puberty below nine years in a boy, it merits a visit to an endocrinologist. The investigations are directed at the causes of increased androgen (male hormone) production. Increased androgen production could be from the testes (directly or triggered by the pituitary) or the adrenal glands. For boys, it is essential to investigate the cause of puberty. It could be an activation of the brain’s hypothalamus that controls the pubertal process. It can be caused by tumours, cysts, hamartomas, infections, or congenital causes. It could be due to disorders of the testes or adrenals. Since some of these causes may be potentially dangerous, it is essential to diagnose them early.

Dr. Mathew John MD,DM