Help these folk tackle obesity

Help these folk tackle obesity
PHOTO: Help these folk tackle obesity

There are certain groups of patients who specifically need our help and compassion in the prevention of obesity ("Obesity growing into big global problem"; last Friday).

The first concerns those being treated for depression, bipolar disorder and related mental problems.

The treatment of such individuals often involves medications which invariably cause them to put on weight and become obese. This subsequently affects their self-esteem and causes further depression.

Doctors treating them should pay more attention to helping them from becoming obese. This is certainly part of the treatment and should not be neglected in the pursuit of helping them to get well in their illness.

The other group involves those with a genetic disposition to obesity. Such individuals try very hard to diet and exercise and still face an uphill battle.

They should be referred to doctors who can help them in nutrition, proper exercises as well as in surgical intervention when deemed necessary.

Letter by Quek Koh Choon (Dr)


This article was first published on June 2, 2014.
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