We Treat Obesity in Brisbane
Wide Range of Surgical Treatments
Support for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
Non-Judgemental Practitioners
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a very common problem in Australia and the western world, affecting two thirds of adults and an increasing percentage of children and adolescents. It is defined by having a body mass index of over 25 kg/m2 (BMI = weight(kg) divided by height(m)2).
Obesity Causes
There are many causes of obesity. The biggest have been calorie rich, nutrient poor dietary changes and decreased physical activity over the last 70 years. This is best described as a diet high in ultra-processed ‘foods’ that are high in refined carbohydrates (sugar and starch), un-natural fats and chemical ingredients, whilst also being low in fibre and protein. These foods cause rapid rises in blood sugar then insulin levels, contributing to progressive weight gain, insulin resistance and poor hunger control.
Our ideal sleep, emotional health, food choices and exercise habits only need to be 1-2 % out, day after day, year after year. This compounds to become huge weight excess beyond a healthy weight. Furthermore, these subtle deviations from healthy habits, and the gradual weight gain slowly over time, mean that people often don't notice obesity happening to them before it is significant.
Other causes include:
- Inadequate fibre and fermented food intake (gut microbiome health).
- Inadequate high quality sleep.
- Inadequate physical activity, leading to poor cellular and mitochondrial health.
- Inadequate outdoors time (sunlight, fresh air, exposure to nature).
- Busy lifestyles/overwhelmed cognitive bandwidth.
Obesity Symptoms
Symptoms of being overweight include:
- Severely decreased life expectancy and quality of life (‘healthspan’).
- Shortness of breath and fatigue.
- Reflux/heartburn.
- Poor mobility, stiffness and sore joints (especially back, hips, knees, ankles).
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Headaches.
Diseases associated with being overweight that are cured or greatly improved by weight loss surgery:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol.
- Fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type II Diabetes, metabolic syndrome.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
- Reflux and Hiatus Hernia (GORD).
- Weight Related Joint Disease and Osteoarthritis.
- Benign Intracranial Hypertension (headaches).
- Infertility.
- Hernias.
- Many cancers.
Obesity Tests
No specific tests are required to diagnose obesity. A Weight Loss Surgery consultation with Dr Ben Dodd - Brisbane Upper GI Surgery involves a detailed weight history, including analysis of your weight related medical problems. If you proceed to weight loss surgery, further assessment of your breathing (sleep studies, looking for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea) and heart function (echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound) may be necessary.
Obesity Diagnosis
A diagnosis of weight excess/being overweight is done by calculating your BMI (see link below). The advice by Dr Ben Dodd to recommend surgery is based on your age, BMI, weight related comorbidites (medical problems), fitness for anaesthesia and your willingness to turn your health around. We know that you can make subtle lifestyle changes that will ensure that you have a lean, long and happy life.
Obesity Treatment
According to consensus world guidelines, weight loss surgery is indicated when the following conditions are met:
- BMI >35 with weight related comorbidites.
- BMI > 30-35 with type 2 diabetes, increased cardiovascular risk or significant metabolic syndrome.
- Unsuccessful attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise.
- No major psychiatric illness or substance abuse disorders.
- Adequate cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) fitness for surgery.
Related Information
BMI Calculator
