TTSH Obesity Service aims to provide comprehensive and holistic care and support to patients seeking treatment in obesity.
We believe in a collaborative approach, with the patient at the centre of our focus.
The obesity clinic is led by a team of endocrinologists, who work closely with a dedicated team of nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists and psychologists. The team also works closely with various specialties including bariatric surgeons, respiratory physicians, cardiologists and gastroenterologists.
Every individual presents with his or her own unique weight journey. We are committed in working closely with you to provide individualised recommendations in order to achieve a positive health improvement.
How obesity can affect you?
Why should I be concerned about my weight?
Obesity is a medical condition due to excess accumulation of fat that poses a risk to health. It is complex and is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. In Singapore, 30% of adults are in the overweight category (BMI above 23 kg/m2).
BMI categories for Asians:
| Underweight | Healthy Weight | Overweight | Obese | Severely Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 18.5 | 18.5 - 22.9 | 23 - 27.5 | 27.5 - 37.4 |
|
Obesity is associated with the following medical conditions:
Diabetes mellitus
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Heart disease
Metabolic associated liver disease (previously known as “Fatty liver”)
Joint problems
Obstructive Sleep apnea
Cancer
Mood disorders like depression, anxiety
Social Stigma
Benefits of Weight Loss in Health
Why should I be concerned about my weight?
If you already have one or more of the above obesity related medical conditions, losing appropriate amount of weight loss can improve your health.
If you do not have any of the above obesity related medical conditions, but are at an unhealthy weight or BMI category, avoiding further weight gain, or losing appropriate amount of weight can avoid these health conditions.
Losing 5 to 10% of your current weight can lead to health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a safe rate of weight loss?
Weight loss usually occurs at a rate of 0.5 to 2 kg per week. It is not true that the body puts back weight faster if weight loss is faster. Regardless of the rate of weight loss, the body always attempts to put back weight by adjusting its own metabolic rate downwards (slower metabolic rate) and increasing hunger hormone levels. This is why weight regain often occurs.
I already know what I should eat. Why do I need to see a dietitian?
Research has shown that weight loss is more successful when guided by a professional, compared with self-directed efforts. Our dietitian can help you plan your diet, and help you understand the body’s response to weight loss. A dietitian can also offer you insights into mindfulness and other coping mechanisms during the process of lifestyle change.
Are medications safe and necessary for weight loss?
Obesity is a chronic disease, just like hypertension and diabetes, and require medications when lifestyle interventions do not achieve sufficient weight loss.
New obesity management medications are regulated for safety, and complement lifestyle changes in achieving better weight loss outcomes and weight maintenance.
Should I go for bariatric (weight loss) surgery?
According to MOH guidelines, you can be considered a candidate for bariatric surgery if your BMI is above 37.5 kg/m2, or if you BMI is above 32.5 kg/m2 in the presence of one or more obesity related conditions (e.g., hypertension, DM, sleep apnea etc).
Bariatric surgery is performed using the “key-hole” method, and is associated with improvement of metabolic conditions and better weight maintenance in the long term.
To find out more about obesity, click on the link to view the materials
Schedule an Appointment
For further enquiries or to schedule an appointment, please call: 6889 4445.
