The Nation Newspaper

Tag: obesity

  • Reducing the burden of obesity, cardiovascular diseases

    Reducing the burden of obesity, cardiovascular diseases

    SIR: The burden of obesity and cardiovascular disease in developing countries, with a particular focus on Nigeria, is a critical public health concern that demands urgent attention. Although obesity is emerging as a significant health trend, a nuanced layer complicates the scenario. Socio-economic factors contribute to a high prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition, which, paradoxically, acts as a masking agent for obesity.

    This intricate interplay between undernutrition and obesity poses a unique challenge in these settings. The prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition often takes precedence due to socio-economic disparities, underscoring the multifaceted nature of nutritional challenges. However, beneath this undertone, the reality remains that both ends of the nutritional spectrum coexist, creating a complex health landscape.

    In Nigeria, this complex interplay is further compounded by factors such as urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and shifts in dietary patterns, resulting in a dual burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular issues. Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires a comprehensive and context-specific approach that considers the socio-economic intricacies shaping the health landscape in developing nations.

    To effectively address the pressing issues of obesity and cardiovascular disease in developing countries, it is imperative to implement specific guidelines and a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, promoting healthy eating habits should involve educational programs to inform individuals about the importance of a balanced diet. Guidelines should encourage the consumption of locally available, affordable, and nutritious foods while restricting the availability and marketing of unhealthy, high-calorie foods, particularly targeting children.

    Secondly, encouraging regular physical activity requires a multifaceted approach. Developing and maintaining public spaces such as parks and recreational areas should be prioritized to promote physical activity. Integrating mandatory physical education into school curricula and support for community-based sports and fitness programs are essential.

    These measures contribute to fostering a culture of active living. Also, Public health campaigns play a pivotal role in raising awareness and shaping behaviours. Comprehensive awareness campaigns should communicate the risks associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases, offering information on preventive measures, healthy lifestyles, and regular health check-ups.

    Read Also: Agency, photographer launch campaign against abdominal obesity

    Moreover, regulating food advertising is crucial. Implementing strict regulations to control the advertising of unhealthy foods, especially to children, and considering taxes on sugary beverages and high-fat foods can deter unhealthy consumption patterns. Access to healthcare and education is paramount. Improving access to affordable healthcare, including preventive services and screenings for cardiovascular diseases, should be a priority. Training healthcare professionals to educate communities on preventing and managing these health issues is equally vital.

    Community engagement strategies involving local populations in the design and implementation of health programs can enhance their effectiveness. In the realm of education, integrating health education into school curricula is essential, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and physical activity. Ensuring access to nutritious meals in schools and limiting the availability of unhealthy snacks can significantly contribute to shaping healthier habits from a young age.

    Similarly, workplace wellness programs can play a crucial role. Encouraging businesses to implement such programs, promoting physical activity and healthy eating, and incentivizing employees to adopt healthier lifestyles contribute to a holistic approach. Government policies and legislation should serve as a backbone for these initiatives. Implementing and enforcing policies that regulate the food industry and promote healthier food options are pivotal. Consideration should be given to policies restricting trans fats and salt content in processed foods. Research and data collection efforts should be intensified to understand the specific challenges and cultural factors contributing to obesity and cardiovascular diseases in each country. Utilizing data to tailor interventions to the unique needs of diverse populations ensures the relevance and efficacy of these strategies.

    By adopting these specific guidelines and integrating them into a collaborative and well-coordinated strategy, developing countries can significantly reduce the burden of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient population.

    •Dr Elochukwu Nwachukwu,

    Lagos.

  • Could surgery be the answer to obesity?

    A South African woman named Dineo* long struggled with obesity. Her vices included takeout food, creamy desserts and chips, and she drank two litres of sugary drinks a day.

    “It relaxed me,” she recalls. Her weight crept up to 141 kg. Yo-yo dieting never worked. In 2008, she miscarried her second child due to weight-related complications. The stigma of being overweight led to depression.

    Then she learned about bariatric surgery, a procedure that involves reducing the size of the stomach with a gastric band, removing a portion of the stomach, or shortening the intestine to a small stomach pouch.

    “Medical aid covered 80 percent of the cost and the shortfall was over 100,000 rands [USD 6,800],” she says.

    “I needed to do something as I was starting to become immobile. I could drive but barely walk. So I started saving money.” Dineo had the surgery six months ago, and has since lost about 40 kg.

    Around the world, 1.9 billion adults are overweight and 650 million are obese. There is currently no country on track to meet targets to halt obesity, which is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and hepatic diseases.

    Together, these count for more than 70 percent of deaths worldwide. The social stigma of obesity can lead to social isolation, suicidal thoughts and avoidance of medical care.

    In South Africa, 30 percent of the population is obese and an additional 20 percent are overweight. Professor Tess van der Merwe, honorary president of the South African Society for Obesity and Metabolism, says there are two approaches that actually work to tackle the disease.

    “The first is intense cognitive behaviour modification combined with the Dash diet [low-sodium foods that help lower blood pressure and are rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium] and weight-bearing exercise, such as Pilates.

    This strategy aims to undo automated learned responses to food,” she explains. “The second option for obese to morbidly obese people is bariatric surgery.”

    Van der Merwe has been studying obesity patterns in South Africa for three decades.

    She believes the first step towards fighting the condition is to foster understanding.

    “Families, the media and the medical community need to get away from the narrative that we have been using with obese patients, the derogatory manner in which we have been treating them,” she says.

    “We now know that obesity is not all about gluttony and sloth. It is a brain-centric issue, not a fat-cell-centric problem ¬– and epigenetic inheritance is far more impactful than we had previously thought.”

    New research shows that the pituitary gland, in the back of the brain, keeps the body at its highest consistent weight in memory. This is called the body stat and is probably an evolutionary response against famine or starvation.

    “What we have done incorrectly in the past is to allocate the disease process to the frontal lobe, the reasoning centre. From that arose terminology like ‘food addiction.’ The ridiculousness of those kinds of statements has only become apparent in the past five to seven years,” says Van der Merwe, noting that, as a result, patients are embarrassed even when they don’t eat to excess.

    “Our calorie intake is only about 180 calories more than it was two decades ago, and our fitness has reduced, but it does not equate to this epidemic,” she notes.

    Bariatric surgery’s immediate benefits include guaranteed weight loss, immediate reversal of comorbidity conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and prevention of long-term health issues related to obesity.

    Preceded and followed by psychological counselling, the intervention requires the patient to follow a strict lifelong diet to avoid complications. He or she must take a lifetime of vitamins and supplements, because the digestive system is forever altered.

    Endocrinologist Dr. Sundeep Ruder says that while surgery is effective, it should be looked upon only as last resort, because of the risks involved.

    “The biggest drivers of obesity are environmental factors,” he says. “It is very expensive to make surgery accessible to the masses of obese people in the world. But it is considered an alternative after we fail with lifestyle interventions.”

    Private healthcare surgery costs up to 500,000 rands in South Africa, but obesity is so prevalent in the country – including in low-income communities– that bariatric surgery is now being tested in the public sector.

    Professor Zach Koto, a renowned surgeon who specialises in minimally invasive keyhole surgery, is leading the multidisciplinary project.

    “There are lots of issues at play, so you need a psychologist, endocrinologist, physiotherapist, anaesthetist and a surgeon,” he notes.

    “We want to offer a comprehensive service in all the academic hospitals in South Africa,” Koto adds, believing there should be dedicated facilities for these procedures. “We want to make this available to those who can’t afford it.”

    But the surgery is far from a miracle solution to obesity. “It is only for patients who qualify and show they are willing to maintain,” Koto says.

    “People think the surgery is a silver bullet, but it needs a support structure and a complete lifestyle change.”

    * Not her real name

  • New Discovery! Miracle Device That ‘Cures Over 50 Chronic Diseases’ Without Taking Drug

    The new discovery is awesome! Amazing device that cures over 50 acute chronic diseases (Including Stroke, Blood Pressure, Arthritis, Obesity, Pain, etc.) without paying a penny to doctor.   CLICK HERE TO SEE IT => http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy

    Health they say is wealth; there is nothing in our life that is more valuable than good health. Without sound health there is no happiness, no peace and no success and that is why you have to take your health serious.

    Check this out => https://goo.gl/Leruvp

    Dear Friend,

    Would you like to restore your health to the normal state?

    Are you sick and tired of that ailment/disease?

    Are you tired of taking pill without getting desired result?

    Are you tired of spending your hard-earned money in treating one disease or the other?

    If Yes, Click Here for the Miracle Device that Cures over 50 Chronic Diseases => http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy

    In the last few months of discovery, over 55,000 persons have used this powerful device to Treat and Cure Various Life-Threatening Diseases like:

    • Partial Stroke
    • Stiff Shoulder
    • Paralysis
    • High Blood Pressure
    • Low Blood Pressure
    • Weight Reducing
    • Waist/Back Pain
    • Neck Aches
    • Rheumatoid
    • Arthritis
    • Energy Failure
    • Neural Paralysis
    • Stomach Ache
    • Neuralgia
    • Whole Body Fatigue
    • Tummy Fat
    • Toothache
    • Weak Sexual Ability
    • Irregular Menstruation
    • Bad Cold
    • Shank Ache and lots more…

    This is amazing! One single device cures all these serious health issues and many more. Click HERE to Unveil this New Discovery : http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy and apply it TONIGHT! It is 15times more effective than drug; and it doesn’t only cure the disease/ailment but also reverse the complications without any potential side effects.

    This miracle device is endorsed by professional Physiotherapist as a curative procedure for several health conditions with the highest INTERNATIONAL certifications like: ISO, MOODY-Germany, FDA, UKAS FCC, ROHS, etc.   See it here => https://goo.gl/Leruvp

    iso-certify for chronic diseases

    You don’t have to deceive yourself; if you’re facing any of the above listed ailments, then you need to get this life-saving device (Do not delay to avoid leading to other health complication).  

    CLICK HERE TO GET THIS POWERFUL DEVICE => https://goo.gl/Leruvp

    It doesn’t matter the number of years you have been battling with that ailment. With this powerful health device, you can now completely get rid of that life-threatening diseases and restore your health without taking a single pill. Check it out & see how it works => http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy

    This is a must-have for every family; it is also effective for Acupuncture, Massage, Scrapping, Immunotherapy, Manipulation and Cupping.

    You can be free of that chronic disease(s) and live your desired healthy lifestyle.  This miracle device will dramatically improve your health FOREVER. If you are serious about your health and you are willingly to help yourself, Do Not Wait!  CLICK HERE NOW => http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy

    See you on the inside!

    Here => https://goo.gl/Leruvp

  • ‘Artificial sweeteners can still lead to obesity, diabetes’

    ARTIFICIAL sweeteners can still lead to obesity and diabetes, a new study has warned.

    Consumption of zero-calorie artificial sweeteners has increased dramatically in recent decades as people are more aware of the health consequences of eating too much sugar.

    However, new research finds sugar replacements can also cause health changes that are linked with diabetes and obesity.

    The research team, led by Brian Hoffmann, assistant professor in the department of biomedical engineering at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University, fed different groups of rats diets high in sugar or common zero-calorie artificial sweeteners.

    Then the team tracked biochemical changes in the body after consumption of sugar or sugar substitutes.

    They also looked at impacts on vascular health by studying how the substances affect the lining of blood vessels.

    “In our studies, both sugar and artificial sweeteners seem to exhibit negative effects linked to obesity and diabetes, albeit through very different mechanisms from each other,” Hoffmann said.

    The results suggest artificial sweeteners change how the body processes fat and gets its energy.

    In addition, they found acesulfame potassium, a common calorie-free sugar substitute, seemed to accumulate in the blood, with higher concentrations having a more harmful effect on the cells that line blood vessels.

    “We observed that in moderation, your body has the machinery to handle sugar; it is when the system is overloaded over a long period of time that this machinery breaks down,” Hoffmann said.

    “We also observed that replacing these sugars with non-caloric artificial sweeteners leads to negative changes in fat and energy metabolism,” he said.

    However, experts warned that the results should be approached with caution.

    “Much of the research that points to negative impacts of sweeteners are based on animal studies, specifically mice and rats, so shouldn’t be applied directly to humans as we do have different metabolic pathways,” Aisling Pigott, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association said.

     

     

     

  • Control of weight issues (Underweight)

    Last week, we discussed obesity and overweight. Then and there we were able to discuss the causes and consequences of obesity. We also discussed the solutions to the problem. Today, let us take a close look at the opposite of obesity: that is being underweight.

    Low Weight: Being underweight is also wrought with dangers. Being too thin is dangerous to life. A person whose Body Mass Index is below 18 is carrying a risk. Sadly, being underweight is common in children in our environment as a result of malnutrition and diseases. That is not to say that adult are spared. They are not. Very often, I have patients asking me, “I want to put on some weight, what can I do?” Readers should note that the assessment of weight issues is different in children. Specialist doctors that are called paediatricians deal with children matters.

    What Causes Underweight?  Being underweight is often a long standing matter and may be acute in some urgently occurring wasting diseases. However in a few situations, it may result from sudden illnesses such as involving diarrhoea and vomiting (especially in children) as seen in typhoid or diseases causing loss of appetite such as malaria and typhoid

    Very often the causes of low weight are undereating, avoidance of food and drinks. This events may lead to what is called anorexia.  When anorexia is a deliberate starvation brought upon the person by distortion in the image of how he or she sees herself, then anorexia nervosa has set in. Such a person will often make concerted efforts to avoid food, induce vomiting and induce bowel movement. Excessive exercise driven by the desire to be thin may also be seen in anorexia nervosa or may be seen in an ordinary longing to be desirable as it does so often happen in women.

    Underweight may also worryingly occur in medical disease states such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and cancers or impairing growth of just about anywhere in the human body.  Excessive bowel movement seen in malabsorption syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome to mention a few are some causes too.  Rarely is being underweight a genetic problem but it does occurs. Overactive thyroid in hyperthyroidism may lead to significant weight loss. War situations may cause mass starvations and weight loss. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and psychosis may be a cause of significant weight loss. Social issues such as marital or relationship problems, unemployment, financial difficulties could all lead to being underweight. In some occasions, fasting over a prolonged period of time could also cause significant drop in a person’s weight. Infestation with worms may cause underweight issues.

    What Are the Consequences of Being Underweight?

    A person who has low weight is a person at risk of low immunity. A low immunity individual is a person in danger of contacting manifold diseases especially infections. These infections could range from common cold to infection with yeasts, parasites and tuberculosis. Underweight persons have low energy. Daily chores may become a problem as the energy to do routine daily activities is low. The brain could not work to high capacity and efficiency as the food or energy store is low. The muscles and bones may begin to waste. Life in the person may start to fade. Gradually, the organs begin to fail and ultimately, death takes over: often prematurely.

    Solutions:  If you feel unwell or you are told you are losing weight by family and friends, then it makes perfect sense to see a qualified medical doctor as soon as possible for assessment. The cause of weight loss may be either psychological such as depression and anxiety and as we have seen in anorexia nervosa  or being unware that one’s pursuit of weight loss has gone too far. A medical doctor will conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the weight loss.  If nothing is found upon investigations, food specialist (nutritionist) may be called to advise along with clinical supportive treatments. Changes to lifestyle may be all that is required to bring you back to normality. Good luck.

     

  • Wellness firm battles obesity

    A wellness company based in Malaysia,  United Arab Emirates, (UAE) and Philipines with branches in parts of Europe and Africa,  including Nigeria,  Ever Dynamic Marketing (Edmark), has expressed it’s commitments in eradicating obesity and it’s attendant health complication among the people of the world.

    The company, which made the statement at its  2018 first quarter weight loss campaign(P4 lose to win 90 days  challenge), in Port Harcourt,  the Rivers State capital, disclosed that over 2.5 billion people, including children are faced with the problem of overweight across the world.

    It said this overwhelming statistics have led the company to search for the solution  over 25 years ago to help the sufferers regain and maintain their health.

    In the company’s profile made available to the media at the event,  it has range of products that are reportedly potent in burning out excess fat in the body and rebuild,  rejuvenate the body system to its original healthy status, and that the 90 days challenge is a way to practically take those seeking to reduce their excess weight sucessefully through the journey with ease and fun.

    “Remark expo is a concept of exhibiting the opportunity that the company any offers to all Nigerians, a way to reclaim and maintain their health,  a path towards financial freedom,  and a mean to better their lives.

    “It is one of the many ways the company seeks to assist it’s independent distributors with their efforts in expanding their business teams locally and internationally.

    “P4 lose to win 90 days challenge” started in Nigeria in 2014 and was meant to give residents a platform to fight obesity and regain their health, using the range of products for therapy  by the company.

    “Not less than 1,200 persons have successful recorded glaring results since the inception of the program,  with over astounding 10, 600 kilograms of weight loss.

    “With the string of individuals having succeeded in their weight loss journeys through Remark’s customized P4 Lose to win 90 days challenge,  the growing demand and escalating number of distributors have boosted and presence of the company y and it’s products within Nigeria and beyond.”

    The company is said to have 29 offices across the world, with 17 in Africa and 10 in Nigeria.

    Reacting to the 90-day challenge,  Mrs.  Gift Emele,  a trainer with the company said “the company has noticed that no country has in the last 35years been able to successfully profered solution for weight loss,  whereas the problem of obesity and it’s consequences are fast revaging the society.

    “Basically, Edmark is into the business of creating awareness on weight management, for in the past years.

    “And today,  new set of persons that would begin the 90 days (three months) journey of weight loss,  even as the last set who had gone through it is releases and rewarded for cooperating with the company to achieved their desired results.”

     

  • New Discovery! Miracle Device That ‘Cures Over 50 Chronic Diseases’ Without Taking Drug

    New Discovery! Miracle Device That ‘Cures Over 50 Chronic Diseases’ Without Taking Drug

    The new discovery is awesome! Amazing device that cures over 50 acute chronic diseases (Including Stroke, Blood Pressure, Arthritis, Obesity, Pain, etc.) without paying a penny to doctor.   CLICK HERE TO SEE IT => http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy

    Health they say is wealth; there is nothing in our life that is more valuable than good health. Without sound health there is no happiness, no peace and no success and that is why you have to take your health serious.

    Check this out => https://goo.gl/Leruvp

    Dear Friend,

    Would you like to restore your health to the normal state?

    Are you sick and tired of that ailment/disease?

    Are you tired of taking pill without getting desired result?

    Are you tired of spending your hard-earned money in treating one disease or the other?

    If Yes, Click Here for the Miracle Device that Cures over 50 Chronic Diseases => http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy

    In the last few months of discovery, over 55,000 persons have used this powerful device to Treat and Cure Various Life-Threatening Diseases like:

    • Partial Stroke
    • Stiff Shoulder
    • Paralysis
    • High Blood Pressure
    • Low Blood Pressure
    • Weight Reducing
    • Waist/Back Pain
    • Neck Aches
    • Rheumatoid
    • Arthritis
    • Energy Failure
    • Neural Paralysis
    • Stomach Ache
    • Neuralgia
    • Whole Body Fatigue
    • Tummy Fat
    • Toothache
    • Weak Sexual Ability
    • Irregular Menstruation
    • Bad Cold
    • Shank Ache and lots more…

    This is amazing! One single device cures all these serious health issues and many more. Click HERE to Unveil this New Discovery : http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy and apply it TONIGHT! It is 15times more effective than drug; and it doesn’t only cure the disease/ailment but also reverse the complications without any potential side effects.

    This miracle device is endorsed by professional Physiotherapist as a curative procedure for several health conditions with the highest INTERNATIONAL certifications like: ISO, MOODY-Germany, FDA, UKAS FCC, ROHS, etc.   See it here => https://goo.gl/Leruvp

    iso-certify for chronic diseases

    You don’t have to deceive yourself; if you’re facing any of the above listed ailments, then you need to get this life-saving device (Do not delay to avoid leading to other health complication).  

    CLICK HERE TO GET THIS POWERFUL DEVICE => https://goo.gl/Leruvp

    It doesn’t matter the number of years you have been battling with that ailment. With this powerful health device, you can now completely get rid of that life-threatening diseases and restore your health without taking a single pill. Check it out & see how it works => http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy

    This is a must-have for every family; it is also effective for Acupuncture, Massage, Scrapping, Immunotherapy, Manipulation and Cupping.

    You can be free of that chronic disease(s) and live your desired healthy lifestyle.  This miracle device will dramatically improve your health FOREVER. If you are serious about your health and you are willingly to help yourself, Do Not Wait!  CLICK HERE NOW => http://www.premiumhealthpro.com/therapy

    See you on the inside!

    Here => https://goo.gl/Leruvp

  • Increasing cases of obesity in Nigeria is linked to poor nutrition – Herbal Pro

    Increasing cases of obesity in Nigeria is linked to poor nutrition – Herbal Pro

    Obesity formally thought to be a disease affecting mostly the rich in Nigeria is now gradually finding more victims in the middle and lower class. According to Medical New Today, Obesity is a condition where a person accumulates a lot of body fat that might have negative effects on their health.

    According to Herbal Pro Limited, a company focused on finding herbal remedies to healthy issues reported that the increasing trend in cases of obesity in Nigeria can be traced to poor diet and lack of sensitization. The report also stated that the increase in cases of cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorder, cancer of the breast, colon and endometrial can be linked to the increase in cases of obesity.

    Available statics shows that there is a 35% increase in the cases of obesity in Nigeria and only 5% represents individuals in the higher social class. According to the report, some of the factors influencing this change in trend include a change in diet influenced by the rise in the cost of living, lack of sensitization about healthy living and lack of proper diagnostics and treatment centers.

    The research went further to state that individuals with protruding stomach also stand a risk of dying from heart-related diseases than those with a normal waistline even though they have a healthy weight.

    To reverse this trend, Herbal Pro listed proper education about the proper nutrition and diet, including eating a balanced diet of carbohydrate, proteins, fat and healthy oils as well as vitamins and fibers, removal of junk foods and processed sugar as well as the importance of staying fit and embedding a healthy lifestyle.

    While in some cases healthy living can help you lose some pounds and maintain a correct BMI (Body Mass Index), some people may need supplements to assist with the weight loss process. Most Nigerians prefer herbal weight loss capsules to the common weight loss teas and coffees because it is more convenient, it’s not messy and saves time. It is also pertinent to imbed habit of checking your BMI regularly to ensure that you remain at your proper BMI.

  • Dealing With Obesity Weight Loss And Metabolic Surgery In Nigeria

    Dealing With Obesity Weight Loss And Metabolic Surgery In Nigeria

    There is hope for those who are obese, have tried dieting without success or are beginning to experience negative side effects to their health because they are overweight.

     

    Weight loss shouldn’t be a taboo topic. Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Obesity is a major health threat. It is caused when the number of calories consumed through eating is greater than the calories used in physical activity. The body in the form of fat stores the excess energy. The extra weight puts added stress on every part of your body and creates many risks to your health.

     

    Obesity and genetics are directly related. Combined with environmental influences, your genes are significantly responsible for your body’s weight. Regardless of the cause of weight gain, obesity can lead to several health problems including: high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cancer and many others. There have been several studies that show that being overweight can reduce lifespan by as much as 30 years. Along with diet and exercise, bariatric surgery may be the most effective way to alter these genetically predetermined body processes.

     

    Our specialist clinic in Nigeria provides a local option to those interested in benefitting from bariatric surgery. Excessive weight gain is a silent and lethal killer. I have helped several people in the assisted-weight loss area through our specialist procedures. There are numerous scientific papers published in international medical magazines that show how surgery is able to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes and in many instances reverse this chronic condition.

     

    Here at the weight loss and metabolic surgery clinics our goal is for you to achieve long-term and safe weight reduction with obvious benefits to your overall health and wellbeing. We will support and guide you throughout; from your initial consultation, through surgery and post-surgery care. Our focus thereafter will be to carefully monitor details of your current eating habits, food types and lifestyle choices and encourage you where necessary to make more appropriate and healthier lifestyle choices and undertake regular exercise.

     

    Our approach originates from a multi-disciplinary view to patient needs and offers patients’ treatment options which are based on the expertise and high level of experience our team possess in the area of metabolic and bariatric surgery.

     

    We fully understand the personal and confidential nature of each case and aim to provide a first class service. The next step now is for you to make an appointment to meet with us.

    Click here to start the journey to a slimmer, healthier you. http://www.loseweight.com.ng/newyou/

     

     

     

    Dr Abuchi OKARO MS FRCS FWACS

     

    Dr. Abuchi Okaro specializes in Upper gastro-intestinal Oncology and Bariatric (weight loss) surgery. He was trained in the UK and in Tokyo, Japan and he is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and holds a Masters in Surgery Degree from the University of London. He has widely published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented lectures in national and international meetings.

     

    He runs the Weight loss and Metabolic Surgery Clinics, Lagos, Nigeria; the first of its kind – a surgical weight management unit dedicated to delivering evidence based and safe weight loss advice and treatments in Lagos, the Heart of Nigeria. He believes that part of his calling is to bring world-class experience to solve the big health problems we have in Nigeria.

     

  • Supporting local farmers to tackle obesity in Nigeria: A sociologist’s perspective

    Supporting local farmers to tackle obesity in Nigeria: A sociologist’s perspective

    With obesity rates steadily climbing in Nigeria, health professionals and sociologists are looking beyond conventional solutions to address the crisis. Tomiwa Ayetigbo, a renowned Nigerian sociologist and public health advocate, believes that the path to healthier communities begins at the farm. In a recent interview, Ayetigbo detailed how empowering local farmers could be the key to reversing Nigeria’s growing burden of obesity and related cardiovascular diseases.

    Obesity in Nigeria is fueled by a complex mix of socioeconomic factors, most notably the limited access to healthy and affordable food. According to Ayetigbo, “Many Nigerians, especially in low-income communities, rely on highly processed, calorie-dense foods because they are cheaper and more accessible than fresh produce.” In both urban and rural areas, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are either priced out of reach or logistically unavailable, leading to dietary patterns that favor convenience over nutrition.

    Ayetigbo stresses that the empowerment of local farmers is essential to solving this challenge. “Local farmers have the capacity to supply communities with fresh, culturally relevant, and nutrient-rich food. By supporting their operations through infrastructure improvements, credit facilities, and policy reform, we can simultaneously strengthen our food systems and public health,” he explained.

    But there are challenges. Many smallholder farmers in Nigeria face systemic barriers: poor roads, lack of storage, minimal access to financing, and weak market linkages. These hurdles reduce the quantity and quality of fresh produce that reaches the average Nigerian household. Climate change and inconsistent government support further threaten their resilience.

    The sociologist advocates for targeted government interventions to alleviate these burdens. These include providing subsidies and low-interest loans to farmers, investing in rural road networks, building cold storage facilities, and offering training on sustainable farming techniques. “Government involvement should not stop at production. There must be policies that link farm output to urban markets, schools, hospitals, and community programs,” Ayetigbo emphasized.

    Beyond government action, he calls on individuals and communities to adopt grassroots solutions. From urban community gardens to farmer-supported cooperatives, local engagement can help restore a culture of healthy eating. Schools and religious institutions can serve as platforms for nutrition education, while local media can promote awareness about the risks of obesity and the benefits of traditional diets.

    In a country where non-communicable diseases are quickly becoming as threatening as infectious ones, Ayetigbo’s perspective introduces a powerful and practical solution, one that begins not in hospitals but in the hands of farmers.