Can obesity get pregnant?

Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Obesity firstly needs to be differentiated, whether it is a type of physiological obesity or a pathological obesity, such as diseases of the growth gland, Cushing's syndrome, etc., which cause pathological obesity. In this case, some corresponding examinations are required for differentiation. If it is simple obesity, further tests for insulin resistance, blood glucose, blood lipids, and other metabolic indicators are necessary to determine if they are normal, as well as liver and kidney functions. If these conditions are all acceptable, pregnancy is possible. However, it is still important to monitor these indicators during pregnancy. Obesity is not an absolute contraindication for pregnancy, but of course, it is best to control the weight before getting pregnant.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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What department should obesity be treated in?

Obesity should be considered based on the specific situation. If the patient has uniform obesity, meaning that the limbs and torso are equally fat, then they should visit the nutrition department for guidance on dietary control, diet adjustments, and increased exercise. However, if the patient's obesity appears different, for example, if they have a very thick back, a larger belly, a red face, and acne, then I suggest they consult the endocrinology department because it might be related to Cushing's syndrome, which involves centripetal obesity.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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Causes of Obesity

Obesity, also known as adiposis, is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation or abnormal distribution of fat in the body. It results from the interaction of multiple factors including genetic and environmental factors that cause fat accumulation. Primary obesity, also known as simple obesity, is the most common type and is mainly caused by poor dietary habits, such as excessive food intake, particularly excessive fats, and a sedentary lifestyle. There is also secondary obesity, which is generally caused by diseases of the endocrine system. Hormonal treatments for allergic diseases and rheumatic diseases can also lead to secondary obesity.

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Surgical treatment of obesity

Surgical treatment for obesity is applicable under certain conditions. This requires the obesity to reach a specific level, defined by indicators such as a BMI of over 35, and in the absence of severe diabetes or complications associated with diabetes. Considering surgical interventions for weight loss, these primarily involve bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass or gastroenterostomy which reduce food intake and absorption, thereby decreasing calorie absorption to achieve weight loss. While the effects of surgical weight loss are generally quite good, it can lead to some long-term postoperative complications, so careful consideration is required.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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What tests are needed for obesity?

Obesity is divided into simple obesity and secondary obesity. Simple obesity refers simply to being overweight without any other primary diseases. Secondary obesity requires examination of certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism, which can lead to obesity, thus necessitating thyroid function tests; or Cushing's syndrome, which involves increased body weight due to excessive corticosteroid hormones produced by various causes, necessitating an examination of the cortisol rhythm and sometimes a dexamethasone suppression test, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary, and CT scan of the adrenal glands; also conditions such as depression or psychiatric illnesses that can lead to weight gain, requiring corresponding psychiatric scales, among others. In addition to these tests, it is also necessary to consider the patient's clinical symptoms and then conduct targeted examinations based on these symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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Can people with obesity eat pork?

Patients with obesity are advised to primarily consume lean pork, as it generally contains more protein. If the pork is fatty, it has a higher fat content. Since obesity is a disease of nutritional excess, it is necessary to strictly control the total calorie intake, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats — particularly the intake of carbohydrates and fats, which are strictly limited. However, patients with obesity can eat lean pork, as it contains high-quality protein which is beneficial for their physical health. Thus, people with obesity can eat pork, but they should focus on consuming lean cuts.