Disclaimer: This Inside South Florida segment is sponsored by Simmons MD LLC. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and does not reflect the same of WSFL-TV.
Dr. Okeefe Simmons recently joined Inside South Florida to discuss obesity, its contributing factors, and the available treatments for those looking to manage their weight effectively.
Obesity is a multifaceted condition influenced by a variety of factors, both within and outside an individual’s control. Dr. Simmons emphasized that while some factors, like the choice of food at a grocery store, fall within a person's control, many others do not. Genetics, hormones, environmental influences, and even the availability of healthy food options can all play significant roles in a person's ability to maintain a healthy weight. Additional factors such as stress levels and sleep quality further complicate the picture, making obesity a condition with no single cause or solution.
Dr. Simmons outlined several treatment options designed to address the different pathways and mechanisms that contribute to obesity:
- Medications: These are tailored to target hormonal and neuronal pathways that affect appetite, metabolism, and the body’s energy balance.
- Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures: For example, the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a non-surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of the stomach, which helps limit food intake by making the stomach smaller. This approach targets the volume of food a person can eat and can be an effective tool for those struggling to manage their weight through diet and exercise alone.
A common question Dr. Simmons encounters is the duration of these treatments. He stresses that obesity should be viewed as a chronic condition, similar to hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Just as medications for blood pressure and blood sugar need to be taken long-term to maintain control, so too do treatments for obesity. Discontinuing these treatments often leads to weight regain, much like stopping medication for other chronic conditions can lead to a return of symptoms.
Weight regain is a common issue, and it often happens because of a lack of a long-term management plan. Dr. Simmons pointed out that many patients might see treatments—whether surgical, non-surgical, or medicinal—as short-term solutions. However, without a sustainable plan and continued follow-up, weight regain is likely. Metabolic slowdown, where the body reduces its energy expenditure as a defense mechanism against weight loss, can also contribute to regaining lost weight.
For those interested in learning more about obesity and its treatment, Dr. Simmons recommends visiting simmonsweightloss.com, calling their office at 305-204-8558, or following them on Instagram at @doctorweightloss305.
