What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery? Advantages, Process, and Results
What is Sleeve Gastrectomy? Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of bariatric surgery where approximately 80% of the stomach is...
Devamını Oku
In this detailed article, we answer the most common questions about obesity. Obesity is a chronic disease that happens when the body stores too much fat, to a point where it can seriously harm health. It can develop due to many different reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a global public health problem.
Since obesity rates are reported to increase every year, it is wrong to treat obesity as only an aesthetic issue. Obesity is a serious health condition that directly affects the metabolic system, the cardiovascular system, and the hormonal balance.
In this content, we explain the definition of obesity, its classification, causes, diagnosis criteria, and the latest obesity treatment options. We also evaluate topics such as gastric sleeve surgery and the role of an obesity doctor, within a scientific framework.
Obesity is a serious health problem that happens when you consume much more calories than your body needs, causing fat to build up in the body. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30, it is a clear sign that you are obese.
This serious but often ignored health condition may lead to major problems such as:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes (high blood sugar)
Chronic heart disease
Heart attack
Psychological and mental health disorders
To find out if you are obese, you can use a BMI calculator.
Obesity can also be caused by many factors such as genetics, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits. That’s why there are several ways to fight obesity. A professional diet plan, eating low-calorie foods, avoiding fast food completely, and doing controlled exercise can help with weight control.
However, in some cases, these methods are not followed properly or may not work well enough. When diet and exercise are not enough, obesity surgery becomes a widely preferred treatment option.
The first sign of obesity is usually visible weight gain and increased body fat. Obesity often brings many health problems as well as psychological and emotional issues. Studies show that around 90% of obese people experience similar symptoms.
People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 are considered obese, and they may face the symptoms listed below. Since obesity surgery is one of the most commonly preferred treatment options, it is very important to choose an experienced obesity doctor carefully.
Rapid and unbalanced weight gain
Fat accumulation and widening in the waist and hip area
Sleep apnea
Irregular sleep patterns and loud snoring
Swelling in the feet and ankles
Excessive sweating
Constant weakness and fatigue
Joint pain and muscle cramps
Mood disorders
Psychological problems
Low self-confidence
Skin problems such as eczema, acne, and itching
Feeling hot for no reason
The most commonly used measurement for diagnosing obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.
According to BMI classification, the following results appear:
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 – 34.9 | Obesity Class 1 |
| 35 – 39.9 | Obesity Class 2 |
| 40 and above | Obesity Class 3 (Morbid Obesity) |
However, in current clinical practice, BMI alone is not considered enough to define obesity. Measurements such as waist circumference, body fat percentage analysis, evaluations by a doctor and dietitian, and other necessary medical parameters are also taken into account.
Foods that cause obesity play a major role in how fast this condition progresses. For example:
Refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, pastries) can raise blood sugar quickly and increase fat storage.
Sugary soft drinks, packaged fruit juices, desserts, and chocolate may lead to excessive calorie intake because they don’t create a real feeling of fullness.
Ultra-processed foods, fast food, chips, and ready-to-eat meals can affect appetite control and cause uncontrolled weight gain.
Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats such as margarine, fried foods, and processed meats may slow down metabolism.
In addition, liquid calories like sugary coffees, flavored drinks, and alcohol can also increase the risk of obesity.
Eating high-calorie foods late at night is another important factor that makes weight control harder.
Foods that cause obesity in children are usually high-calorie, addictive, and do not keep the child full for long. When consumed frequently, children may gain weight without realizing it, which can negatively affect their health.
Childhood obesity can lead to chronic diseases and psychological problems later in life. That’s why children should not spend too much time in front of screens, and eating habits should be monitored carefully. Too much screen time often leads to unhealthy eating habits, which increases obesity risk in children and teenagers.
Junk food and snacks
Fast food
Sugary drinks
Sugary foods
Rice pilaf (when eaten too often, it may increase diabetes and obesity risk)
Flour-based foods (cakes, pastries, white bread, etc.)
Parents should definitely keep their children away from these foods. Helping children develop a regular and healthy eating habit is one of the best investments you can make. Remember, health comes first.
Obesity is a chronic disease directly linked to lifestyle and environmental factors. With the right treatment and habits, it can be prevented.
The most important answer to the question “How can we fight obesity?” is balanced and regular eating. One of the best ways to prevent obesity is consuming foods rich in healthy fats and whole grains. If processed foods and sugary drinks have a big place in your daily routine, you should reduce and avoid them.
Regular physical activity is also very important. This helps boost metabolism and improve energy balance. If you do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, you can reduce fat accumulation.
After an obesity diagnosis, your doctor may prepare a diet plan to help with portion control and prevent overeating. Another important step is getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can trigger hormones that increase appetite, which may lead to obesity symptoms.
Obesity is a health problem caused by a combination of many factors such as genetic predisposition, psychological and emotional issues, and lifestyle habits. One of the biggest reasons is physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits.
Unbalanced nutrition starting from infancy, incorrect formula feeding, ready-made baby foods, and continuing unhealthy eating habits in later years are also major factors that can lead to obesity.
Genetic predisposition
Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
Socioeconomic factors
Unbalanced and unhealthy diet
Smoking and alcohol use
Not getting enough breast milk in infancy
Psychiatric medications
Overeating
Psychological factors (stress, emotional eating)
Frequent consumption of processed foods
Uncontrolled weight gain after pregnancy
Slow metabolism / metabolic disorders
Obesity is a direct risk factor for many systemic diseases. These diseases include:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol / abnormal blood fats)
Sleep apnea
Fatty liver disease
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Joint and spine problems
For this reason, obesity treatment is not only about weight loss. It is also critically important for controlling comorbid (related) diseases.
Obesity treatment is planned individually and depends on the patient’s BMI level, existing health problems, and previous weight loss history. The most common obesity treatment methods include:
Medical (non-surgical) treatment
Clinical nutrition programs
Medication (pharmacological treatment)
Behavioral therapy
Exercise planning
At this stage, following the process under the supervision of an experienced obesity doctor is important to prevent possible metabolic complications.
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most commonly performed methods in obesity surgery. During this procedure, about 75–80% of the stomach is surgically removed. As a result, the stomach becomes tube-shaped.
People who have gastric sleeve surgery may experience these effects:
The stomach volume becomes smaller
The hunger hormone ghrelin decreases
Calorie intake is limited
Metabolic improvement occurs
Gastric sleeve surgery is generally recommended for patients with BMI ≥ 40, or BMI ≥ 35 with obesity-related diseases. However, this operation must always be performed by an experienced surgeon after a detailed evaluation. It is also important that the patient is psychologically ready for treatment.
Izmir is one of the cities in Turkey with advanced healthcare infrastructure in obesity and metabolic surgery. But when choosing an obesity doctor, it’s not only the number of surgeries that matters — a holistic approach is equally important.
A good obesity doctor should:
Work with a multidisciplinary team
Evaluate both surgical and non-surgical options
Provide long-term follow-up after surgery
Help the patient build a sustainable lifestyle change
A doctor who follows these principles can support long-term weight control and improve overall success.
We cannot share an average surgery price online. Prices vary depending on the patient’s condition, the hospital, and the city where the surgery is performed (such as Izmir, Istanbul, or Ankara).
Gastric sleeve surgery in Izmir is performed by experienced general surgeons in private and university hospitals with advanced surgical infrastructure. These centers provide integrated services including pre-surgery diagnosis, the surgical procedure, and intensive care follow-up after surgery.
For detailed information about the surgery, you can contact us.
A weight loss doctor manages weight loss not only through diet lists but also by analyzing metabolic, hormonal, and behavioral factors.
With clinical weight management:
The risk of yo-yo dieting decreases (regaining weight quickly after losing it)
Muscle loss is prevented
Metabolism is protected
Long-term success is achieved
For this reason, instead of unsafe self-dieting, doctor-supervised weight loss programs should be preferred.
Obesity is one of the most important health problems of modern times. Obesity treatment requires a scientific, technical, and disciplined approach. With proper evaluation, the right treatment method, and expert medical support, obesity can be controlled.
If your weight problem is causing health issues, you should consult an obesity doctor or weight loss specialist in Izmir without delay. If necessary, considering surgical options such as gastric sleeve surgery is a critical step for your long-term health.
1. What is obesity, and am I obese?
Obesity means having too much body fat that can harm health. If your weight is much higher than normal for your height, you may be obese. The most accurate answer comes from a doctor or dietitian.
2. What causes obesity? Is it only overeating?
No. Unbalanced eating, inactivity, stress, genetics, hormones, and some medications can also cause obesity.
3. Can obesity go away by losing weight?
Yes. In many people, obesity can be controlled with healthy weight loss. The goal should be permanent weight loss, not rapid weight loss.
4. What diseases can obesity cause?
Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, shortness of breath, and sleep apnea.
5. Is obesity genetic? Does it run in the family?
Partly yes. If obesity exists in the family, the risk increases. But lifestyle is more important, so genetics is not destiny.
6. Is obesity surgery necessary? Can it be treated without surgery?
Most people can lose weight without surgery. Surgery is usually considered in severe obesity cases and only with a doctor’s decision.
7. Can children become obese too?
Yes, unfortunately. Fast food, too much screen time, and inactivity increase obesity in children.
8. Does obesity shorten life expectancy?
If not controlled, yes. It may shorten lifespan by causing serious diseases. But risks decrease with proper prevention and treatment.
9. Which doctor should I go to for obesity?
First, you can visit an internal medicine doctor or an endocrinologist. If needed, you will be referred to a dietitian and other specialists.
10. Is obesity treated with diet or exercise?
The best results come when diet and exercise are done together. Only diet or only exercise is usually not enough.
What is Sleeve Gastrectomy? Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of bariatric surgery where approximately 80% of the stomach is...
Devamını Oku
In recent years, the number of obese people worldwide has increased alarmingly. Along with this, accompanying diseases s...
Devamını Oku
The number of obese people worldwide has increased dramatically. Thus, gastric sleeve surgery, the fastest and healthie...
Devamını Oku