When Khang arrived at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, he was 1.64 m tall and weighed 104 kg, with a BMI of 32. Dr. Lam Van Hoang, Head of the Endocrinology - Diabetes Department, said Khang had the most severe level of obesity, grade three fatty liver disease, loud snoring, and dark rings around his neck—classic signs of obesity. He also suffered from sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

According to Dr. Hoang, sleep apnea is common in obese individuals because fatty tissue accumulates in the throat, narrowing the airways and causing snoring, apnea, and reduced blood oxygen levels. Typical signs of this condition include loud snoring, noticeable pauses in breathing followed by gasping, frequent awakenings, restlessness, mouth breathing, and night sweats. The excess fat and high visceral fat in obese people also contribute to other conditions like diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and psychological disorders.

The dark rings around Khang's neck are a sign of obesity. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The dark rings around Khang's neck are a sign of obesity. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctors developed a personalized obesity treatment plan for Khang, primarily focusing on dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and weight-loss medication.

Khang had been obese for years and had difficulty moving around. Initially, he could only walk for 10-15 minutes before giving up. With his parents' encouragement and companionship during walks, Khang gradually increased his walking time each week. By the third week, he could walk 5-6 km, nearly an hour each time. His diet was adjusted to include more salads and green vegetables, while limiting sweets and processed meats. When hungry or experiencing cravings, Khang listened to music or walked around to distract himself, gradually forming healthy eating habits. After two months of treatment, he lost nearly 10 kg and his sleep improved significantly.

Dr. Hoang advises Khang on a safe, personalized weight loss plan. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Hoang advises Khang on a safe, personalized weight loss plan. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Hoang noted an increasing trend of obesity. Overweight and obese children have a higher risk of obesity in adulthood, contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues at younger ages. Treating obesity in children is more challenging than in adults due to their ongoing growth and development, requiring personalized approaches and a combination of methods, including psychological counseling.

Parents should monitor and guide their children in weight management from an early age. If a child is overweight, early treatment is recommended to prevent obesity from progressing and causing health complications.

Duc Hanh

*The patient's name has been changed.