Upon examination at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Kim weighed 78 kg with a BMI of 31.9, placing her in the highest obesity category. Her visceral fat was one and a half times the safe level. Before the weight gain, her menstrual cycle was regular. Test results indicated that her obesity led to a hormonal imbalance, with her estrogen levels (the hormone primarily responsible for regulating menstruation) at 600 pg/mL, nearly twice the normal level.

Doctor Truong Thi Vanh Khuyen from the Endocrinology - Diabetes Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, explained that abnormally high estrogen levels prevent the uterine lining from adapting, causing menstrual irregularities. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, increasing blood insulin levels and affecting hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

Doctor Khuyen advised Kim to lose weight to regulate her hormones and stabilize her menstrual cycle. Losing 5-10% of body weight can help regulate menstruation and improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Reducing weight, especially around the waist, also increases good cholesterol levels, lowers insulin, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A waist circumference exceeding 80 cm and a high waist-to-hip ratio negatively impact fasting insulin and testosterone levels, free androgen index, increasing the risk of menstrual disorders.

Doctor Khuyen is advising Kim on a weight loss program. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Khuyen is advising Kim on a weight loss program. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Kim is taking weight-loss medication combined with foods that can boost belly fat burning, such as eggs, beans, potatoes, and lean chicken meat. She also engages in light exercise daily to increase calorie expenditure.

Following the doctor's weight loss treatment plan, Kim lost 3 kg after two weeks and 7 kg after a month. The doctor adjusted her weight loss plan for the next phase to help her reach her goal of 60 kg before her wedding early next year.

Duc Hanh