Hoan's weight increased from 50 kg to 78 kg after becoming pregnant and giving birth to her first child. After her child was weaned, she tried weight loss products, which led to diarrhea. Subsequent attempts at starvation and dieting also proved ineffective. Two months ago, Hoan and her husband returned to Vietnam to visit family for Tet Nguyen Dan. She sought treatment at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where her weight was 78.5 kg and her BMI was 29.5, indicating grade two obesity.

Doctor Tung advises Hoan on her weight loss regimen. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Tran Huu Thanh Tung from the Department of Endocrinology - Diabetes, noted that Hoan presented with several psychological issues, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Prolonged psychological stress trapped her in a cycle of insomnia, weight gain, and increased stress.

Hoan was prescribed a multimodal weight loss regimen, which included oral and injectable medications to reduce calorie intake. The doctor adjusted her medication dosage weekly based on her condition to maximize effectiveness. A nutritionist tailored her diet in phases, emphasizing green vegetables, fruits, and lean protein to help reduce fat while preserving muscle mass.

At her first follow-up after two weeks, Hoan had lost 3 kg. By the 6th week, she had lost 6 kg, her health was stable, her stress levels had decreased, she was sleeping better, and her daytime fatigue had resolved. She plans to continue the regimen, aiming to reduce her weight to below 60 kg before returning to Poland.

Hoan lost 6 kg after 6 weeks of weight loss treatment. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Being overweight or obese increases sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to stress and consequently reducing sleep quality. A 10-15% reduction in body weight can significantly improve sleep disorders, reduce stress, and provide better blood sugar and blood pressure control.

Duc Hanh

*The patient's name has been changed