When Thao visited Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, she was 1.52 m tall, weighed 71 kg, had a body mass index (BMI) of 30.7, classifying her as obese (class two), and had 142 cm2 of visceral fat (the safe threshold is 100 cm2). She had a fatty liver, high blood lipids, high blood sugar, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder common in obese women of reproductive age.

Doctor Le Ba Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Weight Control and Obesity Treatment Center, explained that visceral fat is the fat surrounding organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Its role is to store energy and protect the organs. However, this type of fat can affect the body's hormone production and release substances that cause inflammatory reactions. Excessive visceral fat accumulation leads to metabolic disorders, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can progress to hepatitis and cirrhosis. It can also cause endocrine disorders that affect reproductive function.

Thao undergoes an Inbody test to determine her visceral fat percentage. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Thao undergoes an Inbody test to determine her visceral fat percentage. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Thao received multimodal obesity treatment, combining endocrinology, nutrition, and personalized exercise medicine to suit her physique and lifestyle. Doctors prescribed injectable weight-loss medication to control hunger and increase satiety, thereby reducing calorie intake. She also needed medication to treat her fatty liver, lower blood lipids, stabilize blood sugar, and manage PCOS.

Regarding nutrition, doctors advised her on a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring that her calorie intake was lower than her calorie expenditure to create the necessary energy deficit for burning excess body fat. They recommended prioritizing green vegetables and fiber for prolonged satiety and vitamin intake, along with lean protein to maintain muscle mass and boost metabolism. She was also advised to control sugar and saturated fat intake and drink plenty of water to support metabolism and detoxification.

Specialists developed a personalized exercise plan for Thao based on her physical condition and lifestyle, helping her maintain a regular exercise routine. Endurance and resistance exercises were gradually increased in intensity, optimizing the time of day to avoid disrupting her daily life.

After one month, Thao weighed 66 kg, and her visceral fat area had decreased by 30%, contributing to the improvement of her fatty liver and blood sugar levels. "Thao's weight and fat loss did not result in dehydration or muscle loss, demonstrating the sustainability and safety of the treatment," said Doctor Ngoc.

Minh Duc

*The patient’s name has been changed.