When it comes to weight, many people focus on their reflection in the mirror or the number on the scale. However, health experts emphasize that where fat is stored can be just as important as how much a person weighs.
This is particularly true in Malaysia, where having belly fat is a big health concern. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, 54.5% of Malaysian adults had belly fat based on waist size, up from 45.4% in 2011. It’s important for individuals to understand abdominal fat because weight or Body Mass Index (BMI) alone doesn’t show the complete picture of health, and not all fat affects the body the same way.
Subcutaneous fat is the fat just under the skin, visible in places like the abdomen, hips, and thighs. On the other hand, visceral fat is stored deeper in the abdomen around vital organs. This difference matters because having too much visceral fat is related to various health issues, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic inflammation.
Importantly, an individual does not necessarily need to appear severely overweight to have increased abdominal or visceral fat. This means relying exclusively on body weight or appearance may give people a false sense of reassurance about their health. “Many people think that if their weight is not extremely high, there is no reason to be concerned. But weight alone does not tell the whole story. Abdominal obesity can be an important warning sign of underlying metabolic risk. This is why it is important to look beyond kilograms lost and consider factors such as waist circumference, body composition, medical history and metabolic health when assessing an individual’s weight management needs,” said Dr. Foo Wing Jian, Senior Aesthetic Doctor and LCP holder at Premier Clinic.
For many people, losing weight involves more than just willpower. The body has complicated systems that control hunger, fullness, energy use, and weight. When someone tries to lose weight, changes in their appetite and body functions can make it difficult to maintain the weight loss over time. This often results in cycles of dieting and regaining weight. While good nutrition, exercise, sleep, and behavior changes are essential for healthy weight management, some people may require additional medical assistance.
This has led to the emergence of medical weight management, where doctors assess a person’s health and weight-related risks to determine if medical treatment is necessary. A significant advancement in this field is Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a prescription medication taken once a week under medical supervision. What makes tirzepatide significant is its dual hormonal action. It activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. These hormones help control hunger, food intake, and how the body processes sugar.
By targeting these systems, tirzepatide can help the right patients feel less hungry and more satisfied, making it easier to eat less and lose weight effectively, especially when paired with healthier lifestyle choices. This represents a shift from the old idea that weight loss is simply about eating less and exercising more.
“Medications such as tirzepatide are changing the way we think about obesity because they address some of the biological pathways involved in appetite and metabolism. For certain patients, this treatment can provide an additional tool alongside nutrition, physical activity and behavioural changes. However, Mounjaro is a prescription treatment and should be used following proper medical assessment and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional,” explained Dr. Foo.
The increasing use of weight-loss medications highlights the need for more education. Not everyone who wants to lose weight is suitable for these medications. Treatment should take into account factors like BMI, waist size, health problems, current medications, metabolism, lifestyle, and personal weight-loss goals.
At Premier Clinic, focusing on medical weight management represents a shift in how we think about obesity. The aim is not just to lose weight quickly but to manage it sustainably by considering metabolic health, body makeup, lifestyle, and the reasons for weight gain.
As weight-related health issues become more common in Malaysia, it’s important for people to understand more than just appearance and quick diets. Knowing the difference between visible body fat and internal fat, how biology affects weight, and when to seek medical advice can help individuals make better health decisions.
Medical weight management, including treatments like Mounjaro when appropriate, is becoming more important in healthcare. It’s not about replacing healthy habits or promoting fast weight loss, but providing medical support for those who need more than lifestyle changes.
By taking a personalized and medically guided approach, Premier Clinic aims to assist patients with proper health checks, customized treatment plans, lifestyle advice, and ongoing support for healthier, longer-lasting results.
For more information, visit www.premier-clinic.com