According to Singapore’s HealthHub, obesity—a metabolic condition characterised by excessive body fat —is on the rise in Singapore. In fact, one-third of Singaporeans today are overweight, whereas 10% of the population is obese.
This increasing trend is worrisome as research has proven that excessive fat accumulation in the body significantly increases the risk of developing various diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and more. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and losing weight are necessary to mitigate these risks.
If you find that you struggle to lose weight by dieting and exercising, there could be a range of factors at play, especially hormonal imbalance. In such cases, a tailored approach from an Endocrinologist (a medical doctor who is a specialist in hormone-related conditions) may be crucial.
The good news is that such guidance in the form of weight loss programmes is readily available and offered in both online and in-person settings. To help you choose the option best suited to your needs, explore these insights from an endocrine specialist in Singapore.
The benefits of online weight loss programmes
In this day and age, almost anything can be conducted online, including weight loss programmes. These programmes are designed to be easily accessible and largely independent and may or may not include real-time interaction with professionals to guide you. Some individuals may prefer opting for an online programme due to the following reasons:
Convenience and accessibility
With online programmes, you have the freedom to exercise and follow your meal plan from anywhere at your own convenience. This facilitates consistency despite a busy schedule as long as you are connected to the internet.
Personalised digital tools
Many online programmes provide digital tools tailored to your specific needs, such as custom meal plans, workout routines, and progress trackers. These tools help you monitor your journey, adjust your goals, and receive feedback in real-time, providing a personalised and effective approach to weight loss.
The benefits of in-person weight loss programmes
A one-size-fits-all approach may not work in the journey of healthy weight loss; in-person conversation helps to understand a specific characteristic, feature, or factor that is unique to a person. The face-to-face consultation and advice are personal, something specific rather than a general or collective view achieved by the online programme.
While online programmes offer flexibility, some programmes require a high level of self-accountability to be effective. Beginners may prefer weight loss programmes in a clinic in Singapore to stay on track and receive detailed guidance. In such cases, an in-person weight loss programme may offer several advantages, including:
Staying accountable and motivated with face-to-face support
Having a fixed schedule with your in-person trainer fosters direct interaction, which helps you stay accountable. Regular check-ins with your trusted support system can also keep you motivated over the long term.
Support from experts you can trust
With in-person programmes, you have easy access to certified professionals who can offer personalised advice and address any concerns. This direct, reliable support boosts your confidence and helps you stay on the right track.
Hands-on guidance for effective results
In-person training allows for real-time corrections and adjustments to your exercises and diet. Trainers can demonstrate proper techniques and monitor your form, ensuring you’re performing movements effectively and safely, which can contribute to optimal results.
Online vs. In-Person: Which one is for you?
Both online and in-person programmes can support you in your weight loss journey. However, to truly benefit from the experience, selecting the right programme for you is important based on your personal preferences, schedule, and other priorities.
In most cases, individuals seeking flexibility and convenience may choose an online programme. In contrast, those who are new to or struggling with weight loss and require closer guidance and personalised support may opt for in-person training.
Both options offer great benefits, but the critical factor is choosing an effective programme that delivers results. To help you weigh your options, you can also take note of the following key factors to consider when selecting a weight loss programme.
Key factors to consider when selecting a weight loss programme
Before diving into a selection of weight loss programmes, you first need to determine whether you need to get started. A quick way to check is by measuring your BMI or waistline, which can roughly indicate the fat content in your body.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
To start, calculate your BMI, the most common metric for determining if a person is overweight or obese. This is done by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in metres) squared.
- If your result is within 23.0–27.4, you are overweight.
- If your result is 27.5 or beyond, you are obese.
Waistline Measurement
- If you are a woman and your waistline exceeds 80 cm, you are likely to be obese.
- If you are a man and your waistline exceeds 90 cm, you are likely to be obese.
Given the harmful effects of excessive body fat on your health, it is essential to focus on losing fat. If you struggle to lose weight despite dieting and exercising on your own, it may be time to consider a structured programme that can support your journey.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right programme:
- Realistic Goal(s): A successful weight loss programme should focus on steady, sustainable progress rather than quick fixes that may be difficult to maintain. A good benchmark is to lose 5% to 10% of your initial weight within 6 months.
- Holistic Approach: Since weight loss is not just about diet, look for a programme that involves exercise, physical health, mental health, behavioural changes, and more. This approach ensures that you not only lose weight but also maintain it over the long term.
- Personalised Plan: Prioritise a programme that customises strategies to your unique needs. This approach enhances effectiveness and ensures the plan is practical for you.
- Professional Qualification: Ensure the programme is run by certified professionals, such as Endocrinologists, dietitians, or fitness trainers. Their expertise provides credible guidance and reduces the risk of following harmful or ineffective advice.
What type of doctor should I see for weight loss?
If you are aiming for weight loss in Singapore, consult an endocrinologist who can diagnose and treat hormone-related obesity, assess metabolic complications associated with high BMI, and support you with weight management effectively.
Many people are unaware that weight issues can be a manifestation of hormonal imbalances in the body. For instance, hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian disease, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, testosterone and oestrogen imbalances related to obesity and Cushing’s syndrome can all contribute to weight gain due to the underproduction and overproduction of certain hormones.
Key signals to help you discern if your weight gain is due to hormone problems:
- Do you struggle to lose weight despite making significant lifestyle changes such as dieting and exercising?
- Do you experience symptoms of hormonal imbalances, such as fatigue, excessive hunger, or unexplained weight changes, often linked to thyroid problems or insulin resistance?
- Do you have a personal or family history of endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc) which can impact weight?
- Do you have metabolic syndrome conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar levels)?
If the answer to any of the above is ‘yes,’ it is advisable to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist.
Benefits of Seeing an Endocrinologist for Weight Loss
- Comprehensive Assessments: To identify the root cause of obesity, your doctor may run a panel of metabolic tests. The series of tests evaluates specific factors influencing weight gain, such as your metabolic rate and nutrient absorption.
- Expertise in Hormonal Factors: Your Endocrinologist understands the intricate relationship between hormones, metabolism, appetite, and fat distribution, which are crucial in managing obesity.
- Variety in Management Approach: When necessary, your doctor can prescribe medication to support weight loss when lifestyle modifications alone are not enough. This ensures that you see actual results for your efforts.
- Management of Complications Related to High BMI: Obesity elevates the risk of suffering from other medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome and more. Working with an Endocrinologist ensures you can get treated for these conditions while improving overall health.
Notably, certain weight loss medications are prescription only. Endocrinologists may incorporate them as part of their well-rounded weight loss management programme in their clinics in Singapore.
What is the Endocrinologist injection for weight loss?
Depending on your condition and test results, your Endocrinologist may recommend oral medications or subcutaneous injections for weight loss. In Singapore, only qualified Endocrinologists can prescribe and monitor the close use of these medications. To determine if the injections are suitable for you, consult an Endocrinologist who specialises in weight management.
Weight loss programme in Singapore
Overcoming obesity may seem insurmountable, but this is not the case. For individuals facing obesity in Singapore, an undetected hormone issue may be contributing to your weight gain. In such cases, consult our Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Vikram Sonawane, at Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre, who runs an in-person obesity weight management programme in Singapore. Harmony’s programme is designed to help you achieve your goals and provide compassionate, personalised and expert care throughout your treatment.
Harmony’s Holistic Obesity Weight Management Progamme:
- Medical Treatments: Medications & hormonal therapy
- Expert Guidance on Lifestyle Modifications: Diet plan, workout routine, stress management and behavioural tips, and monitoring as well as follow-up.
You are encouraged to go for our Obesity & Metabolic Risk Screening Package if you are concerned about your weight and metabolism. This screening helps you understand your risk of obesity or other metabolic conditions. With early detection and insight, our specialised care team can assist you in lowering or managing these risks accordingly.
Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre is conveniently located in Singapore’s Mt Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard).
References
- HealthHub. It’s Not a Small World After All. HealthHub Singapore. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/its-not-a-small-world-after-all. Published 2021. Accessed January 24, 2025.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight Loss Program. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/choosing-a-safe-successful-weight-loss-program#WhatIsWLP. Published December 2020. Accessed January 24, 2025.
- Arthritis Foundation. How to Choose a Weight Loss Program. Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/weight-loss/how-to-choose-a-weight-loss-program. Accessed January 24, 2025.