General Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Hakseven: “If we think about whether obesity is a disease, yes, it is a disease; in fact, it is the mother of diseases.”

Memorial Diyarbakır Hospital Surgical Oncology and General Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Musluh Hakseven stated, “If we think about whether obesity is a disease, yes, it is a disease, even the mother of diseases.”
Dr. Musluh Hakseven, a specialist in Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, noted that there are numerous health problems triggered by obesity, and with the increase in adipose tissue in the body, many health issues arise among individuals. He pointed out that the underlying causes of obesity include hormonal disorders, the triggering of genetic diseases, psychological disorders, excessive urge to eat, a sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating habits. Dr. Hakseven expressed that when patients present with complaints of obesity, the first focus is on the disorders that may develop due to excessive weight gain.
He mentioned that generally, individuals with obesity may experience respiratory difficulties, snoring, diabetes, sleep apnea, hormonal disorders, cardiac diseases, hypertension, musculoskeletal problems, and especially knee issues. Dr. Hakseven stated, “There is a significant regression in these diseases after surgery; most often, sleep problems, respiratory issues, hypertension, and insulin resistance are eliminated. If we think about whether obesity is a disease, yes, it is a disease, even the mother of diseases.”
Dr. Hakseven noted that one can step into a new life with obesity surgery, stating, “After the surgical decision for obesity is made, old lifestyle habits are left behind. Surgery should be considered as a milestone for our new life. After the surgical process, sports become and should be a part of our lives. We witness changes in patients that we follow at every step for about a year. With a regular diet under the supervision of a dietitian and a good and continuous exercise routine, the body sheds excess weight while maintaining its form, and a new lifestyle is established. Foods that are high in calories, such as sugary and small-sized items, should be avoided.”