What Medical Department Should You Visit for Obesity?
When dealing with obesity, knowing where to seek medical help is crucial for effective treatment and long-term health improvement. While many people may not know which department to approach, understanding the available options can make a significant difference in managing weight-related issues.
Start with a Specialized Obesity Clinic (If Available)
In larger or more advanced hospitals, specialized obesity clinics or weight management centers may exist. These clinics offer comprehensive care, including nutritional counseling, behavioral therapy, medical evaluation, and sometimes even surgical options like bariatric surgery. If your local hospital has such a service, it's highly recommended to book an appointment there first. These multidisciplinary teams are specifically trained to address the complex nature of obesity.
Visit the Endocrinology Department for Underlying Causes
If a dedicated obesity clinic isn't available, the next best step is to consult the endocrinology department. Obesity is often linked to metabolic and hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or Cushing's syndrome. Since obesity is classified as a metabolic disorder, an endocrinologist can perform targeted tests to identify any underlying endocrine conditions contributing to weight gain.
Even if you're unsure about having a hormonal issue, starting with endocrinology ensures that serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome are ruled out early in the process.
For Simple or Lifestyle-Related Obesity: Consider Traditional Chinese Medicine
If tests confirm that your obesity is not caused by hormonal or metabolic diseases—what's known as simple or primary obesity—you might benefit from visiting the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) department. TCM practitioners use herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and holistic approaches to improve digestion, balance internal energy (Qi), and promote fat metabolism.
Many patients find that integrating TCM into their weight loss journey supports sustainable results without relying solely on pharmaceuticals or extreme diets.
Explore Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Weight Management
The acupuncture department also offers non-invasive treatments for obesity. Techniques such as body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, and acupoint catgut embedding (thread embedding) have been used to suppress appetite, regulate gastrointestinal function, and enhance metabolism.
Clinical studies suggest that regular acupuncture sessions, when combined with lifestyle changes, can lead to measurable reductions in body weight and waist circumference over time.
Addressing Obesity-Related Comorbidities: See the Right Specialist
Obesity rarely exists in isolation. It often coexists with other chronic conditions that require specialized care:
- Hypertension or Coronary Heart Disease? → Visit the cardiology department.
- Type 2 Diabetes or High Uric Acid Levels? → Return to or continue care with the endocrinology department.
- Sleep Apnea or Joint Pain? → You may need referrals to pulmonology or orthopedics, respectively.
Treating these associated conditions alongside weight management is essential for reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and other complications.
A Holistic Approach Leads to Lasting Results
Ultimately, overcoming obesity requires more than just willpower—it demands a personalized, science-backed strategy supported by medical professionals. Whether through hormone regulation, acupuncture, herbal medicine, or conventional treatment, taking the right first step by visiting the appropriate department greatly increases your chances of success.
Don't hesitate to ask your primary care provider for a referral, or contact your hospital's patient services to guide you to the most suitable department based on your symptoms and medical history.