Published on: 2026-09-15 | Written by: Dr. Azza Shaaban Gouda of Therapeutic Nutrition
Dr. Azza Shaaban explains that obesity and underweight are conditions that require an accurate assessment of the individual and identification of the causes and factors affecting body weight, because reaching a healthy weight does not depend only on reducing or increasing food intake, but also requires following a nutritional plan that suits the body, health condition, and lifestyle.
What Are Obesity and Underweight?
Dr. Azza Shaaban confirms that obesity refers to body weight exceeding healthy levels due to excessive accumulation of body fat, while underweight refers to body weight being below the appropriate level, and each condition may be associated with different factors, which is why treatment requires identifying the cause and developing a suitable nutritional plan for each individual.
Causes of Obesity
Dr. Azza Shaaban explains that weight gain and obesity may result from several factors, including consuming excessive calories, low physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, and certain factors that may affect metabolism, which is why a person's lifestyle and dietary habits should be assessed before developing a treatment plan.
Causes of Underweight
Dr. Azza Shaaban points out that underweight may be associated with insufficient intake of daily nutritional requirements, loss of appetite, or inappropriate eating habits, and may also be affected by lifestyle and health conditions, making it important to identify the cause before starting any weight-gain diet.
The Importance of Clinical Nutrition in Treating Obesity and Underweight
Dr. Azza Shaaban emphasizes that clinical nutrition helps develop a dietary plan that meets the body's needs and the individual's goal, whether the goal is weight loss or weight gain, while taking into consideration body composition, lifestyle, and nutritional requirements instead of relying on random diets that may not be suitable for everyone.
Proper Treatment of Obesity
Dr. Azza Shaaban explains that obesity treatment depends on following a balanced diet that supports gradual weight loss, while focusing on appropriate food choices, organizing meals, and increasing physical activity according to the individual's condition, along with regular follow-up to evaluate progress and make necessary adjustments to the nutritional plan.
Treatment of Underweight and Healthy Weight Gain
Dr. Azza Shaaban confirms that treating underweight does not mean consuming large amounts of food randomly, but rather requires a balanced nutritional plan that provides the body with adequate nutrients and calories, while organizing meals and choosing foods that help increase weight in a healthy way.
Follow-Up and Its Importance in Achieving the Appropriate Weight
Dr. Azza Shaaban emphasizes the importance of regular follow-up during obesity or underweight treatment, as the body's needs may change over time, and monitoring weight and adherence to the nutritional plan helps evaluate progress and make appropriate adjustments to achieve the desired healthy goal.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Dr. Azza Shaaban explains that maintaining a healthy weight requires continuing balanced eating habits, organizing meals, paying attention to physical activity, and avoiding extreme or random diets, while ensuring that dietary changes are suitable for the individual's body and can be maintained over the long term.
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