“Obesity remains a growing public health concern in Thailand, with statistics indicating that one in 10 Thais is overweight,” Dr Wirasak said.
“This condition can lead to both physical and mental health issues, including knee and back pain, sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
“Additionally, obesity can impact mental well-being, leading to discrimination, reduced economic opportunities and depression,” he added.
Treatment options for obesity range from dietary and exercise interventions to medication and surgery.
For patients with severe obesity, weight loss surgery remains the most effective solution. These procedures, which either reduce stomach size or alter nutrient absorption, have shown long-term success in maintaining weight loss, Dr Wirasak explained.
“Since 2015, Vachira Phuket Hospital has been at the forefront of weight loss treatment with its ‘Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery’ program. Over the past decade, more than 3,400 patients have received care from the hospital’s multidisciplinary team, which includes surgeons, endocrinologists, nutritionists, psychiatrists, anesthesiologists and physical therapists,” he said.
The hospital’s excellence in bariatric surgery has been recognised by the US-based Surgical Review Corporation, which has certified Vachira Phuket Hospital as a centre of excellence. The certification underscores the hospital’s adherence to international standards of safety and quality in obesity treatment, Dr Wirasak noted.
“The recognition is a crucial step toward positioning Vachira Phuket Hospital as a leading institution in medical tourism and aligns with the Phuket Provincial Health Strategy 2023-2027. The strategy focuses on transforming Phuket into a hub for universal health and high-value medical services,” he added.
Looking ahead, Vachira Phuket Hospital remains dedicated to improving medical services, increasing treatment accessibility for obese and disabled patients, and further enhancing its status as a globally recognised medical center, Dr Wirasak concluded.