Obesity Medicine · Naas, Co. Kildare

Specialist Obesity & Weight Management

Medical management of obesity from a consultant endocrinologist. Evidence-based assessment of cardiometabolic risk, access to pharmacological therapies, and pre-bariatric evaluation.

Obesity as a Medical Condition

Obesity is a chronic, complex, and often progressive medical condition defined by excess body fat that impairs health. It is not simply a lifestyle choice or lack of willpower — it involves intricate biological, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that affect appetite regulation, energy metabolism, and fat storage.

The World Health Organization, the Irish College of General Practitioners, and all major endocrinology societies recognise obesity as a disease requiring appropriate medical assessment and management. Untreated, it significantly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease, certain cancers, and reduced life expectancy.

This page is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for assessment and management of obesity.

Associated Health Risks

Excess weight is closely linked to a range of serious health conditions. These include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Dyslipidaemia
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux

How We Can Help

Dr Syed Kazmi offers a comprehensive, non-judgemental assessment of weight-related health concerns. Our approach goes beyond BMI — we assess body composition, hormonal contributors, insulin resistance, and overall cardiometabolic risk.

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Comprehensive Assessment

Full metabolic workup including fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver function, thyroid function, and assessment of hormonal contributors to weight gain.

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Cardiometabolic Risk Review

Integrated cardiovascular and metabolic risk assessment, addressing blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes prevention or management.

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Pharmacological Therapies

Assessment for and management of evidence-based weight management medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, prescribed following thorough clinical evaluation.

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Pre-Bariatric Evaluation

Pre-operative endocrine assessment for patients considering bariatric surgery, including diabetes optimisation, hormonal assessment, and surgical risk stratification.

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Hormonal Causes of Weight Gain

Assessment for hormonal conditions contributing to weight gain, including hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and insulin resistance.

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Ongoing Support

Structured follow-up with clear treatment goals. We work alongside your GP and, where appropriate, liaise with dietetics, psychology, and bariatric surgery services.

Important notice regarding weight management medications: Medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) are prescription-only medicines regulated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland. They require a thorough clinical assessment and are not appropriate for everyone. Prescribing decisions are made on an individual clinical basis by a qualified medical practitioner. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a prescribing recommendation or endorsement of any specific medication.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your consultation will begin with a detailed medical and weight history, exploring previous weight loss attempts, dietary patterns, activity levels, medication history, and any underlying conditions contributing to weight gain. We will discuss your goals, concerns, and what is realistic and sustainable.

Blood tests and other investigations may be arranged prior to or at your consultation. Following assessment, we will provide a clear management plan tailored to you, with realistic targets and a structured approach to follow-up.

All consultations are provided by Dr Syed Kashif Hussain Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist (IMC: 213626), in a confidential, non-judgemental environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

A BMI of 30 kg/m² or above is generally classified as obesity and may warrant specialist input, particularly when associated with weight-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. A BMI of 27 kg/m² or above with at least one obesity-related comorbidity may also be appropriate for specialist assessment. BMI is a guide — body composition, waist circumference, ethnicity, and clinical context all inform the assessment. Please speak with your GP about whether a referral is appropriate for you.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are available in Ireland as prescription-only medicines. Some formulations are licensed for the management of Type 2 diabetes, and others are specifically licensed for chronic weight management. Their availability, licensing, and funding status has evolved in recent years. These medicines require a clinical assessment to determine suitability, contraindications, and appropriate dosing. They are not available over the counter or without medical supervision. Educational information only — consult your doctor to discuss whether these medications may be appropriate for you.
Obesity is recognised internationally as a chronic disease by the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, European Association for the Study of Obesity, and the Irish medical community. It involves complex interactions between genetics, gut hormones, brain signalling pathways, environment, and psychology that dysregulate appetite and energy balance. While lifestyle factors play a role, the biological drivers of obesity are powerful and often explain why sustained weight loss is so challenging without medical support. Approaching obesity as a medical condition rather than a personal failing leads to better outcomes for patients.
Before weight loss (bariatric) surgery such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, a thorough medical assessment is required. An endocrinologist plays an important role in this process, evaluating for hormonal conditions, optimising blood glucose control in patients with diabetes, assessing nutritional status, identifying and managing cardiometabolic risk factors, and ensuring the patient is in the best possible condition prior to surgery. Post-operative follow-up with an endocrinologist is often equally important for monitoring for nutritional deficiencies, hypoglycaemia, and ongoing metabolic management.
Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease through multiple mechanisms: it raises blood pressure, promotes dyslipidaemia (particularly elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol), drives insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, promotes chronic inflammation, and contributes to sleep apnoea and left ventricular dysfunction. Visceral fat — fat around the abdominal organs — is particularly metabolically active and hazardous. Managing obesity effectively addresses many of these cardiovascular risk factors simultaneously, which is why integrated cardiometabolic assessment is a cornerstone of our approach.

Start Your Weight Management Journey

Book a private consultation with Dr Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist, at our Naas clinic. A compassionate, evidence-based approach to your health.

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