Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that can affect women regardless of BMI. Here's why lipedema can remain hidden for years, especially in skinny women.
June 10, 2026
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There is no denying that weight loss can be a challenge.
Losing all that excess weight in one go would be ideal, but the body doesn’t and shouldn’t work that way, and for excellent reasons too.
Think of weight loss as slowly chipping away what’s not needed and realise that even the slightest loss is still a gain for your overall well-being and health.
Here’s how a modest weight loss is still significant enough to ensure better health.
A matter of the heart
Cholesterol is a dreaded word, but there is good and bad cholesterol.
A modest weight loss can effectively boost the heart’s health and, along with it, good cholesterol levels as well.
This reduces the risk of heart disease and enables the organ to perform as it should.
Keeping inflammation in check
Inflammation is how the body responds to injuries, and it is not a bad thing in the short term and acute setting.
However, chronic inflammation increases the risk of heart disease, among others.
Weight loss achieved through proper diet and exercise reduces inflammation while boosting the body’s immune function.
It doesn’t take much for these changes to occur; a weight loss of as little as 5% puts you and your body on the path to better health.
Mood elevation
True health is about the body and mind.
A modest 5% weight loss may seem negligible or insignificant, but the good it does extends beyond just what you see. It results in better sleep and improved moods.
Getting adequate sleep is essential for regulating appetite and for helping keep frustrations and other negative emotions at bay.
With a better mood and positive outlook, the changes you experience encompass the body and mind.
A weight off the joints
As we age, we will realise the importance of bone health even more.
Excess weight puts additional pressure on our joints, leading to increased wear and tear, particularly on knee cartilage. This often leads to poor joint health.
Losing just a little weight literally takes some weight off and reduces the damage and the likelihood of osteoarthritis.
You don’t have to lose much weight to realise the many benefits of weight loss.
A modest loss is a good start, and more importantly, it is a motivator once you start seeing the positive changes it does to your body and mind.
If you need help with your weight loss, consult a weight loss doctor who has more decades of experience helping men and women achieve their ideal BMI and regain their quality of life.
How to choose a weight loss doctor in Singapore?
As there are more clinics to choose from, it is essential to know how to find the weight loss doctor among so many that look equally qualified.
Communication with your doctor is also very important after you’ve chosen one based on their experience and reputation.
Dr Ivan Puah describes an ideal patient-doctor relationship: “During every consultation, you should have the opportunity to have your questions answered by the doctor to your satisfaction.”
He explains that the communication process should allow the patient to have realistic expectations of your weight loss journey and raise any concerns before embarking.
Dr Puah’s weight loss programme with successful proven case studies
Amaris B. Clinic offers a comprehensive, science-based weight loss and management program that integrates fitness assessment, nutrition guide, and medical intervention such as the GLP-1 medications.
With over 20 years of experience, his programme focuses on sustainable, gradual weight loss rather than drastic, unsustainable strategies.
FAQ
Can liposuction be used to lose weight?
Liposuction is not meant for weight loss, but it is a procedure that removes unwanted body fat and contours the body by eliminating fat.
Vaser Liposuction is a minimally invasive technique that removes unwanted fat cells in the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back, knees, neck, and chin.
The procedure leaves vital tissues largely undisturbed.
Treatment involves using a probe that emits ultrasonic waves to break down and liquefy fat cells, after which the liposuction will remove the liquefied fat via suction.
Post-treatment, dressing is applied, and the patient will wear a compression garment.
Why does losing fat become more challenging as we age?
As we age, our metabolic rates decline [1], and our bodies change how they accumulate and shed fat, affecting both men and women.
For women, menopause further introduces an additional factor into the equation.
During menopause, the body experiences a change in hormone production.
When women experience weight gain post-menopause, fat tends to accumulate primarily in and around the abdominal region [2], making losing fat in this region more challenging.
Understanding these age-related metabolic shifts and hormonal changes can help individuals make informed health and weight management decisions as they age.
What do GLP-1 medications do to help with weight loss safely?
All GLP-1 medication prescribed by Dr Ivan Puah at Amaris B. Clinic is MOH and HSCA approved.
Comes in either injection or pill form, it helps to slow digestion and reduce cravings.
You will be closely monitored by Dr Puah to ensure healthy and steady progress.
Who are the ideal candidates for GLP-1 medications in Singapore?
GLP-1 medications are approved for use in those with a BMI of 27 or higher.
