Obesity Clinic by Internal Medicine Team Opens in Shibuya, Offering Comprehensive Treatment with Fitness Gym, Nutritional Guidance, and Medication

Yumin-no Clinic Shibuya Sakuragaoka, operated by Medical Corporation Yuminokai, has established a new 'Obesity Outpatient Clinic,' positioning obesity as a 'disease that should be addressed as preventive medicine.' The clinic provides comprehensive obesity treatment based on medical evidence, centered on 'pharmacotherapy x nutritional therapy x exercise therapy x behavior modification.'

Located on the 5th floor of Shibuya Sakura Stage, directly connected to Shibuya Station, our clinic actively engages in preventive medicine, offering internal medicine and endoscopic services alongside a fitness area.

Obesity is a major medical issue directly linked to lifestyle-related diseases, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and an increased future risk of requiring long-term care. According to a Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare survey, the proportion of obese individuals (BMI ≥ 25) among those aged 20-64 is about 1 in 3 men (34.2%) and 1 in 6 women (17.0%).

Furthermore, obesity is often viewed as a 'problem of self-management,' a stigma that can deter individuals from seeking medical care, preventing them from receiving appropriate treatment.

In response, our clinic provides comprehensive support, treating obesity not as a personal problem but as a medical condition requiring intervention.

*Source: 'Summary of 2024 National Health and Nutrition Survey Results,' Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

■ What is 'Obesity Disease'? How does it differ from 'Obesity'?

Obesity refers to a state of excessive body fat accumulation. In contrast, obesity disease refers to a condition where this obesity causes or poses a high risk of health problems. Thus, obesity disease is medically positioned as a 'disease requiring prevention and treatment.'

■ Features of Our Obesity Treatment

We visualize obesity type and metabolic risk through blood tests and body composition analysis (InBody) to provide a personalized treatment program tailored to each patient's situation. Our ultimate goal is not just short-term weight loss but the prevention of lifestyle diseases and the extension of a healthy lifespan, with a planned, continuous treatment period of about one year. After discontinuing medication, we support the maintenance and improvement of lifestyle habits through regular check-ups, and nutritional and exercise guidance.

- Trinity of Medical, Nutritional, and Exercise Approach
Doctors, nurses, registered dietitians, and exercise instructors collaborate to provide integrated treatment.

- With our on-site medical fitness gym 'LEX Shibuya' (https://lexfitness.jp/), we offer a support system that integrates medical care and exercise. Since individuals with obesity require consideration for joint stress, cardiopulmonary function, and muscle weakness, our doctors assess their health status and provide a phased, personalized exercise program. *Participation in the 'LEX Shibuya' program is not mandatory.

- Use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Wegovy/Rybelsus)
GLP-1 receptor agonists are used as needed. These drugs promote weight loss by suppressing appetite and sustaining a feeling of fullness, with clinical trials reporting an average weight loss of 10-20%.

- Comprehensive Management of Lifestyle Diseases
We comprehensively evaluate and manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, and sleep disorders. Studies have shown that a weight loss of about 5% leads to significant improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels.

■ A Message from Dr. Tomotaka Doi, Supervising Physician of the Obesity Clinic

'Obesity is a significant risk factor not only for diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia but also for cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke. In emergency medicine, I often felt that we could have prevented severe heart conditions if we had intervened earlier at the obesity stage. Now is an era where appropriate intervention at the obesity stage can reduce the risk of future cardiovascular diseases. Our clinic offers a comprehensive obesity treatment program for each individual, combining evidence-based dietary, exercise, and drug therapies with behavioral support.'