Obesity Unit in Huelva
Obesity is a chronic disease that requires a comprehensive medical approach — not just a diet.
WHAT IS OBESITY/p>
A chronic disease,
not a matter
of willpower
Obesity is recognised by the WHO and leading medical societies as a multifactorial chronic disease with genetic, metabolic, neurological and environmental underpinnings.
At the Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Unit of Hospital Quirónsalud Huelva, Dr Christian Leyva offers a comprehensive medical approach: precise diagnosis, a personalised therapeutic plan and continuous follow-up.
We treat obesity at its root — not its symptoms — to achieve sustained weight loss and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health in the long term.
“The goal is not to lose weight. The goal is for the patient to regain their metabolic and cardiovascular health in a lasting way.”
— Dr. Christian Leyva Prado
Specialist in Internal Medicine and Obesity
Activity area
Hospital Quirónsalud Huelva
Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Unit
Since 2017
24%
OF SPANISH ADULTS HAVE OBESITY (ENSE 2022)
+650M
PEOPLE WITH OBESITY WORLDWIDE (WHO)
×3
HIGHER CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN PEOPLE WITH OBESITY
80%
OF TYPE 2 DM CASES LINKED TO OBESITY
ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS
How is obesity diagnosed?
The diagnosis of obesity is based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference, though we also assess body composition, full blood tests and clinical history.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI
| Classification | BMI (kg/m²) |
|---|---|
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Overweight grade I | 30 – 34.9 |
| Overweight grade II | 35 – 39.9 |
| Overweight grade III | ≥ 40 |
WHO classification. BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²)
Waist Circumference
Cardiovascular Risk
| Riesgo | Hombre | Mujer |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 94 cm | < 80 cm |
| Increased | 94–102 cm | 80–88 cm |
| Very high | > 102 cm | > 88 cm |
LAbdominal fat is the primary predictor of cardiovascular and metabolic risk, even with a normal BMI.
WHY TREATING OBESITY MATTERS
Associated complications
×3
HIGHER RISK OF HEART ATTACK AND STROKE
Cardiovascular Disease
Visceral fat raises blood pressure, promotes atherosclerosis and triggers systemic inflammation that triples the risk of coronary or cerebrovascular events.
80%
OF TYPE 2 DM CASES LINKED TO OBESITY/p>
Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance induced by excess fat is the central mechanism. A weight loss of 5–10% can dramatically improve glycaemic control and, in the early stages, achieve full remission.
65%
OF PEOPLE WITH OBESITY HAVE HYPERTENSION
Arterial Hypertension
Adipose tissue activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and increases sodium retention. Every 10 kg of weight loss can reduce systolic pressure by 5–20 mmHg.
×4
HIGHER RISK OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
Sleep Apnoea
Fat deposits in the neck and pharynx collapse the airway during sleep, causing intermittent hypoxia that worsens cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
+3 kg
PER EXTRA KG ON KNEES WHEN WALKING
Osteoarthritis and Joint Damage
Each extra kilogram exerts 3–6 kg of additional load on the knee and hip joints. Chronic low-grade inflammation accelerates cartilage degradation.
×5
HIGHER RISK OF DIABETES WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME
Metabolic Syndrome
The combination of abdominal obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, low HDL and impaired fasting glucose multiplies the risk of diabetes by 5 and cardiovascular risk by 2.
OUR METHOD
How we work
Comprehensive Assessment
Full clinical history, blood tests, BMI, waist circumference, body composition and evaluation of comorbidities.
Personalised Plan
We design a bespoke plan: nutritional adjustment, adapted physical activity and pharmacological treatment where indicated.
Active Follow-up
Regular appointments to fine-tune the plan, address questions and maintain motivation throughout the process.
Maintenance
Consolidation of results, education in healthy habits and prevention of weight regain in the long term.
HOW DOES THE WEIGHT LOSS PROCESS WORK?
What to expect at each stage of treatment
BEFORE TREATMENT
Initial Assessment
Our Internal Medicine specialists assess each case individually, taking into account the patient’s physical and health status and their weight loss expectations.
A full blood panel is taken, along with BMI and waist measurements, comorbidity assessment and a review of previous weight loss attempts.
DURING TREATMENT
Progressive, Controlled Weight Loss
The approach focuses on progressive, controlled loss of body fat, prioritising health over the number on the scales.
Changes in diet, physical activity and regular medical reviews are combined. Waist circumference monitoring assesses visceral fat reduction, whilst BMI tracking measures overall progress.
AFTER TREATMENTo
Consolidation and Maintenance
The primary objective is consolidating the results achieved. The reduction in weight and waist circumference translates into improved general wellbeing, greater energy and lower cardiovascular risk.
This phase focuses on maintaining healthy habits long term, avoiding the rebound effect.
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Obesity treatment options
01
Nutritional Treatment
This is not about restrictive diets, but about sustainable dietary re-education, adapted to each patient’s needs and preferences.
- Individualised dietary plan
- Nutritional education
- Hunger and satiety management
- Follow-up and periodic adjustmentss
02
Adapted Physical Activity
Exercise prescription takes into account the patient’s limitations, comorbidities and physical condition, designing a progressive and safe programme.
- Physical fitness assessment
- Personalised exercise plan
- Aerobic and strength activitiesa
- Adaptation to physical limitationss
03
Pharmacological Treatment
When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, we have access to approved medications that significantly improve treatment outcomes.
- Approved medications
- Indicated according to patient profile
- Combined with lifestyle changes
- Safety and efficacy monitoringa
04
Bariatric Surgery
In selected cases of severe obesity, we assess and coordinate referral to bariatric surgery with specialist teams.
- Rigorous selection criteria
- Prior multidisciplinary assessment
- Coordination with bariatric surgery team
- Post-surgical medical follow-up
SPECIALIST IN CHARGE
Dr. Christian Leyva Prado
Specialist in Internal Medicine, Obesity and Diabetes.
Head of the Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud Huelva since 2017. Specialised in the comprehensive management of obesity as a chronic disease with a cardiovascular and metabolic focus.
- ✓ Specialist in Internal Medicine (MIR)
- ✓ Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Unit — Quirónsalud Huelva
- ✓ Training in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Member of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI)
- ✓ Training in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
- ✓Over 15 years of clinical experience in Huelva/span>
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES
Lo que más nos preguntan sobre obesidad
¿Cuándo debo consultar a un especialista por mi peso?
Se recomienda consultar cuando el IMC supera 30 kg/m², cuando hay antecedentes de enfermedades relacionadas con el peso (diabetes, hipertensión, apnea del sueño), cuando han fallado múltiples intentos de pérdida de peso por cuenta propia, o cuando el exceso de peso afecta significativamente a la calidad de vida.
¿Cuánto tiempo dura el tratamiento de la obesidad?
La obesidad es una enfermedad crónica y el abordaje es a largo plazo. La fase activa de pérdida de peso suele durar 6–12 meses. Posteriormente se inicia una fase de mantenimiento con controles periódicos para consolidar los resultados y prevenir la recuperación de peso.
¿Es necesaria la cirugía para tratar la obesidad?
La cirugía bariátrica es eficaz pero no necesaria para la mayoría de pacientes. Está indicada principalmente en obesidad grado III (IMC ≥ 40) o grado II con complicaciones graves que no han respondido a tratamiento médico intensivo.
¿Se puede revertir la diabetes tipo 2 tratando la obesidad?
Sí, en muchos casos. Estudios como el DIRECT han demostrado que la pérdida de peso significativa puede lograr la remisión completa de la diabetes tipo 2, especialmente en pacientes con diagnóstico reciente.
¿Los fármacos para la obesidad son seguros?
Los fármacos aprobados actualmente (incluyendo los agonistas de GLP-1) tienen perfiles de seguridad bien estudiados. Son prescritos cuando la indicación es apropiada y siempre bajo supervisión médica con seguimiento de posibles efectos secundarios.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Do you want real medical treatment for obesity?
Request your first consultation at the Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud Huelva. Comprehensive evaluation and personalized plan.
· In-person appointment or video consultation.