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NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F near Starbucks

Please call us if you need help finding the clinic. 02.738.7555
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02-738-7555
02
738
7555
Naver Booking
Naver Booking
Kakao Consultation
Kakao Consultation
Directions
Directions

Chronic Disease & Internal Medicine

From Everyday Health to Ongoing Care From managing chronic conditions like hypertension,
diabetes, and hyperlipidemia to everyday concerns
such as
colds and digestive issues, The Heart Clinic provides
accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care to support
your
daily well-being.

Obesity and BMI classification criteria, from underweight through severe obesity, with corresponding cardiovascular and metabolic risk levels. Who should consider obesity treatment, including people with elevated BMI or waist circumference and those with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular risk. Weight-loss goals showing how reductions of 5 percent, 10 to 15 percent, and more than 15 percent can improve blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids, and overall cardiovascular health. Lifestyle changes for obesity treatment include calorie control, limiting refined carbohydrates and sugar, sufficient protein, regular exercise, and sustainable weight management.

Types of Obesity Medication

A dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist with an average ~21% weight
reduction reported. In obese patients with heart failure, reductions
in cardiovascular death and heart failure worsening have also been
confirmed.

Important points about medication therapy

Obesity medication is considered when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient
or when comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia,
or sleep apnea are present. Medication does not replace diet and exercise
it must be combined with lifestyle changes. During treatment, blood pressure,
blood sugar, heart rate, and kidney function are monitored,
and existing BP or diabetes medications may need adjustment as weight changes.

Saxenda is a GLP-1 obesity medication with an average weight reduction of about 8%. Cardiovascular benefits have been demonstrated in patients with diabetes and high cardiovascular risk.

Important points about medication therapy

Medication does not replace diet and exercise. It should be combined with lifestyle changes and monitored for safety and response.

Contrave helps suppress appetite and reduce food cravings. Caution is needed in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or a history of seizures.

Important points about medication therapy

Medication should be selected according to coexisting conditions and used together with sustainable diet and exercise changes.

Xenical reduces intestinal fat absorption and may help improve both body weight and lipid levels.

Important points about medication therapy

Medication should be selected according to coexisting conditions and used together with sustainable diet and exercise changes.

Phentermine-based medications suppress appetite for short-term weight loss, but may increase heart rate or blood pressure and require caution in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Important points about medication therapy

Medication should be selected according to coexisting conditions and used together with sustainable diet and exercise changes.

Injectable medication pens used in obesity treatment

Diagnostic Process

Obesity is more than a number on the scale. It affects the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and hormones.
The Heart Clinic manages obesity comprehensively alongside cardiovascular risk from a cardiology perspective.

Risk-Based Goals
Set realistic weight-loss goals
based on cardiovascular risk.
Body Composition
Assess body fat, muscle mass,
and abdominal fat.
Weight-Loss Medication
Use GLP-1 medications
with safety and response
monitoring.
Comorbidity Care
Manage hypertension, diabetes,
dyslipidemia, and sleep apnea
together.
Lifestyle Care
Tailor diet and exercise
with ongoing cardiovascular
health monitoring.

Obesity
FAQs

To help answer common questions in advance,
we provide key information before your visit.

Can exercise offset the heart risks of excess weight?
Exercise is important, but it cannot fully offset the cardiovascular effects of obesity.
Excess visceral fat can contribute to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance,
and high blood pressure. Even at a normal weight,
excess abdominal fat can increase cardiovascular risk.
Exercise should be combined with body composition management.
Can people with heart disease use GLP-1 medications?
Cardiovascular benefits have been demonstrated in patients with obesity
and existing heart disease. The SELECT study showed a 20% reduction in cardiovascular events
with semaglutide, while SUMMIT showed a 38% reduction in worsening heart failure with
tirzepatide in patients with obesity and HFpEF. Blood pressure or diabetes medication
may need adjustment, so cardiology-based monitoring is important.
Do weight-loss medications need to be taken long term?
Obesity is a chronic condition, and weight regain is common after stopping medication.
Long-term treatment is often recommended, with dose adjustments
or medication changes as needed. Treatment may continue after weight-loss goals
are reached to help maintain results.
Do I need complication screening without symptoms?
Yes.
Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea
can develop without obvious symptoms. Regular blood pressure, blood sugar,
lipid, liver, and sleep assessments help detect complications early.
Do I need medication if my BMI is 25?
BMI alone does not determine treatment. Medication may be considered at BMI ≥25 when
conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea,
or abdominal obesity are present. Without these risk factors, lifestyle changes may be
recommended first.
What are the side effects of weight-loss medications?
Common GLP-1 side effects include nausea and indigestion.
These often improve with gradual dose increases, with about 4–7% discontinuing treatment
due to side effects in clinical trials. Pancreatitis is rare, but severe abdominal pain requires
prompt evaluation. Potential interactions with heart medications are reviewed individually
at The Heart Internal Medicine Clinic.

Information

134 Tongil-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F

Please use elevator No. 13 or 14,
then follow the signs toward Starbucks on the 2nd floor.

※ Free parking is available in the building during clinic hours.

Clinic Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
  • Thu, Sat 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
  • Lunch Break 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
  • Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
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