Doctor, teacher and communicator, Sande has developed a philosophy of treatment focused on the deep understanding of this chronic disease, betting on personalized and sustainable strategies in the long term.
“Obesity is a complex disease, with multiple factors involved, and cannot be reduced to a simple aesthetic or will,” says the specialist. In that sense, he warns about the dangers of rapid solutions or fashion diets. “It would be unusual to think that a one -month diet can regulate a chronic disease,” he says firmly.
From its clinic, Dr. Sande leads an interdisciplinary program that includes personalized nutrition, psychological support, adapted physical activity and constant monitoring. The objective is not only to lose weight, but to accompany each patient in a deep process of transformation of habits, accepting their biology and learning to live with it.
One of the pillars of his focus is to move away from a “weight-centers” look. For Sande, the number on the balance is not the only one or the best health indicator. The central thing is to improve the patient’s quality of life and control the medical factors associated with obesity, such as metabolism, hormonal levels and chronic diseases. “Genetics predisposes, but lifestyle is the greatest determinant of health,” he explains.
As for nutritional approach, it emphasizes that there is no single ideal diet. “No plan has proven universally more effective than another to lose weight. The important thing is that the strategy adapts to the patient and can be sustained over time,” he says. In addition, it warns that it is common for the same strategy to stop working during the treatment, so it is key to be flexible and review the tools according to the evolution of the process.
The psychological component also plays a fundamental role. “Modifying behavior is the real challenge,” he says. In his words, understanding that weight gain is not only the result of bad decisions but of emotional, genetic and contextual factors, allows the problem to be taken from the problem and focus on real solutions. “The person who manages to accept his predisposition and still modifying his behavior can reach a healthy weight and maintain it,” he says.
Finally, Dr. Sande highlights the importance of physical activity, adapted to each patient. “There are almost no conditions that completely contraindicate the exercise. Something can always be done,” he says.
In addition to his clinical work, Sande is actively dedicated to dissemination, with presence in media and social networks, where he seeks to educate and raise awareness about obesity from a scientific and empathic perspective.
“It’s not about going down 10 kilos before summer. It is about controlling a disease that requires commitment, accompaniment and a real change of habits,” he concludes.
For more information, you can visit www.clinicasande.com.uy or follow it on Instagram: @drleonardosande.
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By CEDOC