“My patient lost 40kg in the first year, and a total of 67kg over 2.5 years – equivalent to 50% of their body weight. They regained a healthy, slim figure, and their high blood pressure and cholesterol levels returned to normal without any medication,” shared Specialist Level II, Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, MD, MSc, Head of the Dietetics & Nutrition Department at FV Hospital, recalling a successful obesity treatment case.

Overweight and obesity not only affect self-confidence but also significantly increase the risk of serious health conditions. According to Dr Thu, a multidisciplinary approach in modern medicine has made obesity treatment more effective, supporting patients in achieving sustainable weight loss and developing long-term healthy habits.

Returning to Vietnam for Obesity Treatment: Vietnamese Student Loses 55kg in Remarkable Transformation

After years of unhealthy habits, 23-year-old N.V.T. developed obesity and reached a weight of 136kg. He required medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol – both conditions linked to excess weight. Following multiple unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, he returned to Vietnam and sought treatment at FV Hospital.

After examining N.V.T., Specialist Level II, Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, MD, MSc – Head of the Dietetics & Nutrition Department at FV Hospital, recommended a treatment plan combining sleeve gastrectomy with a balanced nutrition regimen to support weight loss and ensure long-term weight stability.

After undergoing sleeve gastrectomy performed by Specialist Level II, Phan Van Thai, MD, MSc – Head of the General Surgery Department at FV Hospital, N.V.T. strictly followed the nutritional plan provided by Dr Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu. He began with soft and liquid foods and gradually transitioned to a balanced, healthy diet over the following months.

“After one year, the patient lost 40kg, and after 2.5 years, a total of 67kg – equivalent to 50% of his body weight. His blood pressure and cholesterol levels returned to normal without the need for medication,” shared Dr Thu.

N.V.T. is one of many patients who have successfully overcome obesity at FV, where Dr Thu’s nutritional protocol has played a key role in preventing weight regain.

“In practice, many patients have shared with me that they previously spent a lot of money on treatments promising quick results but eventually regained the weight after a short time. This highlights the importance of raising awareness that obesity treatment requires a structured, long-term approach. Surgery alone is not enough, it must be part of a sustainable treatment plan, and patients must strictly adhere to medical guidance to avoid relapse,” Dr Thu emphasized.

Nutrition: A Crucial Link in Obesity Treatment and Recovery

With over 20 years of experience in clinical nutrition, Dr Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu affirms that nutrition is not merely a supportive measure – it plays a decisive role in treatment and directly influences patient outcomes. Whether it’s post-surgery recovery, maintaining physical strength in cancer patients, or managing blood sugar levels in individuals with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, a well-structured diet is essential and integral to the healing process.

Dr Thu actively pursues opportunities to learn and exchange knowledge with leading clinical nutrition experts from Europe, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. She holds several prestigious certifications, including the ESPEN Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Diploma, a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Japan, and the ESPEN Teach The Teacher (TTT) certificate. She is also a member of both ESPEN and HOSPEN. These experiences have not only strengthened her medical expertise but also allowed her to learn how leading experts implement structured, evidence-based treatment protocols – knowledge that has enabled her to bring advanced nutritional care models to Vietnam.

One of the things that brings Dr Thu the greatest joy is witnessing the positive transformation of her patients after receiving proper nutritional counselling and treatment. In 2017, Dr Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu joined FV Hospital to take the next step in her career. In a short time, she has elevated the hospital’s Dietetics & Nutrition Department to a new level of excellence.

Explaining why she chose FV Hospital to continue her journey of dedication and passion, Dr Thu shared: “I chose FV because of the alignment in culture and vision. FV strives for high-quality healthcare with a patient centred approach, combining clinical excellence with comprehensive care values that perfectly match the philosophy I’ve pursued throughout my career.”