Seoul National University Bundang Hospital Professor Publishes "Obesity Record, I am a Doctor Facing Maunjaero"

Professor Jang Hyungwoo of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Lost Weight from 118kg to 80kg on the Frontlines of Medicine
"Vivid Dieting Experience and Medical Insights"

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital announced on January 20 that Professor Jang Hyungwoo of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery has published a book titled "Obesity Record, I am a Doctor Facing Maunjaero," which chronicles his personal journey to overcome obesity.

Cover of the new book "Obesity Record, I am a Doctor Facing Maunzaro," featuring the GLP-1 class obesity treatment experience of a professor of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

This book contains vivid accounts and medical insights from the author, a specialist in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery and a former patient with severe obesity, detailing his experience of reducing his weight from 118 kilograms to the 80-kilogram range.

Professor Jang, who confessed that "losing weight was harder than studying," repeatedly failed in numerous attempts at dieting. Through these failures, he realized that the problem of obesity lies not in "willpower" but in "physiological mechanisms." Obesity is not simply a result of overeating; it is a metabolic disease in which physiological systems actively hinder weight loss.

The book provides a detailed account of the author's firsthand experiences with bariatric metabolic surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) and the administration of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) analog medications such as Saxenda, Wegovy, and Maunjaero. It is characterized by the author's perspective as a physician, documenting his experiences with bariatric surgery, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Maunjaero.

From the unique standpoint of being both a doctor and a patient, the book not only objectively analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each treatment method but also specifically explains the causes of weight regain and the powerful influence of the weight set point.

The author also aims to correct misconceptions about the side effects of obesity medications. He argues that the commonly mentioned "yo-yo effect" as a side effect of Wegovy or Maunjaero is a misconception.

He points out that when people stop taking medication for hypertension or hyperlipidemia and their blood pressure or cholesterol levels rise again, this is not considered a "yo-yo effect." Therefore, it is logically inconsistent to label weight regain after discontinuing obesity medication as a "yo-yo effect."

Regarding the mention of "depression" as a side effect of Wegovy or Maunjaero, he reinterprets this by stating, "Many patients with severe obesity are accustomed to finding pleasure in eating. When that pleasure is significantly reduced, one source of joy in life disappears, which can lead to feelings of depression." He further explains that as treatment normalizes weight, improves health and appearance, and makes the body feel lighter, the benefits far outweigh any feelings of depression.

Professor Jang stated, "I understand more deeply than anyone the cold stares directed at people with obesity, the collapse of self-esteem, and the limitations of a metabolic system that cannot be controlled by willpower alone." He added, "As a physician treating cardiovascular disease and as a patient with severe obesity, I wrote this book to raise awareness that severe obesity is a disease requiring medical treatment and to emphasize the importance of scientific treatment based on my own experience."