Health Articles by Dr Cha
Practical, patient-focused articles on surgery, weight loss, gut health, and more — written by Dr Cha Kar Huei.
Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have changed the weight-loss conversation — but half of patients stop within a year, and most of the weight returns. Dr Cha explains who still benefits most from surgery, and why durability is its greatest advantage.
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What the gallbladder does, the conditions that can affect it, and budget-friendly foods from your local market that support gallbladder health.
A fair, balanced comparison of both procedures — including why gastric bypass may have an edge for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Not all colorectal cancers need radiation. Dr Cha explains why rectal cancer is treated differently from colon cancer, and which patients actually need it.
Dr Cha explains why colon cancer rarely needs radiation while rectal cancer often does, and breaks down which stages benefit from chemoradiotherapy.
Dr Cha explains why performing the bowel reconnection entirely inside the abdomen — rather than through an extraction incision — demands a higher level of surgical skill and delivers real benefits for patients.
High blood pressure that won't respond to medication? It might be Conn's Syndrome — an often overlooked adrenal condition with a surgical cure.
What is an inguinal hernia and how is it fixed? Dr Cha explains the difference between keyhole and open repair — and which is right for you.
Is the 10,000-steps target backed by science or just clever marketing? Dr Cha breaks down the evidence and what it means for your weight and health.
Rectal prolapse can be distressing and embarrassing — but it is treatable. Dr Cha explains the condition and the surgical options available.
Bariatric surgery changes more than just your stomach. Dr Cha shares what patients should realistically expect in the weeks and months after surgery.
From his first encounter with robotic surgery in 2003, Dr Cha traces the evolution of robotic-assisted surgery and what it means for patients today.
Unexpected weight gain can be frustrating and confusing. Dr Cha explores the medical reasons behind unexplained weight gain and when to seek help.
Stress makes you gain weight — but why? Dr Cha explains the science of cortisol and belly fat, and what practical steps you can take to break the cycle.
Dr Cha discusses colorectal cancer — one of the most common cancers in Malaysia — covering early detection, minimally invasive surgery, and why keyhole surgery changes outcomes for patients. Published in Sin Chew Daily 星洲日报.
Dr Cha explains how robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is transforming hernia repair — reducing tremor, improving precision, and enabling faster recovery for patients. Published in Sin Chew Daily 星洲日报.
Dr Cha covers three of the most common yet misunderstood anorectal and groin conditions — haemorrhoids, anal fistula, and hernia — explaining symptoms, treatment options, and when surgery is needed. Published in Sin Chew Daily 星洲日报.
According to national health surveys, more than half of Malaysians are overweight or obese. Dr Cha explores the link between gut health and sustainable weight management.
It's not just about eating less and exercising more. Dr Cha explains the surprising link between sleep quality and weight loss success.
When lifestyle changes and medication aren't enough for GERD, antireflux surgery may be the next step. Dr Cha explains what to expect.
That burning sensation rising up your throat after a meal could be GERD. Dr Cha breaks down the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Malaysia's National Health Screening Initiative found that over half of Malaysians screened were overweight or obese. Dr Cha shares 3 practical health goals for the year.
Recovering from bariatric surgery? Dr Cha shares 4 practical tips for choosing healthier snacks during your recovery and beyond.
One in two Malaysians are overweight or obese. Dr Cha explains who qualifies for bariatric surgery and how to know if it's the right choice for you.
Quick-fix transformation courses rarely lead to lasting results. Dr Cha shares why the right mindset matters more than any fad diet.
Not the easiest topic to bring up at dinner — but your stool can reveal a lot about your digestive health. Dr Cha explains what to watch for.
There are around 40 trillion bacteria living in your gut. Dr Cha shares 10 practical tips to keep your gut microbiome healthy.
Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point. Dr Cha explains the common causes of chronic constipation and effective relief strategies.
Frequent stomach pains after meals? Dr Cha explains when gallbladder removal surgery becomes the right option.
Whether surgery is imminent or you're still deciding, Dr Cha shares 10 practical tips to prepare well and recover faster.
The idea of a stoma can sound daunting, but for thousands of patients it's a life-changing solution. Dr Cha explains what a stoma is and whether it can be reversed.
Cancer is one of our greatest health fears. Dr Cha shares practical, evidence-based ways to lower your cancer risk.
"I thought it was just a pimple!" Dr Cha explains how to tell the difference between a harmless spot and a skin abscess that needs treatment.
Found a lump while showering? Dr Cha explains what a lipoma is, and how to know if a lump under the skin needs further investigation.
Noticed a lump in your neck while getting ready in the morning? Dr Cha explains what a goitre is and when to seek medical advice.
Inflammation of the pancreas can range from mild to life-threatening. Dr Cha explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of pancreatitis.
Does running after a meal cause appendicitis? Dr Cha separates fact from myth and explains the real causes and treatment of appendicitis.
Just been diagnosed with fatty liver? You're not alone. Dr Cha explains what fatty liver disease means and the steps you can take.
Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Dr Cha explains the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.
You wake up determined to eat healthy — but somehow the weight just won't budge. Dr Cha explains the biology behind why weight loss is so difficult.
Can the body survive on little food for extended periods? Dr Cha explains the science behind intermittent fasting and its effects on weight.
Constant burping and a burning sensation in your chest? Dr Cha provides a complete overview of GERD — causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among Malaysians. Dr Cha explains risk factors, screening, and treatment options.
One of the most common — and most avoided — topics in medicine. Dr Cha explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of haemorrhoids.
A routine screening can catch stomach cancer before symptoms even appear. Dr Cha explains why early screening saves lives.
Ozempic has become a household name in weight management. Dr Cha explains how it works, who it's for, and what results to expect.
Malaysia's love of food comes with digestive health risks. Dr Cha provides a complete guide to colonoscopy — what it is, why it matters, and what to expect.
Noticed something odd in the mirror? Dr Cha provides a complete guide to hernias — types, symptoms, and the surgical options available in Malaysia.
There's a kind of balloon that helps with weight loss — without surgery. Dr Cha provides an in-depth guide to the intragastric balloon procedure.
PCOS affects many women during their childbearing years. Dr Cha explains the condition and how it relates to weight and metabolic health.
In our busy, fast-paced lives, healthy eating often takes a back seat. Dr Cha breaks down everything you need to know about obesity as a medical condition.
"Thank you for giving me a new lease of life," a grateful patient once told Dr Cha. He explains what metabolic syndrome is and how it can be treated.
A heartfelt first-person account of one patient's 60-week weight loss journey after bariatric surgery, shared on Dr Cha's blog.
A glimpse into Dr Cha's patient support group meetings — a space for post-surgery patients to connect, share, and support one another.
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