Obesity Treatment

Obesity can be caused by a variety of factors, such as nutrition, sedentary behavior, genetics, a medical condition, or the use of specific drugs. A variety of therapy methods are available to assist people in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Losing weight can be stressful and challenging, but as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can have major health advantages.

This would require shedding 12–25 lbs (5.7–11.4 kilograms) for a person weighing 250 lbs or 114 kilograms. A minor weight loss is a significant accomplishment.

Slow and steady weight loss, such as 1–2 pounds a week, is frequently preferable to rapid weight loss since it is more likely to remain off once an individual reaches their goal weight.

Workout and dietary adjustments can help you lose weight. Unfortunately, for some people, these are ineffective. Surgery or medication may be a possibility in this scenario.

Weight gain can occur as a result of a medical issue, such as a hormonal imbalance. In this scenario, addressing the imbalance may aid in the resolution of the issue.

1. Dietary modifications

Weight loss can be aided by substituting high-fat diets with more vegetables and fruits. When an individual eats extra calories than they burn, excessive weight and fats develop. This can contribute to weight increase over time.

Some foods are more likely to trigger weight gain than others. High-fructose corn syrup, for example, is found in some packaged foods. This can lead to physical physiological changes, which can lead to extra weight gain.

Reduced consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, processed, ready-made, and refined foods, as well as increased consumption of whole grains as well as other high-fiber foods, like vegetables and fresh fruits, can aid weight loss.

A high-fiber diet has the benefit of making the body feel fuller, making it less appealing to consume more. While whole grains produce their energy more slowly, they help people feel fuller for longer. Whole grains and fiber can also assist to lower the risk of metabolic syndrome-related illnesses.

Several diets result in losing some weight but are effective for the short-term only. Nevertheless, only about 10 percent of individuals will be able to maintain their weight reduction in the long run. It must be highlighted once more that permanent dietary modifications are essential. When dieting, you must be cautious to make sure that you get all of the needed vitamins, proteins, and trace elements. Having a well-balanced meal that includes a wide variety of healthful foods is the best approach to achieve this. Reducing sugar and fat from your meals while increasing your intake of healthy foods like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can help you lose weight. You may be required to take mineral or vitamin supplements as part of some diet plans.

When buying low-fat foods or ‘diet’ labels in the store, be cautious. Most low-fat foods are heavy in sugar and add a significant amount of energy or calories to your daily caloric consumption. Learn to interpret nutrition labels attentively and choose foods that are lower in saturated fat, sugars, and, if applicable, glycemic control index.

Long-term effects may be more likely with diets that guide you on how to choose and prepare nutritious foods rather than strict diets with rigorous daily eating regimens or pre-prepared meals.

Reduced-energy diets urge you to eat nutritious foods and strive to cut your daily energy intake by a minimal amount. They show you how to eat in a healthy way that you can stick to in the long run.

Low-energy diets are more restricted and severely reduce your energy consumption. Meal schedules must be adhered to. This diet can help you lose 7-13 kg of weight and may be utilized if you have serious obesity-related health concerns.

Very low energy diets drastically reduce everyday energy intake and are typically intended for those who have failed to respond to previous treatments or have major co-morbidities. These diets are typically held for 8-16 weeks and include liquid meal replacements from pharmacies.  Sadly, the majority of the weight loss is regained once the diet is discontinued, but behavioral or pharmacological therapy can help keep some of the weight off after treatment.

A clinician or nutritionist can help you come up with a plan and potentially a weight-loss program that is right for you.

Don’t go on a crash diet.

Crash-dieting to reduce weight rapidly includes the following risks:

• New health issues may arise.
• Deficits in vitamins can occur.
• Healthy weight loss seems harder to accomplish.

A healthcare professional may recommend that a person suffering from high obesity adopt a low-calorie fluid diet in some instances. This technique should be monitored by a health expert to ensure that the individual stays safe while being on the diet.

2. Engage in physical exercise

Taking the stairs rather than the elevator can be a good gentle workout.

Although the body will burn calories even while a person is sitting or resting, for the most part, the more active a person is, the more calories they burn.

This, unfortunately, can take some time. A person must expend 3,500 calories to lose one lb. of fat.

Getting active can be done in a variety of ways, including:

• Vigorous walking
• Swimming
• Taking the stairs rather than the elevator
• Departing one station earlier from the train or bus and strolling the remainder of the route
• Housework, dog walking, and gardening are all beneficial activities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends completing 60–90 minutes of reasonably intensive exercise most days of the week.

Individuals who are not used to training or who find it difficult to be engaged in physical activity owing to health or mobility issues should get advice from a health practitioner on how to begin exercising.

An individual who is not used to exerting should not begin with strenuous physical activity, because this could be harmful to their health.

3. Medication for weight loss

A doctor may prescribe medication to help a patient lose weight, like orlistat.

They often do this if:

• Weight loss has not been achieved despite food and exercise adjustments.
• The person’s weight is putting their health in jeopardy.

Individuals should utilize medication in conjunction with a low-calorie diet, according to the National Institutes of Health. Orlistat is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

GI problems such as greasy stool and increased or reduced defecation are common side effects. Adverse effects on the joints and muscles, respiratory system, headaches, and others have been observed by some people.

Doctors could prescribe sibutramine from 1997 to 2010, but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked permission in 2010 citing concerns regarding dangerous side effects.