How is Obesity Treated?
The method of treatment depends on your level of obesity, overall health condition, and motivation to lose weight.
Treatment includes a combination of diet, exercise, behavior modification, and also FDA-approved obesity drugs like Meridia and Xenical.
In cases of severe clinical obesity, obese patients with co-morbid conditions may qualify for gastric surgery (e.g. stomach bypass, stomach stapling, stomach banding, lap band) or other surgical intervention (e.g. vertical stomach gastrectomy). The use of laparoscopic techniques by bariatric surgeons is gradually reducing many perioperative and postoperative health risks.
Lowering the Health Risks of Obesity
If you are overweight, losing as little as 7-10 percent of your body weight may improve many of the problems linked to being overweight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Slow Steady Weight Loss is Safest
Slow and steady weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week is the safest way to lose weight. Too rapid weight loss can cause you to lose muscle rather than fat. It also increases your chances of developing other problems, such as gallstones and nutrient deficiencies. Making long-term changes in your eating and physical activity habits is the only way to lose weight and keep it off!
Diet Modification
Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, you must improve your eating habits. Eat a variety of foods, especially pasta, rice, wholemeal bread, and other whole-grain foods. Reduce your fat-intake. You should also eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Exercise Plan
Making physical activity a part of your daily life is an important way to help control your weight. Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day on most days of the week. The activity does not have to be done all at once. It can be done in stages: 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there, providing it adds up to 30 minutes a day.
Obesity Advice
If you suffer from obesity and wish to lose weight, you MUST see a doctor before starting any form of diet or exercise program. Obesity is not a trivial condition. It requires professional help.
See also: Electro-acupuncture Treatment for Obesity
Weight Loss Advice
No matter how much excess weight or fat you have, if you want to lose weight permanently, your diet program should be directed toward a slow, steady weight loss. According to official government dietary guidelines, unless your doctor feels your particular health condition would benefit from more rapid weight loss, you should expect to lose no more than 2 pounds of fat a week, although initial loss (mainly water) may be greater. Losing more weight is no guarantee that weight loss is likely to be permanent.
