Obesity can be caused by various factors, including diet, lifestyle choices, genetic factors, certain medications, and sedentary living. Many treatment options can help you achieve and keep a healthy weight.
Excess weight can lead to a variety of health issues. Losing weight can be frustrating and difficult, but even losing just 5-10 percent of body weight can have significant health benefits.
A person who is 250 lb (or 114 kg) would lose 12-25 lb or 5.7-11.4kg. It is important to lose a small amount of weight.
It is better to lose weight slowly and consistently, such as 1-2 lb per week, than to lose a lot of weight quickly.
Weight-loss tools that work are exercise and diet changes. These methods may not be effective for everyone. This is when medication or surgery may be an option.
Sometimes, weight gain can be caused by a medical condition such as a hormonal issue. The problem can be solved by treating the imbalance.
People can lose weight by replacing high-fat foods with more fruits or vegetables.
One reason why excess weight and fat accumulate is when a person consumes more feels full faster, which makes it less tempting to eat further. Whole grains release energy slowly, making people feel fuller for longer.
Whole grains and fiber can help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome-related conditions.
Metabolic syndrome is a condition that involves some health problems, including obesity.
A dietitian or doctor can assist you in recommending a strategy and possibly a weight-loss plan.
Avoid crash-dieting
Crash-dieting is a fast way to lose weight.
- New health problems may develop.
- Vitamin deficiencies can occur.
- It’s more difficult to lose weight.
A doctor might recommend that someone with severe obesity follow a low-calorie liquid diet. To ensure safety, a health professional should monitor the individual’s compliance with the diet.
Physical activity
Climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator can be good exercise.
Although the body can burn calories even when sitting or asleep, most people will be more active and burn more calories.
This can be slow. A person must consume 3,500 calories to lose 1 pound of fat.
Here are some great ways to get active:
- walking briskly
- Swimming
- Use the stairs instead of the elevator
- Walking the remainder of the route by getting off the bus/train one stop earlier
Gardening, housework, and walking the dog are all good examples of chores that can be done.
The CDC recommends 60-90 minutes of moderately intense activity on most days of the week.
Talk to your doctor if you aren’t used to exercising or if mobility or health problems make it difficult to exercise.
Persons who are not used to exercising shouldn’t start with strenuous activities as they could be putting their health at risk.
Weight loss medications
Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe medication such as Xenical (orlistat) to aid weight loss.
They will only do it if:
- Weight loss is not possible by making dietary and exercise changes.
- The person’s weight is a major risk to their health.
The National Institutes of Health recommend using medication in conjunction with a low-calorie diet. Orlistat is not meant to replace lifestyle changes.
Side effects can include diarrhea, fatty stool, and decreased or increased excretion. Some people have reported unwanted effects on the respiratory system, muscles and joints,
Surgery
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss or bariatric surgery, involves removing or modifying a portion of a person’s stomach, small intestine, or both so they don’t eat as much or absorb as many calories.
This can be a great way to lose weight and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Surgery can either reduce the size of the stomach or bypass a part of the digestive tract.
Gastric band or gastric sleeves
The surgeon uses a gastric sleeve or a study highlighting the importance of gut hormones in bariatric surgery’s success.
These hormones can be harnessed to provide new, non-surgical options.
Researchers suggest that the combination of certain hormones could be an effective treatment.
Browning of fat cells
Two types of fat cells exist in humans and other mammals:
- Brown-fat cells produce heat and burn calories.
- White-fat cells are known to store calories.
Scientists are reprograming white-fat cells to behave more like brown fat cells. This is called “beiging” fat cells.
They might be able to create a therapy that will help the body burn more fat faster if they can do so.
Health and weight
Obesity can increase the likelihood of developing a variety of health problems.
High blood pressure is one aspect of metabolic syndrome.
These include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
There are several health risks associated with obesity.
Osteoarthritis: Extra strain on the joints may lead to cartilage and bone degeneration.
Coronary Heart Disease: Extra weight can make heart disease more common. This is often due to high gallstones.
High blood pressure. Excessive adipose tissue may release substances that can affect the kidneys. High blood pressure can lead to hypertension. The body may also produce extra insulin, which can also raise blood pressure.
Respiratory problems are caused by extra weight, which can cause pressure to the lungs and reduce the amount of space for breathing.
Several cancers: According to the CDC, 13 types of
Takeaway
People who feel that they are overweight can get help. A change can help many cases in diet or increased exercise.
These may not be effective. A doctor might recommend another option.
