Obesity is not just a few extra pounds. Obesity is the heavy accumulation of fat in your body to such a degree that it rapidly increases your risk of diseases that are dangerous to your health such as heart disease and diabetes and could reduce your life expectancy.
The most effective ways to treat obesity are:
- Dietary changes and exercise
- Prescription weight-loss medications
- Behaviour changes
- Weight-loss surgery
- Dietary changes and exercise are the essential part of any obesity treatment solution. The only way to lose weight is to reduce energy intake (dietary changes) and increase energy expenditure (increase exercise and activity levels).
Weight-loss surgery treatment
Weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery is an option if you are severely obese and suffer from serious health weight related problems. Weight loss surgery limits the amount of food you’re able to comfortably eat or decreases the absorption of food.
Weight loss surgery should not be considered lightly as there are many risks associated with the surgery itself and with post-surgery recovery immediate and long term. Some examples of these are: food intolerance, food blockages, gastric band slippage, gallstones, excess skin, infection, blood clots and internal bleeding (NHS: weight loss surgery risks) .
Weight-loss surgery doesn’t guarantee that you’ll lose all of your excess weight or that you’ll keep it off long term. Weight-loss success after surgery depends on your commitment to making lifelong changes in your eating and exercise habits.
Behaviour changes – weight management
A behaviour modification program usually includes knowledge of nutrition and exercise programs. It can help you make lifestyle changes necessary to promote weight loss and treat obesity. Steps to take include examining your current habits to find out what factors, stresses or situations may have contributed to your obesity.
Behaviour modification types are:
- Private nutritionist consultations. Trained nutritionist will develop a weight management programme or plan and help you to monitor your diet and activity, understand eating triggers, and cope with food cravings.
- Support groups. You can find help and support at your local weight loss support groups where others share similar challenges with obesity. Weight loss clubs like Weight Watchers are usually available in the local areas.