Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern; it is a chronic medical condition affecting millions globally. It significantly increases the risk of developing severe health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
For individuals seeking effective ways to manage their weight and improve their health, obesity treatment can provide practical solutions tailored to their unique needs.
This blog explores what obesity treatment entails, discusses its different forms, and explains how it works to help individuals achieve their health goals.
Understanding Obesity Treatment
Obesity treatment involves a comprehensive approach to managing and reducing excess weight. This typically includes a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. The goal of obesity treatment is to promote long-term weight loss, reduce health risks, and improve overall quality of life.
Healthcare professionals recommend personalized obesity treatment plans, considering an individual’s medical history, lifestyle, and goals. These plans aim to address the root cause of weight gain while fostering healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Benefits of Obesity Treatment
The impact of obesity treatment goes beyond achieving a lower number on the scale. It offers several benefits, including the following:
- Health Risk Reduction: Decreased chances of developing obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
- Improved Mobility: Weight loss can reduce joint pain and improve overall physical activity levels.
- Better Quality of Life: Enhanced confidence, energy levels, and mental health.
- Sustained Lifestyle Changes: Establishing long-term healthy habits to maintain a healthy weight.
Effective obesity treatment is not a quick fix but a step toward sustainable, lifelong health improvements.
Types of Obesity Treatments
The most common types of obesity treatments recommended by internal medicine specialists are:
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes are the foundation of obesity treatment. These include adopting a nutritious diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress. Common lifestyle interventions include:
- Dietary Changes: Reducing calorie intake by consuming nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Exercise Plans: Engaging in aerobic exercises, strength training, and daily physical activities to burn calories and build muscle.
- Behavioral Therapy: Identifying triggers for overeating and developing coping strategies to resist them.
Lifestyle changes often require continuous guidance from internists to ensure progress over time.
Medical Management (Medications)
When lifestyle modifications alone are not enough, medications may be recommended as part of an obesity treatment plan. FDA-approved prescription drugs like orlistat (Alli), liraglutide (Saxenda), or semaglutide (Wegovy) work by either suppressing appetite, promoting a sense of fullness, or preventing fat absorption.
Medications are typically prescribed for individuals with the following:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
- A BMI of 27 or higher with obesity-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
It is essential to remember that medications for obesity treatment are not standalone solutions. They should supplement lifestyle changes to achieve optimal results.
Surgical Interventions
For individuals classified as severely obese and who have not achieved success with non-surgical methods, bariatric surgery might be recommended. Common bariatric procedures include:
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: This reduces the stomach size and reroutes the digestive system to bypass part of the small intestine.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch, reducing food intake.
Bariatric surgery is often life-changing, leading to significant weight loss and improved health outcomes. However, it requires a commitment to lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes.
How Does Obesity Treatment Work?
Obesity treatments work by addressing the underlying causes of weight gain and promoting healthy, sustainable habits. Here is how each type works:
- Lifestyle Modifications enhance metabolism and calorie burn while reducing calorie intake.
- Medications regulate hunger hormones or alter the digestive process to aid weight loss.
- Surgical Procedures modify the stomach or digestive tract to physically limit food intake and promote satiety.
These methods collectively work to reduce the energy imbalance that contributes to weight gain while motivating individuals to improve their overall health.
Obesity Treatment in Tucson, AZ
Obesity treatment is about more than slimming down. It helps reduce health risks, enhance energy levels, and improve quality of life.
If you are ready to start your weight loss journey, take the first step by talking to our trusted internal medicine doctor, Dr. Robert E. Lending, about your options. Dr. Lending, our board-certified internal medicine doctor and clinical lipidologist, is dedicated to helping patients in Tucson, AZ achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
He understands the physical and emotional struggles that come with obesity and takes a compassionate approach to treatment. He will work with you every step of the way to create an individualized plan that fits your unique needs and lifestyle.
If you are ready to experience the benefits of concierge obesity treatments, start your membership today by calling (520) 795-4291. We look forward to serving you!
