A person with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over is diagnosed as obese. Obesity is a health condition whereby the person’s fat cells have become very large.
Someone who is obese is at risk of developing a host of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. This is because the large fat cells put extra pressure on the various organs and structures of the body, and they also require more resources to keep themselves large – which takes precious nutrients away from being utilized by other cells.
Here are five treatments for obesity that may be recommended by your doctor:
1. Follow a Healthier Diet
Obesity is caused by several factors, with an unhealthy diet being one of them. Even if you eat less than someone who does not have a weight problem, your body is telling you to maximize the nutrients you eat – and to eat less of some things, such as saturated fat and carbohydrates, and more of other things, such as proteins, fruits, and vegetables you like.
2. Increase Physical Activity
To lose weight and stay healthy, you have to keep moving. Changes can include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking a distance away from a building rather than trying to get a “good” parking space right in front.
Engage in small efforts you enjoy doing, such as gardening, biking, shopping, walking your dog, and even vacuuming and straightening up the house. Every little bit adds up to more calories burned and more weight coming off. Your doctor can further explain how gradual weight loss is more effective than sudden weight loss or extreme dieting.
3. Make Healthy Behavioral Changes
Behaviors picked up from those around you can contribute to obesity, and lifestyle habits shared by other family members can prevent you from losing weight and keeping it off. Therefore, included in a comprehensive weight-loss program is how to avoid behavioral pitfalls, like eating in front of the TV or filling your plate.
4. Take Appetite Suppressants
Your doctor can also prescribe medication that can help curb your appetite. This is meant to be a supplemental treatment for obesity along with diet and exercise for long-term results. An example of a weight-loss drug is Xenical, which blocks fat absorption.
5. Have Surgery
If you still struggle to lose the weight, your doctor may recommend surgery. The surgery aims to seal, remove, or change part of the stomach in order to make it smaller and to help you reduce your food intake.
Concierge Medicine in Tucson, Arizona
If you’re looking for a doctor who knows you like a friend, Dr. Robert Lending is here to partner with you in tackling any health conditions you have. Dr. Lending is an internal medicine physician specializing in the treatment of chronic conditions affecting adults, including obesity, and he is a clinical lipidologist for treating diabetes and related issues.
Most patients who are obese have a metabolic disorder, and Dr. Lending specializes in treating patients with metabolic disorders in a way that works for them. Dr. Lending offers concierge medicine to patients seeking personalized treatment, which is the best way to handle a chronic condition.
To find out more about our services or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lending, call (520) 795-4291 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to helping you live a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle!
