Obesity is a growing concern worldwide. It is not just about appearance; it is a health condition that can lead to problems like diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain.
Thankfully, there are many treatment options available to help manage obesity safely and effectively. Let us explore the safest obesity treatments, including lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical options.
Why Treating Obesity Is Important
Obesity can lead to serious health issues if not properly addressed. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Losing weight, even as little as 5% of your overall body weight, can significantly improve your health and reduce these risks.
The goal of obesity treatment is not just about weight loss. It is also about improving overall health and quality of life. Safe and effective treatments can help make this possible.
Safe Obesity Treatments
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating obesity. An obesity treatment that works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Here are the safest and most effective obesity treatments available.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes form the foundation of any obesity treatment plan. Doctors often recommend starting with these adjustments before trying medications or surgical options.
Healthy Eating
Eating a balanced diet can go a long way toward weight loss. Focus on foods rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary beverages, fried foods, and snacks high in fat and sugar.
A provider may suggest calorie counting to ensure you eat fewer calories than you burn daily. For example, reducing your calorie intake by 500 per day can lead to a steady weight loss of about 0.5 to 1 pound per week.
Regular Exercise
Exercise helps burn calories and strengthen muscles. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, like brisk walking or swimming, each week. If you are just starting, even light physical activity can help.
Behavioral Support
Changing habits can be hard. Behavioral therapy can guide you in managing triggers that lead to overeating.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially effective in helping people stick to healthy lifestyle changes.
Medications for Obesity
When lifestyle changes are not enough, medications can be useful. These medicines are approved by the FDA and must be taken under a doctor’s supervision. They work by reducing appetite, controlling cravings, or preventing the absorption of fat in the body.
Here are some common medications used for weight loss:
- Orlistat (brand name Xenical): Reduces fat absorption in the intestines.
- Phentermine-topiramate (brand name Qsymia): Suppresses appetite and makes you feel full sooner.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (brand name Contrave): Helps manage cravings by affecting parts of the brain linked to hunger.
- Liraglutide (brand name Saxenda): Slows stomach emptying, making you feel full longer.
These obesity medications are not for everyone. Doctors usually prescribe them for people with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more or 27 if there are obesity-related health issues like diabetes.
Surgical Procedures
For severe obesity, when other treatments have not worked, surgery can be an option. Weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is a serious step that requires careful consideration and a doctor’s recommendation.
Here are the most common types of bariatric surgery:
- Gastric Bypass: Reduces the size of your stomach and reroutes part of your digestive system to limit how much food you can eat and absorb.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes a portion of your stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
- Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band): Places a band around the top of your stomach to create a smaller pouch, restricting how much you can eat.
Surgery is typically recommended only for those with a BMI of 40 or higher or 35 if there are obesity-related conditions. Like any surgery, it carries risks and requires long-term lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss.
Combined Approaches
Sometimes, a combination of these treatments may be the best option. For example, a doctor might recommend medications alongside lifestyle changes.
Similarly, surgery often includes pre- and post-surgery dietary and behavioral support programs to ensure success.
How to Choose the Right Treatment for You
Choosing the best obesity treatment depends on several factors.
- Overall health
- Weight-loss goals
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Willingness to make lifestyle changes
It is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a concierge doctor, to develop a personalized treatment plan. What works for one person might not be suitable for another, so professional guidance is key.
Obesity Treatment in Tucson, AZ
Managing obesity might feel overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. With safe treatment options and expert guidance, you can achieve lasting health improvements.
At Dr. Robert E. Lending’s concierge practice, we offer consultations to help determine the most effective treatment options for you, from lifestyle changes to advanced medical interventions. Our concierge medicine doctor specializes in providing personalized care to help you achieve lasting weight loss.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Dr. Lending’s office at (520) 795-4291 today or fill out our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
