Obesity is a serious condition that causes emotional as well as physical damage. Obesity saps your energy and your self-esteem. When you're obese, it's often harder to engage in physical activity, get comfortable, and find flattering clothes. More alarmingly, obesity increases your risks for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Obesity is a serious condition, but fortunately, it is treatable. Working with your doctor and developing a plan can help you conquer your obesity. The following is a treatment sequence for obesity that your doctor may recommend.
Rule out Hidden Causes
If you have an underlying condition that is contributing to your obesity, treating that condition may help you overcome your weight-related condition as well. When you see your doctor, he or she may order a series of blood tests to check for hormone imbalances or thyroid malfunctions. Your doctor will prescribe medicine to address any issues that are uncovered at this time.
Change Your Lifestyle
The good news is that most obesity cases can be successfully treated with simple lifestyle changes. The bad news is that changing your life can be uncomfortable, especially at first. When your doctor approves you for exercise, it is extremely important to start slow and listen to your body. You want to prevent injury while you are building stamina.
When you have established an exercise routine, set a reasonable weight loss goal. Most physicians recommend trying to lose 10% of your body weight in the first six months. If you weigh 320 pounds, that's only 32 pounds in six months, or a little over a pound a week. Ask your doctor about a healthy eating strategy. Most doctors recommend a balanced diet full of healthy options as opposed to "crash dieting." Try to cut out junk food and sweets and eat more fruits and vegetables. Work on portion sizes and try to find healthy recipes that you enjoy eating. Remember that the goal is to be able to sustain your new lifestyle for the long-term.
Consider Medicine
If you make all the recommended lifestyle changes and are still unable to lose weight, your doctor may prescribe a weight-loss medicine or supplement. Lorcaserin hydrochloride (Belviq), Orlistat (Xenical), and Qsymia are some of the medications that are used to treat obesity. Unfortunately, these do not work all the time and can cause serious side effects.
Consider Surgery
Gastroplasty and gastric bypass surgeries are options for people who are severely obese, with a body mass index of 40 or higher, after other treatment options have failed. Both procedures are invasive, painful, and risky. You and your doctor should discuss the benefits and the risks in detail. If you decide to try this option, your doctor will refer you to a specialist who will perform the surgery. You will need to be carefully monitored for the rest of your life following the procedure.
