How to Manage Obesity?

Managing obesity includes several ways such as eating a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and exercising regularly. Obesity can also be managed with medication, an appetite suppressant approved for short-term use. In addition, you may also benefit from receiving psychological support from a trained healthcare professional to help change the way you think about food and eating. 

What Is Obesity And What Causes It?

Obesity is an increasingly common problem because for many people modern living involves eating excessive amounts of cheap high-calorie food and spending a lot of time sitting down. This condition is generally caused by consuming more calories, mainly those in fatty and sugary foods than you burn off through physical activity. The excess energy is stored by the food as fat. 

Some underlying health conditions can sometimes contribute to weight gain, such as an underactive thyroid gland, although these types of conditions do not usually cause weight problems if they’re effectively controlled with medicines.

Obesity-Related Problems 

Obesity can cause several further problems including difficulties with daily activities and serious health conditions. Day-to-day problems linked to obesity include:

• Snoring
• Breathlessness
• Increased sweating
• Difficulty doing physical activity
• Low confidence and self-esteem
• Often feeling very tired
• Joint and back pain
• Feeling isolated
• Psychological problems such as depression.

Ways to Manage Obesity 

Dietary Changes

Dietary changes to treat obesity include:

• Cutting calories – the key to weight loss is decreasing how many calories you take in. The first step is to review your typical eating and drinking habits to see how many calories you normally consume and where you can cut back. 
• Feeling full on less – some foods contain a lot of calories for a small portion. In contrast, fruits and vegetables provide a larger portion size with fewer calories. 
• Making healthier choices –eat more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Emphasize also lean sources of protein and lean meats. Limit salt and added sugar. 

Exercise and Activity 

Increased physical activity or exercise is an essential part of obesity treatment:

• Exercise – people with obesity need to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity to prevent further weight gain or to maintain the loss of a modest amount of weight. 
• Keep moving – any extra movement helps burn calories. Gradually increase the number of steps you take daily to reach that goal.

Weight Loss Medication 

Weight-loss medications are meant to be used along with diet, exercise, and behavior changes, not instead of them. 

• Phentermine is an appetite suppressant and a weight loss pill medically approved for short-term use. Taking phentermine helps suppress your appetite, thereby limiting how many calories you eat. Over time, this can lead to weight loss.