Obesity Treatments

Treatments for obesity work best when the issues that cause the person to overeat are addressed. First of all though, a medical examination should rule out any physical cause for obesity.

Treatment for this complex condition may be aimed at helping the person cope with difficult emotions and feelings. Learning how to take care of oneself is an important step if the person is to modify their behavior and make lasting changes to their diet.

If the individual is taking in more food energy than he or she is able to burn off, then a nutritionist can work with that person in order to provide healthy, nutritional, well balanced meals that are low in fat and calories. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables has also been proven beneficial.

Slow and steady weight loss is the best (and safest) way to lose weight. If the weight loss is too rapid or extreme, the body starts to conserve energy, causing the metabolism to slow down. When the person starts consuming a normal number of calories after dieting, their body may react by gaining even more weight; exactly the opposite of what is wanted. Excessive dieting can also result in a person losing muscle instead of fat.

In order to increase metabolism, and improve muscle and tone, an exercise program should be established. It is important to make physical activity a part of one’s daily life. 30 minutes of aerobic activity a minimum of 3 times per week will help control weight, and improve health.

For some people, dieting and exercise are not enough. Obesity is a serious and potentially life threatening condition. Gastric bypass surgery may be suggested in cases of severe or morbid obesity when a person is truly struggling to lose weight by other means.