Many people confuse being overweight with obesity. Obesity is a medical condition where a person gains weight easily and finds it hard to lose it even after putting in the effort. Obesity can put people at risk of other problems as well, like heart conditions, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
The causes of obesity include family history, physiological factors, environmental factors, type of diet, and amount of physical exercise. There are ways doctors help obesity patients counter the problem. Let’s take a look at them here.
1. Changes in Diet
Reducing your daily calorie intake is one of the first things your doctor will recommend to counter obesity. When you start eating healthy and cutting calories, you may see a sharp decline in your body weight initially. This is the water weight that’s being shed. The weight loss will slow down after a month or so, but there’s no need to be disheartened. Losing weight slowly and steadily is the healthiest way to do it.
Reducing calories means you need to eat less but feel full. For an appropriate diet, avoid processed foods, fats, and desserts since these foods contain excessive calories in smaller proportions. Include more healthy green vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, etc.
2. Physical Activity
Your lifestyle plays a huge role when it comes to losing weight and countering obesity. Your doctor will recommend how much you should work out ideally. Usually, doctors recommend at least 150 minutes of physical exercise every week. These exercises include cardiovascular workouts, like jogging, running, sit-ups, burpees, swimming, cycling, etc.
Apart from the exercise, your doctor will recommend you stay active throughout the day. Take more steps, take the stairs instead of the elevator, try sitting instead of laying down, etc.
3. Weight Loss Medication
If diet and exercise alone don’t help, your doctor may recommend weight-loss medications to take. However, these medications are not a substitute for diet and exercise and are meant to be taken along with a healthier lifestyle.
Don’t take any weight loss medication without your doctor’s recommendation because your doctor recommends only the medication that’s safe for you after checking your complete medical history and health records.
Some of the most common weight loss medicines doctors prescribe and are approved by the United States Food and Drug Authority (FDA) are:
- Liraglutide
- Orlistat
- Bupropion-naltrexone
- Phentermine-topiramate
There’s no guarantee that weight loss medication will work for you. You may also regain the weight you lost because of a weight loss medication after you stop taking it. Moreover, weight loss medications also has side effects.
Discussing your medications and health with the doctor before you take any step is crucial. If you can’t visit a doctor, you can get an appointment with an online doctor today!
FastDocNow is an online healthcare service with a panel of virtual doctors that provides consultation for several medical conditions, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and more. We also virtual medical consultations for STDs and have in-lab testing and imaging services. Contact us now for more details.