Healthy Living
Advertisement
topics
hot stuff
newsletters
What is obesity?
continued from page 1
Treatment
Medical
Medical treatment is aimed at not only treating any complications of obesity but also trying to reduce weight by tackling diet and lifestyle. The aim of weight reduction is to reduce weight by around one kilogram a week until the desired BMI is reached. The mainstay of treatment is reduction in energy intake, especially from fat, sugar and alcohol. Usually the help of a dietician is beneficial. Physical exercise to increase energy output is encouraged, but on its own is ineffective. Medication to aid weight loss has become increasingly popular of late, but careful patient selection is critical for its success. The patient has to be genuinely interested in losing weight prior to using medication.
Surgical
In gross obesity, gut bypass surgery may be necessary or indeed gastric stapling and jaw wiring. An apronectomy to remove excess skin after weight loss is sometimes indicated but is not an effective initial surgical solution.
Long-term education regarding the risks and complications of obesity is necessary and patients frequently need active encouragement. The use of dietary clubs is sometimes helpful.
This information was supplied to iVillage by Medic Direct
Treatment
Medical
Medical treatment is aimed at not only treating any complications of obesity but also trying to reduce weight by tackling diet and lifestyle. The aim of weight reduction is to reduce weight by around one kilogram a week until the desired BMI is reached. The mainstay of treatment is reduction in energy intake, especially from fat, sugar and alcohol. Usually the help of a dietician is beneficial. Physical exercise to increase energy output is encouraged, but on its own is ineffective. Medication to aid weight loss has become increasingly popular of late, but careful patient selection is critical for its success. The patient has to be genuinely interested in losing weight prior to using medication.
Surgical
In gross obesity, gut bypass surgery may be necessary or indeed gastric stapling and jaw wiring. An apronectomy to remove excess skin after weight loss is sometimes indicated but is not an effective initial surgical solution.
Long-term education regarding the risks and complications of obesity is necessary and patients frequently need active encouragement. The use of dietary clubs is sometimes helpful.
This information was supplied to iVillage by Medic Direct
iVillage Recommends Body cleansers
This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational
purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a
substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or
hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or
that of a child, please consult your family's health provider
immediately and do not wait for a response from our
professionals. For the full Disclaimer,
click here.
RATE IT
Most Viewed
- Bleeding between periods
- Health video
- Breast cancer awareness month
- Detox plan
- Hayfever remedies
- Depo Provera
- Bloating
- Benefits of garlic
- Alcohol Calorie Tool
- Detox your life
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUponYou need the newest version of Macromedia Flash Player to view this feature. Download the Flash plug-in at http://www.macromedia.com.
Socialise with us
Bag a bargain on twitter with iVillageBargain
Download the iVillage UK toolbar
