People who are considerably overweight or obese may not respond well to common diet and weight-loss programs. The Women's Health website recommends making better food choices, changing your lifestyle and being more physically active as the main ways to lose weight. Unfortunately, that's not always enough. A well-organized program is sometimes necessary in order to help you lose weight.
Medifast
Medifast is a medical diet recommended for very heavy people and those who need to lose a significant amount of weight quickly. Medifast can be followed by eating pre-packaged meals, bars and canned drinks or choosing to make your own meals, which must be high in proteins and low in carbohydrates. The best known program of Medifast is the "5 and 1 Plan," which consists of drinking five cans of meal replacement shakes and then consuming a single light dinner of protein and vegetables. Some Medifast products are available at pharmacies and health food stores, while others can only be obtained through your doctor's office.
Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD)
Very low-calorie diets, also known as VLCD, consist of liquid commercial formulas that are meant to cause rapid weight loss. It is also possible to design a very low-calorie diet using only protein and vegetables rather than liquid meals. VLCDs are only available through doctors and only recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. It can also be used on people who are overweight and suffer from a medical condition that's been worsened by the extra weight. VLCDs provide only about 800 calories per day and can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea and gallstones, according to the Weight Control Information Network.
Medication
People who are obese and at severe risk for or already suffering from health issues are often prescribed weight-loss medication. These drugs are used under strict supervision by a doctor and used along with a specific diet and exercise plan. These plans are modified on a personal basis and take into consideration the health, weight and overall condition of the patient.
Weight-loss programs for very heavy or obese people include one of two medications: Sibutramine or Orlistat, both of which have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Sibutramine, sold under the brand name Meridia, works by suppressing appetite. Orlistat, sold under the brand name Xenical, prevents your body from absorbing the fat you consume.
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