Obesity increases risks for numerous health problems, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is caused by an energy imbalance--consuming more calories than you burn through activity. Genetics, lifestyle, emotional and environmental factors may also contribute. A healthy, reduced calorie diet can lead toward improved weight and wellness and reduce your risk for obesity-related diseases. For best results, seek guidance from a qualified medical professional.
Function
A diet for an obese person functions in numerous ways. In addition to promoting healthy weight management, an appropriate diet can reduce your risk for diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, certain forms of cancer and heart disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, obesity treatments, such as a healthy diet, can also improve your overall quality of life.
Dietary Approaches
In order to lose weight, a caloric deficit is generally required, meaning you must consume fewer calories than you burn through physical activity. Various dietary approaches may help you achieve healthy weight loss. The Mayo Clinic suggests feeling fuller on fewer calories by consuming primarily foods rich in nutrients, yet low in calories, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A healthy weight food pyramid can serve as a visual guide for making healthy food choices and consuming proper amounts. An extremely low-calorie diet is generally temporary and involves liquid meals and doctor-supervised calorie restriction.
Optimum Foods
Diets suited for obese individuals generally encourage nutrient-rich foods, particularly those that encourage and support calorie reduction. The American Dietetic Association suggests a diet based on healthy foods that includes foods from all necessary nutrient groups, including vegetables, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and modest amounts of healthy fats. Choose primarily fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables, as they tend to provide the richest amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber and water. Optimum carbohydrates include whole grain breads, pastas, rice and cereals, and starchy vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and squash. Healthy protein sources include low-fat dairy products, legumes, skinless chicken and turkey breasts and fish. For healthy fats, select primarily plant-based sources, such as olive oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds and avocado.
Limited Foods
Although you can enjoy less-healthy foods on an occasional, moderate basis, limiting their intake can enhance your wellness and weight loss success. The American Dietetic Association suggests limiting foods rich in saturated and trans fats, including fatty red meat, whole milk, heavy cream, poultry skin, butter, margarine, shortening, potato chips and deep-fried foods. Foods rich in added sugar, such as cookies, cake, pastries, candy and sugar-containinng soft drinks may also dampen your weight loss efforts.
Suggestions
Obesity is a complex condition that often requires several forms of treatment. In addition to a reduced-calorie, nutritious diet, the Mayo Clinic suggests programs that address emotional and behavioral aspects of obesity. Since people's specific dietary needs vary, be sure to seek guidance and approval from your doctor or nutritionist. Avoid fad and gimmick-based diets, such as those that limit entire nutrient groups, promise rapid weight loss results or restrict calories to dangerous levels, which tend to fail in safety and effectiveness, according to the Weight-control Information Network. Healthy weight loss generally involves losing roughly one to two pounds of weight per week until you reach your desired weight range.
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