It's a lot easier to put weight on than to take it off. Severely overweight or obese individuals can lose weight, but should take steps to do so safely. Safe weight loss requires patience and determination. Talk to your doctor about weight loss and how you can set both short- and long-term goals to achieve a healthy weight. Most of all, be willing to learn new eating and lifestyle habits. Those wishing to lose weight have a number of options available to improve health and encourage weight loss.
Dieting
Be patient when starting a diet to lose weight. It more than likely took years to reach a stage where you're considered obese, so don't expect results overnight. Set attainable and realistic goals with the diet of your choice, suggests TeensHealth. Start off by removing one or two high-fat or high-calorie foods in your daily or weekly diet and replacing them with a fresh fruit or vegetable or other nutritious food. It's better to set goals in small, easy-to-manage increments than setting an unreasonable deadline for yourself. Talk to your doctor about sensible, well balanced and nutritious diet guidelines and aim for a 1- to 2-lb. loss in weight weekly.
Bariatric Surgery
A variety of bariatric surgical procedures can help you lose weight. Common weight loss surgeries include gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery. Gastric banding involves the placement of an elastic band around the upper portion of the stomach, which helps to restrict the amount of food you can eat before feeling full, says the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery. Gastric bypass surgery involves a type of stomach stapling. A smaller stomach pouch is created, and a portion of the small intestine is cut and attached to this smaller pouch, reducing the ability of the intestine to decrease the absorption of food, reduce intake of large amounts of food, and helps curb the appetite, promoting weight loss. Talk to your doctor about bariatric surgical procedures tailored to your needs.
Medications
People are considered obese if they're more than 20 to 25 percent over their maximum weight range based on height, according to Drugs.com. A number of medications may be prescribed to help such individuals lose weight. One of the most commonly prescribed weight loss drug is phentermine, sold under the brand name Adipex-P. Other weight loss medications include orlistat, sold over the counter as Alli. Central nervous system stimulants are designed to increase metabolism, but some are dangerous, especially if you have a weight-related medical condition. Always talk to your doctor about the use of weight loss supplements, diet pills or medications before using.
Exercise
Get out and exercise, suggests Medical News Today. Increase the amount and duration of exercise every day, even if you have to start small. Discuss an exercise routine with your doctor that will gradually increase your stamina, endurance and physical strength. Exercise burns calories. The harder and longer you exercise, the more calories you burn. However, start with mild and gentle exercises. For example, go for a walk around your house or block every day or start a stretching routine at home. The key is to start moving.
References
- TeensHealth: How Can I Lose Weight Safely?
- Mayo Clinic: Obesity -- Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Medical News Today: Shockingly Few Americans Engage In Vigorous Physical Activity
- Weight-Control Information Network: Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program
- HelpGuide.org: Easy Tips for Planning a Healthy Diet and Sticking to It
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