Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or higher, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity is associated with various medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease. For an obese person, losing weight may seem very difficult. There are options available, however, to help obese people to lose weight and decrease the risk of these health conditions.
Lifestyle Changes
Getting active and eating a healthy diet are key components to losing weight if you are obese -- even if you use one of the other weight loss methods. In some cases, you may be able to work with your doctor or a nutritionist to determine the most appropriate diet, which may include a full- or partial-liquid diet. Working up to exercising for 60 to 90 minutes daily can also help you lose weight. Water aerobics, walking and swimming are good options for most obese people.
Medications
Prescription medications may help you to lose weight, depending on your medical history. Orlistat, sibutramine, phentermine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine and mazindol are some of the prescription medications available. One of these, orlistat, is also available over-the-counter in a reduced strength version. Other over-the-counter weight loss pills aren't approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may be unsafe, notes MayoClinic.com.
Surgery
If your body mass index, or BMI, is 40 or more and you are otherwise healthy or if your BMI is 35 or more and you have an obesity related condition, you may be a candidate for bariatric weight loss surgery, noted Weight-Control Information Network. Gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and gastric banding are the possible surgeries. These are used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.
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