If you are obese, that means you have a body mass index of 30 or more. Body mass index is calculated using height to weight. Being obese increases your risk factors for multiple complications including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, metabolic syndrome and stroke. Achieving weight loss to reach a healthy weight is the best thing you can do for your health. People who are obese should approach weight loss slowly and carefully. Always consult a physician before beginning a new weight loss program.
Dietary Changes
Overcoming obesity often begins with dietary changes. Dietary changes can be difficult for some people, particularly if they incorporate dietary changes that are too quick or drastic. According to MayoClinic.com, it is best to aim at losing 1 to 2 lbs. per week by reducing caloric intake and eating healthier foods. This raises the likelihood that the weight loss will be permanent and not result in regaining weight.
Increased Activity
Increasing activity, whether it be by exercising or just being more active in daily activities, can help obese people lose weight. MayoClinic.com lists aerobic exercises such as walking, hiking, stair climbing and swimming among the best ways to boost weight loss. People who are overweight should get about 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise to prevent weight gain and to lose small amounts of weight. For more drastic weight loss, 250 to 300 minutes a week of moderate exercise may be more effective.
Medications
Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. One medication, called orlistat, helps boost weight loss by blocking fat absorption in the body. According to PubMed Health, orlistat is available in a prescription strength and an over-the-counter strength. Both grades of orlistat are intended to accompany a healthy diet and exercise program as opposed to replacing healthy diet and exercise.
Surgery
In extreme cases, weight loss surgery may be recommended to achieve drastic weight loss in people who are very obese. Weight loss surgery is typically reserved for people who have a body mass index of 40 or higher, or who have a body mass index of 35 but have obesity-related health conditions. Weight loss, or bariatric, surgery, is intended to be a last resort for people who have tried to lose weight in other ways prior to surgery. Weight loss surgery includes procedures such as gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery.
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