Obesity Symptoms, Causes, Risks, Care, And Treatments

6. Therapy

Intensive behavioral therapy for obesity focuses on helping patients develop new habits to lose weight and keep it off. In this type of treatment, therapists work with patients to teach them new meal-planning techniques and strategies to monitor their food intake.

A therapist may ask the patient to complete a food diary for a few days. This diary helps the therapist to keep an accurate record of the foods that the patient consumes. The therapist will use this information to identify and address potential problems. Behavioral therapists can also teach patients how to cope with emotions and food cravings.

5. Physical Activity And Exercise

Physical activity is a powerful weapon in the fight against obesity. It has many benefits, one of which is improving quality of life. Several studies have found that exercise can help weight loss and eventually prevent weight gain.

Increasing physical activity can reduce the risk of obesity-related health conditions. People with obesity should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This can include walking, jogging, or using an elliptical machine.

4. Gastroplasty

Several surgical interventions have been developed for the management of obesity. These procedures aim to promote weight loss, as well as control the comorbid conditions associated with obesity.

Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that limits gastric capacity through suturing of the upper stomach into a 30 mL pouch. This pouch is connected to a small proximal duodenal outlet.

A liquid diet is initiated at least two weeks prior to the surgery, followed by a gradual resumption of the diet as soon as the patient can tolerate it. Aside from gastric bypass, sleeve gastroplasty is another surgical treatment for obesity.

3. Gastric Banding

Gastric banding is another surgical weight loss procedure. In the first few weeks after the operation, patients can consume liquids only. Solid foods are allowed in the next four to six weeks.

Gastric banding is used to restrict the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. Most patients lose up to 40 to 60 percent of their excess weight. However, the amount of weight loss is dependent on the person’s dietary habits. Compared to other complicated procedures, the risks associated with gastric banding are low.

2. Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is another surgical procedure that can treat obesity. It is an effective weight loss surgery, especially for morbidly obese patients.

A sleeve Gastrectomy is performed in a hospital, under general anesthesia. The patient will have to go on a post-surgical diet, which will hasten healing and avoid complications. This procedure helps people to lose up to 60% of their excess weight in two years.

1. Behavior Modification

Behavioral modification is a form of treatment that targets the causes of obesity and encourages obese patients to make changes to their lifestyles. It is a holistic approach that includes exercise, nutrition, stress management, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral support.

Behavior modification that’s developed through a program involves a series of sessions in which the patient is expected to maintain a certain level of physical activity, eat a particular diet, or complete certain behaviors.

These are obesity symptoms and treatments worth knowing.