“What treatments are effective for obesity?”
My daughter is obese. What treatments are effective for obesity?
3 Answers
There are not many treatments that can effectively help someone lose weight and keep it off. There are some "newer" options called GLP-1 agonists (i.e. Ozempic, also known as semaglutide). This has become very popular, but I don't believe we are where we need to be with this "recipe." There are a lot of side effects and studies have shown us that some might be permanent. We also are guided to only use the name brand of this drug class and that is over $1,000 a month.
I am still in support of the medications that came out over 60 years ago (diethylpropion, for example), and that particular class has had many years to show it's benefit and very limited side effects. There are doctors who specialize in treating with this class of medications, and you can find one near you on: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Treating our obesity is a life-long commitment. Very few, if any, can lose their weight and then abandon everything they used to get there and maintain. However, though it does take commitment, and the right doctor helping, I rarely see someone who doesn't achieve success. The greatest feeling in all the world is "if I feel good physically, and feel good about myself." Those are the days we can handle what life throws at us. If we don't feel good or don't feel good about ourselves that is when everything is glass half empty. That is the natural human response. I know that I am no different as I battle with weight.
So, medications that have a proven track record of safety and success to help the body's ability to burn energy (fat cells) and control appetite, a plan of good nutrition of bringing in foods high in protein and low in carbs, and exercise/activity that increases naturally as percent body fat decreases; this is the recipe.
Good luck as you both set out to accomplish your goals.
I am still in support of the medications that came out over 60 years ago (diethylpropion, for example), and that particular class has had many years to show it's benefit and very limited side effects. There are doctors who specialize in treating with this class of medications, and you can find one near you on: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Treating our obesity is a life-long commitment. Very few, if any, can lose their weight and then abandon everything they used to get there and maintain. However, though it does take commitment, and the right doctor helping, I rarely see someone who doesn't achieve success. The greatest feeling in all the world is "if I feel good physically, and feel good about myself." Those are the days we can handle what life throws at us. If we don't feel good or don't feel good about ourselves that is when everything is glass half empty. That is the natural human response. I know that I am no different as I battle with weight.
So, medications that have a proven track record of safety and success to help the body's ability to burn energy (fat cells) and control appetite, a plan of good nutrition of bringing in foods high in protein and low in carbs, and exercise/activity that increases naturally as percent body fat decreases; this is the recipe.
Good luck as you both set out to accomplish your goals.
Increase fruits and vegetables and water. Less carbs, processed foods, candy, sweets and sweet drinks.. More exercise like walking, running and swimming.
An evaluation by a physician is best start to determine the cause and if there are underlying conditions. Evaluation of age, sex (because female hormones can effect health, female organs can have abnormalities, and possibility of pregnancy being female if sexually active), blood sugar, BMP (basic metabolic panel) for kidney, liver, and basic metabolism functions. If all tests are normal, then healthy nutritional dense foods, with low sweets foods and a good exercise program. Lifestyle changes are better than looking at a short term going on a diet because healthy lifestyle changes are just as it sounds and is most beneficial for optimal health.
