Those who are interested in weight loss and obesity should consider the various ways in which they can lose weight and keep it off. There are a number of approaches that are available to them, including surgical procedures and various treatments. These procedures can help the patient shed the pounds, and the results are generally very positive.
Myths
Getting rid of your excess body fat can be difficult. Fortunately, there are some tried and true methods for accomplishing this goal. However, there are still many myths about weight loss and obesity that can be confusing. These misconceptions can be harmful to your mental health.
The old adage that a low-fat diet is best for losing weight doesn’t apply to everyone. Instead, you should opt for a healthy and balanced diet.
The best way to lose fat is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain healthy fats, which increase your metabolism and speed up the weight loss process.
Getting enough sleep is also a must. If you don’t get enough rest, you might feel hungry. Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and help you feel better overall.
Treatment options
Medications, lifestyle changes, and weight loss surgery are some of the most common treatment options for obesity. It is important to learn what options are available for you and how to get started.
The best way to know which obesity treatment will work for you is to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. The doctor may also review your diet and exercise habits. Depending on your situation, he or she may recommend one of these treatments.
The FDA has approved six medications for long-term treatment of obesity. These include orlistat, phentermine/topiramate ER, and bupropion/naltrexone. Other GLP-1 RAs are often prescribed off-label.
Some anti-obesity medicines are not covered by Medicare. This creates a gap in care for older adults. Fortunately, a number of advocacy groups are working on legislation to expand the coverage of obesity therapy options for Medicare beneficiaries.
Bariatric surgery
During bariatric surgery, the surgeon makes changes to the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. The procedure alters the structure of the intestines and also the hormones that control hunger and satiety.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdominal area. A surgical drain may also be placed. Patients will usually stay in the hospital for about three to five days.
Before surgery, the doctor will do laboratory tests to ensure that the patient is healthy enough for the procedure. He or she will also evaluate the health of the heart and the GI tract. If the test results are positive, the patient will be cleared for the surgery.
The surgical team will provide patients with a medically monitored diet. Initially, patients will be on a liquid diet, which includes diluted fruit juices, gelatin desserts, and clear broth. Eventually, solid foods will be introduced. These can be consumed in small servings, but the patient should stick to the limited amount of servings allowed.
Meal patterns
Several studies have explored the relationship between meal patterns and weight loss. Meal patterns include the number and frequency of meals, as well as the temporal distribution of eating events.
The “Western” style of eating pattern includes red meat, processed meat, potatoes, and sugary drinks. It has been linked to heart disease and diabetes. A recent study suggests that the ‘Western’ style may contribute to the obesity epidemic.
Some studies have found that the number of meals consumed during a day is inversely related to the risk of overweight. This is also true for the number of calories consumed.
Similarly, the consumption of a mid-morning snack was associated with a reduced risk of central obesity. This may be attributed to the consumption of adequate energy during this time.
Microbiome
Several studies have shown that changes in gut microbiota may be associated with changes in body weight. However, this correlation has yet to be established, and more research is needed to understand the cause-and-effect relationship.
The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the metabolism of dietary fat and energy homeostasis. Its metabolic activities facilitate the extraction of calories from ingested dietary substances and allow the storage of these calories in the host’s adipose tissue.
The human gut microbiome is a large complex of trillions of bacteria. The majority of these bacteria are Firmicutes, which are found in more than 250 genera. These bacteria have diverse metabolic capabilities and may contribute to more efficient energy extraction.
Studies have shown that the gut microbiome is not the primary contributor to overweight and obesity, but it may play an important role in the process. The gut microbiome and weight loss are closely related.