Obesity is a chronic condition, with a complex range of causes, that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, combining lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and sometimes surgery can lead to long-term success.
The goal of obesity treatment isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about improving overall health and well-being. Whether you’re managing obesity through diet and exercise or considering bariatric surgery, understanding your options is key.
Lifestyle Changes: The First Line of Treatment
For most people, the first step in treating obesity is making changes to diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the lifestyle interventions that can be considered to manage obesity:
- Dietary changes: Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. It’s not about drastic diets, but instead it is about adopting sustainable eating habits that nourish your body.
- Physical activity: Moving your body plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Incorporating strength training is also important for preserving muscle mass.
- Sleep hygiene: Sleep plays a significant role in regulating hunger hormones. Improving sleep quality can help control appetite and support weight management. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, reduce screen time before bed, and create a restful sleeping environment.
- Mental health: Emotional eating and stress can significantly impact weight. Addressing mental health through therapy or stress management techniques can help break the cycle of overeating and support long-term weight loss.
Medical Treatments: When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Enough
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage obesity alongside lifestyle changes. Here are some common options:
- Appetite suppressants: These drugs reduce hunger, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet.
- Fat absorption blockers: These prevent the body from absorbing all the fat from food, lowering your calorie absorption.
- GLP-1 agonists: These newer medications mimic hormones that regulate hunger and blood sugar, promoting weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Medications are not a cure for obesity, but they can be useful for people who need extra support in managing their weight.
Bariatric Surgery: A Powerful Tool for Severe Obesity
Bariatric surgery is often recommended for individuals for whom their weight significantly impacts their health, and where other treatments have not sufficiently helped to manage their condition.
Surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach and altering the digestive process, limiting calorie intake and nutrient absorption.
The most common types of bariatric surgery include:
- Gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Adjustable gastric banding
However, bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix—it requires lifelong changes, including dietary adjustments, physical activity, and regular follow-up appointments.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Are you diagnosed with obesity and exploring options for managing your weight, and you’re wondering if bariatric surgery might be a step forward, we’re here to help. Our upcoming Nourished Bariatrics course offers everything you need to know about the surgery process and can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Join the waiting list today to learn more and take the time to make a decision that feels right for you.
