Medical Treatments
Obesity is a medical condition which requires comprehensive treatment for effective weight management. It is linked to various illnesses and health problems. Medical approach to weight management involves medications to decrease energy intake by decreasing appetite. A physician's treatment will be necessary if an individual's own effort to lost weight have failed or if the current medical condition disallows the patient to experiment with treatment options. Prescription medications will be apt with behavioral measures for changes in dietary habits. Medication and therapy is recommended for eating disorders.
Prescription Medications
Modest weight loss through prescription medications
can contribute to improved health. The most common medications
work by creating a fullness feeling or by fat absorption
blockage. Medicines like Phentermine
and Meridia are appetite suppressants, Orilstat
and Xenical are fat absorbers.
Phentermine increases the metabolic rate which helps extra calorie
‘burn'. The medication does not cause serotonin from neurons.
Clinical tests show no evidence of valvular heart disease
and when used in conjunction with a low calorie diet, exercise
and behavior modification individuals showed larger weight
loss. Prolonged use of the medication will slowly increase
the weight loss plateaus.
Supplements
Many of the supplements have not been studied in clinical trials, so the benefits, risks and health effects are not scientific. Over the counter products use hunger suppressing techniques which deals with fast weight loss. Some contain Ephreda which have been banned by the US Food and Drug Administration [FDA] due to its potential dangerous side effects. Laxative products cause body's potassium levels to drop paving way for heart or muscle problems. Taking vitamin supplements along with weight loss drugs will avoid hazards like malnutrition.
Comprehensive Treatment
Treatment combines lifestyle change, behavior modification, reduced calorie diet nutritional education, medication, exercise regimen and long-term maintenance support. A comprehensive medical examination is conducted before this treatment because obese people often have severe medical problems. A protein supplement, Optifast gives daily requirements of proteins, vitamins and minerals in 800 calories. It will change the normal pattern of attempting a comprehensive weight loss program and gaining weight once the treatment completes. Weekly evaluations are conducted to check weight loss. Weight loss is the first result of a successful weight loss management program. It is followed by behavioral therapies, diet restrictions and setting up long-term goals.
Options in Surgery
Criteria for patients planning a Surgery
- BMI of over 35 with obesity related complications like diabetes, cholesterol, sleep apnea or high blood pressure
- BMI of 40 or above without medical complications
- Unsuccessful treatment to weight loss
The Bariatric Surgery
- The stomach is stapled to reduce its capacity to 15ml or silastic ring is inserted to prevent stomach from stretching
- There are risks of infection, blockage of the outlet, blood clots, bleeding and nutritional deficiencies
- Successful surgery guides 40 to 50 percent weight loss
- Modified diet after the surgery to prevent vomiting and long-term side effects
