Medical Treatment Options For Obesity
Obesity is a growing problem in the US and around the world. Almost 42 percent of Americans are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With such a staggeringly high number, it's no surprise that finding an effective treatment for obesity is a priority. Fortunately, there are several medical options available to help those struggling with obesity achieve their weight loss goals. Here's a closer look at some of these treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
Making changes to your diet and exercise plan is the foundation of any successful weight loss program. Eating a healthy, well-balanced and getting regular exercise every day is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, many obese patients find that lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lose weight.
Prescription and Non-Prescription Medications
Depending on your health history and body composition, your doctor may recommend one or more medications to aid in weight loss. While these prescriptions can be effective in helping you lose weight, they often come with serious side effects that should be discussed with your doctor before starting treatment.
In addition to prescription medications, several non-prescription treatments are available over the counter or online. These treatments often contain natural ingredients like green tea extract and caffeine, which may help boost metabolism and suppress appetite. However, these medications are not regulated by the FDA, so it's important to do research and talk to your doctor before taking any non-prescription medication for obesity treatment.
Bariatric Surgery
For those who have been unable to achieve successful weight loss through lifestyle changes or medication alone, bariatric surgery may be an option. Bariatric surgery involves either reducing the size of the stomach (gastric bypass) or removing part of it (gastric sleeve), making it physically impossible for patients to consume large amounts of food at once. Bariatric surgery has proven effective in helping people lose significant amounts of weight quickly, but it also carries inherent risks, which must be discussed with your doctor beforehand.
It is important to keep in mind that while medical treatments can help those struggling with obesity to reach their goals quickly and effectively, they should always be used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and eating nutritious meals for long-term maintenance. Consulting a physician is essential for those wanting to explore medical treatment options further. Together, you can create a plan to help you reach your goal safely and effectively.
For more info, contact a company like Vitality Family Healthcare.
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