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
