|
There are a number of weight loss programs that exist these days. You may have tried several of these programs yourself. Most of the medically supervised or comprehensive weight loss programs will incorporate diet, behavior modification and exercise. Some use very low calorie diet (VLCD) and/or over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Unfortunately, even the most effective interventions have proven to be effective for only a small percentage of patients. It is estimated that less than five percent of individuals who participate in non-surgical weight loss programs will lose a significant amount of weight and maintain that loss for a long period of time.
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 90 percent of all people in these programs regain their weight within one year. Sustained weight loss for patients who are morbidly obese is even harder to achieve. Serious health risks have been identified for people who move from diet to diet, subjecting their bodies to a severe and continuing cycle of weight loss and gain known as "yo-yo dieting."
Diet
There are literally hundreds of diets available. Moving from diet to diet in a cycle of weight gain and loss – yo-yo dieting – stresses the heart, kidneys and other organs. This also can be a health risk.
Doctors who prescribe and supervise diets for their patients usually create a customized program with the goal of greatly restricting calorie intake while maintaining nutrition.
These diets fall into two basic categories:
- Low Calorie Diets (LCDs) are individually planned so that the patient takes in 500 to 1,000 fewer calories a day than he or she burns.
- Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) typically limit caloric intake to 400 to 800 a day and feature high-protein, low-fat liquids.
Many patients on VCLDs lose significant amounts of weight. However, after returning to a normal diet, most regain the lost weight in under a year. Ninety percent of people participating in all diet programs will regain the weight they’ve lost within two years.
Behavior Modification
Behavior modification uses therapy to help patients change their eating and exercise habits. Like low-calorie diets, behavior modification for most patients, results in short-term success that tends to diminish after the first year.
If diet and behavior modifications have failed you and surgery is your next option, it is important to understand that diet and behavior modification will be instrumental to keeping the weight off after your surgery. The surgery itself is only a tool to get your body started losing weight. Complying with diet and behavior modifications required by most surgeons will play a big part in determining your ultimate success.
Exercise
Starting an exercise program can be intimidating for someone suffering from morbid obesity. Your health condition may make any level of physical exertion next to impossible. The benefits of exercise are clear, and there are simple ways to get started.
Physical activity can:
- Result in modest weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.
- Increase cardiovascular fitness, even when there is no weight loss.
- Help maintain weight loss.
New theories focusing on the weight range in which your body is programmed to weigh and will fight to maintain that weight highlight the importance of exercise. When you reduce the number of calories you take in, the body simply reacts by slowing metabolism to burn fewer calories. Daily physical activity can help speed up your metabolism, effectively bringing your set point down to a lower natural weight. So when following a diet to attempt to lose weight, exercise increases your chances of long-term success.
To get you started:
- Park at the far end of parking lots and walk.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Cut down on television.
- Swim or participate in low-impact water aerobics.
- Ride an exercise bike.
Other tips for success:
- Start out slowly and build up.
- Rely on your doctor for advice.
- Join a support group for encouragement.
For those interested in beginning an exercise regimen, the TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion provides a variety of opportunities for physical, mental and emotional well-being delivered by caring professionals in a clean, service-oriented environment. To schedule a personal tour of the TriHealth Pavilion, located at I-71 and Pfeiffer Road, call (513) 985-0900 ext. 112.
If exercise has failed you in the past and surgery is your next option, it is important to understand that the surgery itself is only a tool to get your body started losing weight. Exercise will be instrumental to keeping the weight off after your surgery.
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs
New over-the-counter and prescription weight loss medications are introduced often, and some people have found them effective in helping to curb their appetite. However, the results of most studies show that patients on drug therapy lose around 10 percent of their excess weight and that the weight loss plateaus after six to eight months. As patients stop taking the medication, weight gain usually occurs. Additionally, weight loss drugs can have serious side effects. Be sure to consult your physician before using any weight loss drug.
|
