Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Step-by-step treatment of obesity: assessment, lifestyle, medical care and follow-up.
Treatment of obesity combines lifestyle change with medical care. It is long-term and works best with support and no blame.
Step 1: assessment
A doctor checks BMI, waist, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid and liver tests, medicines, sleep and mood, to find causes and risks.
Step 2: set realistic goals
Aim for a 5 to 10 percent weight loss over 6 months, at a pace of about 0.5 to 1 kg a week. Even this improves health.
Step 3: lifestyle programme
Step 4: treat related conditions
Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, PCOS, sleep apnoea and joint problems.
Step 5: medicines when appropriate
Prescription medicines for selected adults, as part of the plan.
Step 6: surgery for severe obesity
Bariatric surgery for selected people after specialist assessment.
Step 7: maintenance
Keep the habits, follow up regularly, and expect ups and downs.
Where Ayurveda fits
Lifestyle ideas such as regular meals and daily movement may support the plan, but products claiming to burn fat should be avoided.
Remember
Be patient and kind to yourself. See a doctor before starting medicines or big changes. Emergencies call 112 or 102.
When to get help
See a doctor if you are gaining weight steadily, have a large waist or have symptoms such as breathlessness, snoring, joint pain or excessive thirst. Avoid crash diets, slimming teas and fat-burner products, and do not give herbs, supplements or weight-loss plans to children or teens without a paediatrician's advice. In an emergency call 112 or 102.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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