What are other options for losing weight besides surgery?
There are several effective approaches to weight loss that don't involve surgery. The most common first-line treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and professional support.
Lifestyle Changes
* Eating a lower-calorie, nutritious diet
* Increasing Show Full Answer
What are other options for losing weight besides surgery?
There are several effective approaches to weight loss that don't involve surgery. The most common first-line treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and professional support.
Lifestyle Changes:
* Eating a lower-calorie, nutritious diet
* Increasing physical activity and exercise
* Making small changes like replacing sugary drinks with water or swapping high-calorie snacks for fresh fruits and vegetables
Medications:
* GLP-1 receptor agonists (originally developed for diabetes)
* Appetite suppressants like phentermine
* Medications that limit fat absorption or help you feel full faster
These medications work best when combined with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Professional Support:
* Working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for meal planning
* Consulting with a physical therapist for exercise routines
* Joining commercial weight loss programs with group meetings or individual counseling
* Behavioral counseling
Research shows that combining behavioral counseling with medication often leads to better results than either approach alone. Even if your weight doesn't change dramatically, focusing on healthy eating and movement can improve your overall wellness and resolve some health issues.
A MyObesityTeam member shared: "One thing that really helped me in the beginning was writing down a reason I wanted to eat healthy every morning."
January 19