The best way to treat obesity is to prevent it, not just treat its symptoms. This can be achieved through diet.
The best way to treat obesity is to avoid it altogether.
In a lecture at the annual conference of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the director of the obesity unit at Boston Children's Hospital stated that physicians must use more proactive methods to address excess weight in children and adults to prevent these conditions and their health complications. He also stated that, as with other diseases, a treatment plan should be developed that is tailored to each patient's individual needs.
He also mentioned at the conference that the best ways to lose weight are diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, but these methods are not suitable for everyone. Some obese individuals with risk factors and multiple health conditions do not respond adequately to conventional treatments. In such cases, medication may be recommended. There are currently two different types of medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss: sibutramine and orlistat.
Sibutramine reduces appetite by inhibiting the action of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This medication should not be used by people with heart problems or high blood pressure, and it is also contraindicated for those taking certain medications for mental health disorders.
Orlistat, on the other hand, reduces the absorption of fat in the intestines by up to 30% of the fat in food. Both medications have proven effective in scientific studies.
Taking sibutramine for one year resulted in a 5% weight loss in 34% of those who took it. In comparison, the results of taking orlistat were better, and it also improved cholesterol levels and helped control blood sugar. Despite the effectiveness of these medications, American physician Dr. Corner stated that doctors should only prescribe them if a person's BMI is over 27 kg/m² and if the patient suffers from other conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Furthermore, the doctor must ensure that the patient's other medications do not interact with these drugs.
Although many medications are currently under investigation, in addition to the two mentioned above, the best way to treat obesity is to prevent it rather than treat its symptoms. This can be achieved through dietary changes.
The primary cause of obesity in children and adults in the United States is a diet high in sugar and complex carbohydrates. Therefore, the main way to prevent this phenomenon from worsening lies in changing dietary habits. Additionally, another factor to consider is the glycemic index (GI), which indicates how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Certain foods have a high GI, leading to a significant increase in blood sugar after consumption. These foods cause excessive weight gain, and the effort put into dieting should include eating foods with a low glycemic index, i.e., foods that do not cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels.