Obesity Treatment
Obesity is treated with a combination of dietary changes, habits, and increased physical activity, with possible support from medications and/or surgical procedures. Therapy is tailored to the individual's condition and lifestyle. It is important to support long-term changes to avoid regaining weight.
HOW DO OBESITY TREATMENT MEDICATIONS WORK?
Medications work in various ways such as reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and decreasing fat absorption from food. The use of these medications is usually combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity, as well as adhering to the advice of healthcare nutritionists and medicine. It is important to remember that these medications are only an aid in the treatment of obesity and will not alone bring about lasting lifestyle changes.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE DOCTOR IN TREATING OBESITY?
The doctor has several roles in the treatment of obesity:
- Conduct a detailed examination and determine the causes of obesity.
- Develop an individual treatment plan that includes dietary changes (in collaboration with a nutritionist), increased physical activity, and possibly the use of medications or surgical intervention.
- Continuously monitor the patient's progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
- Advise the patient on healthy eating and physical activity and support the patient in maintaining lasting changes.
- Identify and treat any associated health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
The doctor will work in collaboration with the patient and other professionals, such as nutritionists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and kinesiologists, to ensure that the patient receives the necessary support on their journey to health.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NUTRITIONIST IN TREATING OBESITY?
The role of the nutritionist in treating obesity does not end with creating a menu that the patient should follow, but also serves as a support in optimizing the patient's relationship with food. The nutritionist is available as support and adviser in any dietary concerns the patient may have.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PSYCHOLOGIST IN TREATING OBESITY?
The psychologist plays a significant role in treating obesity, as they can help the patient understand various psychological causes of obesity, such as emotional stress, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other factors. Psychologists can also assist patients in developing strategies to cope with the psychological causes of obesity, such as avoiding emotional eating, improving self-confidence and self-esteem, managing stress and anxiety, and changing dietary and physical activity habits.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST/KINESITHERAPIST IN TREATING OBESITY?
Depending on the physical and temporal capabilities and desires of the patient, their physical activity is optimized, assisted by either a physiotherapist or kinesiotherapist depending on the activities being conducted.
