Building a healthy relationship with food and losing weight successfully is not an overnight occurrence but requires long-term behavioral change. Both overweight (BMI = 25 to 29.9) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30) are the cumulative outcomes of a chronic but often gradual weight increase.1 Progressive and modest weight loss (5%-10% of initial body weight) is the foundation of an enduring healthy diet program for obese patients2, despite the fact that many healthcare professionals may need reassurance that such modest results represent a real success.3
Some weight loss drugs work by suppressing or affecting an individual’s appetite, but this only temporarily halts overeating. Additionally, most appetite suppressants are CNS-active compounds with effects, such as hypertension and increased heart rate.1
In developing a healthy relationship with food, patients need to learn about their appetite, understand the difference between actual hunger and a desire to eat, the benefits of eating for health, as well as understanding the role of exercise.
Diet and exercise
A reduced-calorie, low-fat diet can help patients lose excess weight.
Exercise is recommended for its health benefits and to burn more calories, thereby aiding weight loss.1
Combining both a diet and exercise plan are the key principles for effective weight loss.
References
- National Institutes of Health. The practical guide: identification, evaluation and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf. Accessed November 8, 2006.
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Guide to behavior change: your weight is as important to us as it is to you. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/behavior.htm. Accessed December 20, 2006.
- Phelan et al. What do physicians recommend to their overweight and obese patients? J Am Board Fam med 2009; 22:115-122