Obesity is associated with numerous chronic conditions diseases. A healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and the regular practice of a physical activity, help to prevent weight gain and the many related complications.
Global and personalised management
N.B.! If you think you are overweight or want to lose weight, always consult a doctor before following a diet or taking medications.
Obesity requires a global and personalised management which must be continued in the long-term.
The approach to be adopted depends on:
- the degree of obesity
- the distribution of the fat (around the stomach, the liver or the heart)
- the age of the person
- genetic, hormonal and medicinal factors
- the presence of complications (high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, arthritis etc.).
Whatever the case, a change in one’s life style (balanced diet and physical activity) and psychological support are necessary to ensure the efficacy of the treatments.
Dietary and support treatments
The first treatment consists of combining a dietary changes, physical exercises and psychotherapy, a multidisciplinary approach which has been shown to be effective for overweight or moderately obese persons.
The efficacy of a dietary treatment depends on the psychological and medical support and on the environment in which it is carried out. Before following a diet, always consult your doctor.
DID YOU KNOW? The best treatment against obesity remains prevention! The process of losing weight is a very long one and to succeed in it you must first avoid gaining more.
Medicinal treatments
N.B.! Medicinal treatments against obesity should be taken only with great precaution. Medicinal products exist which reduce the absorption of fats, reduce appetite and increase the sensation of satiety. They should not be taken without the advice of a doctor. A change to one’s lifestyle (balanced diet and physical activity) and psychological support are necessary to ensure the efficacy of the treatments.
Surgical or instrumental treatments
Bariatric surgery is a last resort solution. It consist of limiting the absorption of foodstuffs:
- by decreasing the volume of the upper part of the digestive tract (gastric band).
- by limiting the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine (Bypass).
Bariatric surgery treatments are reserved for the more severe forms of obesity, persons with a BMI greater than 40 or who present serious complications.
A change to one’s lifestyle (balanced diet and physical activity) and psychological support are necessary to ensure the efficacy of the treatments.