Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, may not be an option for some overweight people whose health complications are severe enough to make weight loss mandatory and imperative. Some overweight people would prefer a surgical option for weight loss but don't have the insurance coverage to pay for it. Others are not so comfortable with the idea of surgery and would rather take an alternative route to weight loss. There are other medical options available for weight loss that don't involve any surgically invasive procedures.
Very low-calorie diet programs
Many medical facilities offer some sort of very low-calorie diet plan that involves replacing solid food with liquid meals. This method offers many benefits, including rapid weight loss and significant improvement on medical problems such as diabetes, high-blood pressure and cholesterol. An intense health assessment is taken to determine if the patient is healthy enough to withstand the program. If so, the patient's eating habits and exercise regimen are monitored very closely every week.
Weight management classes
Weight management classes taught by registered dietitians along with physiologists are also available at most health care centers. Patients are educated on nutrition and how it affects the body, influencing them to make better eating choices and to exercise regularly. Also, psychological and behavioral patterns are examined to determine the mental impediments that block weight loss.
Weight loss medication
For those who are seriously obese and find for some reason their weight loss efforts are unproductive, doctors may prescribe weight loss medication. Medication, however, does not replace dieting or exercise. Weight loss medication only enhances the results of a healthier lifestyle, which your doctor will explain and emphasize.
Individual nutrition counseling
This option is for obese people who aren't sold on the idea of surgical weight loss but would rather have a more personalized or one-on-one approach to nutrition and exercise training that is specifically tailored to their needs.
Weight Watchers
A lot of medical facilities frequently refer obese patients to a local Weight Watchers location. This is because the Weight Watchers program is reputable, as well as sensible and easy to manage on your own time. Weight Watchers members are equipped with a food guide that allocates a certain number of points to food items, including some restaurant and fast food items. The idea is to stay under a certain number of points eaten per day. There are also monthly Weight Watchers meetings where members can weigh in and share their weight loss troubles and successes.
