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Medical treatments for obesity

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Medicines to help with weight loss are an option in some cases. They may help, but they are not wonder-drugs, and you still need to eat less. Doctors are given guidelines on when to prescribe these medicines.
Counselling is sometimes useful, but may not be available in all areas. This may be done 'one-to-one', or in a group setting. The kind of topics discussed may include:

how to choose meals that are lower in fat and calories.
how to recognise and resist cues that may make you want to eat when you are not hungry.
tips on how to reduce the number and size of meals.
how to eat more slowly.
how to separate eating from other activities, such as eating in front of the TV.

Surgery is an option if you are very obese. Results are usually good.

Keeping the weight off

Many people lose weight but, at the end of the 'diet', the weight goes back on. To keep the weight off, it is vital that you have a permanent change in your attitudes and lifestyle. This usually means

keeping to a healthy diet.
exercising regularly, if possible.
possibly, a change for the whole household. It is difficult for one member of a household to shop and eat differently to the rest. It is best that the whole household eat a healthy diet.

It does not mean less enjoyment of food. However, it may take a while to learn to enjoy different foods, meals, and recipes.
Some people need more support to keep to a reduced weight than when they were actually dieting and losing weight. A local support group may be useful for this.
© EMIS and PIP 2005 Updated: July 2006 PRODIGY Validated

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