This depends on your height and your overall health.
Doctors use a special measure called "body mass index," or "BMI," to help understand a person's weight. Your weight and height are used to calculate your BMI (figure 1). Based on this number, you fall into 1 of the following categories: rephrase
Your doctor will often want to calculate your BMI at your medical appointments. But it's important to remember that your weight and BMI are just 1 piece of your overall health. Someone with a lower BMI might not be healthy overall, and someone with a higher BMI can still be healthy.
Obesity heightens the likelihood of various health complications and can impede mobility, breathing, and other daily activities that are easier for individuals at a healthy weight.Those with obesity face increased risks of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and numerous other health issues. Additionally, individuals with obesity tend to have shorter lifespans compared to those with a healthy weight. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight range is crucial for overall well-being.
If you're considering weight loss, consulting your doctor is a helpful initial step. They can assist in devising a healthy weight loss plan tailored to your needs and provide guidance on caloric requirements for energy. Given that weight loss requires effort and can be challenging, having support is beneficial.
Effective weight loss plans promote a balanced perspective on eating and physical activity. With a well-designed plan, many individuals can achieve sustainable weight loss. This may involve reducing calorie intake, increasing calorie expenditure through exercise, or a combination of both approaches.
Diet – There is no specific diet plan that works for everyone. Many "trendy" weight loss programs can end up being more harmful than helpful. Any diet that reduces the number of calories you eat can help you lose weight, as long as you stick with it. You should try to find an eating pattern that works for you.
It can also help to work with a dietitian (food expert). They can help you make healthy changes to your diet while making sure that you get the nutrients your body needs.
Movement – Even gentle forms of exercise are good for your health. You can walk, dance, garden, or even just move your arms while sitting. For weight loss, the important thing is to increase the number of calories you burn by moving more.
Combining a healthy diet with regular physical activity can help you get the best results. This is important even if your doctor recommends treatment for weight loss.
Sometimes. Prescription weight loss medicines work by reducing your appetite or by changing the way you digest food. Your doctor might recommend medicine if you have not been able to lose weight in other ways and you
Have a BMI of 30 or greater, or
Have a BMI between 27 and 29.9 and also have weight-related medical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or knee osteoarthritis.
Doctors sometimes prescribe "incretin-based" medicines to help with weight loss. These include semagutide and tirzepatide. There are other medicines that can be used for weight loss, too.
Even if your doctor does prescribe medicine to help you lose weight, they will also still recommend making lifestyle changes. This can help improve your overall health. If you are interested in taking medicine to help you lose weight, talk with your doctor. They can help you understand your options.
Be careful about non-prescription ("over-the-counter") products advertised to help with weight loss:
Many herbal weight loss medicines do not work, and some are unsafe. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any herbal weight loss medicines.
Some weight loss medicines are sold over the internet. However, they can contain harmful ingredients and be unsafe.
Surgical procedures for weight loss work by making your stomach smaller. Some types of surgery also change the path that food takes through your digestive system. With these types, your body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients from food.Weight loss surgery is not an option for everyone. If you are thinking about surgery, your doctor can talk to you about your situation and options. They can also talk to you about the risks and benefits of surgery.
If your doctor suggests weight loss treatment, ask these questions:
How much weight can I anticipate losing and how long will it take with the chosen treatment? The timeframe and amount of weight loss vary depending on the treatment. Some weight loss medications may yield results relatively quickly, typically within a few months. Conversely, the extent of weight loss and duration after surgery will depend on the specific procedure undergone.
What are the potential risks associated with the treatment for someone in my situation? Weight loss medications may entail side effects, while weight loss surgeries can carry risks such as infection, bleeding, the need for additional surgeries, and even mortality. To mitigate these risks with surgery, it's essential to ensure your surgeon is highly experienced and that treatment is conducted at a certified "Center of Excellence."
What dietary and lifestyle changes will be necessary? Weight loss treatments are not standalone solutions and necessitate changes in eating habits and physical activity levels. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and lifestyle modifications are crucial for success. In some cases, individuals may need to demonstrate weight loss through diet and exercise before qualifying for surgery. Collaborating with a dietitian can be beneficial in navigating these changes.
Will my ability to digest food be affected? Certain weight loss surgeries may impact nutrient absorption, requiring individuals to take vitamin and mineral supplements indefinitely to ensure adequate nutrition.