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Managing obesity is mostly about making lifestyle changes, which may be easier said than done. To maintain your weight, you must burn the same amount of calories you take in when you eat. To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you take in. While it’s true that your body burns calories just doing the normal metabolic functions that keep you alive, it burns many more calories when you are active. But your body is a very efficient engine, so it takes a lot more time and energy to burn calories than it does to take them in.
Talk to your doctor about a weight loss program that is right for you. You are more likely to successfully lose weight and keep it off if you participate in a program that includes a combination of strategies, like diet, exercise, counseling, and medicine. Your doctor can refer you to a a dietitian and an athletic trainer for more personalized help.
Recommendations for a healthy diet change periodically as research evolves—and fads come and go. For example, a 2008 study found that dieters had more success following the Mediterranean diet or the low-carb diet , compared to the low-fat diet . However, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health compared four types of diets that emphasized different nutrients (like a low-fat/low-carb/high-protein diet). Interestingly, dieters lost weight regardless of which diet they followed. The key to successful weight loss in this study was in reducing caloric intake and not in reducing certain nutrients (like carbs). Adhering to the diet is what mattered most.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has its own weight reduction recommendations. For people who are obese, NIH's recommends:
It's challenging to eat fewer calories, though, when the custom in the US is to be served large portions. Another team of researchers found that using special portion-control plates helped people who are obese and have type 2 diabetes lose weight and lower their diabetes medicines. If you are interested in buying a portion-control plate, you'll find a lot of information online. The product used in the study is called "The Diet Plate," which is made in England.
Your doctor and a dietician can help you create a safe and healthy diet that fits your lifestyle.
Exercise helps you to lose weight and keep the weight off after you've lost it. Participating in a regular exercise program can also reduce the risk of a number of health conditions, like high blood pressure , heart disease, and diabetes.
To be safe, check with your doctor before starting a program . You may also want to make an appointment with a certified athletic trainer , who can help you understand what elements of a fitness routine are most effective for you. There are three basic categories of exercise; each provides specific health benefits.
Regardless of your weight and health status, there is a program that will work for you. If you are interested in working with a trainer, you can find one at a local gym or through a referral from your doctor or a friend.
The growing prevalence of overweight children has become a serious health concern. In the US, an estimated 32% of children and young adults aged 2-19 are either overweight or obese. These children are more likely to have high cholesterol , high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes . There is also some evidence that being overweight or obese during late adolescence may shorten life expectancy as an adult.
If your child is struggling with a weight problem , what can you do? Just as with adults, kids benefit from making diet, exercise, and behavior changes. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) also recommends counseling for kids who are obese.
The National Institutes of Health offers some positive steps that you can take at home to help your child:
Another option is a weight-loss camp for your child. At camp, your child will have an opportunity to learn about fitness and nutrition in a fun environment. He may also lose some weight at the camp by exercising more and eating healthier food.
References
The benefits of exercise. The Exercise and Physical Fitness Page, Georgia State University website. Available at: http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfit/benefits.html . Updated November 2007. Accessed May 29, 2009.
Bravata DM, Smith-Spangler C, Sundaram V, et al. Using pedometers to increase physical activity and improve health. JAMA. 2007;298:2296-2304.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Washington, DC: US Department of Agriculture; 2005.
Gordon-Larsen P, Hou N, Sidney S, et al. Fifteen-year longitudinal trends in walking patterns and their impact on weight change. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89:19-26.
Kassel K. Strength training the missing link. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81 . Updated February 2008. Accessed May 29, 2009.
McCoy K. Weight guidelines for kids: is your child overweight? EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81 . Updated May 2009. Accessed May 29, 2009.
McDonald E. What can a personal trainer do for you? EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81 . Updated February 2008. Accessed May 29, 2009.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .
Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 1999.
Polsdorfer R. Obesity. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81 . Updated May 12, 2009. Accessed May 29, 2009.
Smith C. Exercise for chronic disease relief. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81 . Updated February 2008. Accessed May 29, 2009.
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Last reviewed November 2009 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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