Best Weight Loss Solutions for the Obese

Weight loss solutions for the obese are discussed below.

Are You Obese?

First and foremost, those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. Meanwhile, anyone with a BMI that is 30 or higher is considered obese. However, not everyone with a BMI over 30 is necessarily obese. In fact, anyone who is muscular (such as athletes) may have a BMI over 30 but they don’t have excess body fat. So, to be obese, in addition to the BMI exceeding 30, the waist circumference is more than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women.

Why Should You Care?

Well, first of all, the obese are at risk of developing:

  • Arthritis
  • Cancers of the:
  • Breast
  • Cervix
  • Colon
  • Endometrium
  • Esophagus
  • Gall bladder
  • Kidney
  • Liver
  • Ovary
  • Pancreas
  • Prostate
  • Rectum
  • Uterus
  • Coronary heart disease
  • COVID-19 symptoms that are severe
  • Depression
  • Gallbladder disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Liver problems
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea and breathing problems
  • Social isolation
  • Strokes
  • Type 2 diabetes

What can You Do?

Build Muscles

Muscles are more metabolically active than fat. So, muscles burn more calories than fat. As a result, if your muscle content decreases while your fat content increases you will burn less calories. Consequently, start a program to strengthen and build your muscles.

Sleep Well

Research shows sleep deprivation causes weight gain. In fact, the research found that the sleep deprived not only ate more but they ate foods loaded with calories. This is because lack of sleep causes the hormone ghrelin to boost your appetite and the hormone leptin to suppress hunger. So, to avoid this situation, keep a schedule where you sleep about the same time and get up about the same time every day.

Eat Well

A diet for the obese may consist of:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Potatoes, whole grain rice, pasta
  • Fish, eggs, beans, some meat, other non-dairy proteins
  • Small portions of food and drinks with high fat and sugar
Work Out

Cardio work outs like walking, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and indoor equipment like treadmill, elliptical machines, or sitting cross trainers.

Strength training to build muscles. Start slow and very gradually work up to more heavier weights.

May be Meds

Finally, meds are available if none of the above help. However, you must consult with your physician before using any of these drugs.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approved Medicines

Bupropion-naltrexone or Contrave

Liraglutide or Saxenda

Phentermine-topiramate or Qsymia

Semaglutide or Wegovy

Benzphetamine, Diethylpropion, phendimetrazine

Orlistat or Xenical

FDA Approved Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Drugs

Alli is approved for use in adults 18 and older who have a BMI of 25 or more.

Other Meds