According to CDC statistics, about 2 out of every 5 adults in the US meet the criteria for obesity. The rate in children and adolescents is soaring as well. Controversy exists as to whether obesity should be classified as a chronic disease. Yet, we know the medical complications can cause, including heart disease, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers. It has never been more important to cure the obesity epidemic.
Several years ago, bariatric surgery was considered the solution to the obesity crisis in our country. However, this was not available to everyone, just those with the right insurance coverage. Out-of-pocket costs for the gastric sleeve, for example, can range from $15,000-$25,000 putting it out of the price range for most patients without coverage for the procedure. We also know that bariatric surgery alone does not fix the problem. It requires life-long lifestyle management in conjunction to work. Physicians know that the weight loss attained with bariatrics is often lost in the long run when patients do not keep up with their healthy eating habits and exercise regimens.
Currently, semaglutides and tirzepatides are hailed as the cure to the obesity epidemic. While they are great medications to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and assist in weight loss, they are not the cure all for the obesity crisis we have in our country. Doctors have seen patients lose weight, sometimes remarkable amounts, on these medications. We have also seen many for which they are ineffective. The key here is that they are not magic pills. Weight loss is only going to happen if we eat right and exercise. Those patients who take these medications and start eating healthier stand to lose much weight. Those who don’t undertake these lifestyle modifications are likely to not see results.
Losing weight is not easy. It requires work and dedication. Medications can help these modalities but cannot replace them. They are great tools to have, especially in patients who also have diabetes. However, patients also need to do their part. A once weekly injection is not going to eliminate the obesity crisis.
What lifestyle interventions can help weight loss?
- A healthy diet. While it is easy to advise to eat better, what does that even mean? As a nation, we like food that is fast. Our lives are busy, and we often don’t have time to prepare our meals ourselves. Or when we do, we pop something frozen into the oven or microwave. These are all probably unhealthy choices. There are many “diets” out there, some good and some bad. Very low-calorie diets are not sustainable but reducing calories is achievable. Low carbs are better than no carbs and reducing cholesterol and fat intake is always a good idea.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. These fill us up more and they contain vitamins and minerals that we may not be getting from other sources. Most people don’t eat enough servings every day. Harvard Health tells us to aim for 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables of every day.
- Drink more water. Water fills us up and it is important to stay well-hydrated. Mild dehydration can make you feel tired and sluggish. It helps rid our bodies of toxins and keeps our joints cushioned. It helps keep our kidneys, skin and other organs healthy. According to the Mayo Clinic, men should drink approximately 15.5 cups of water every day whereas women should drink 11.5 cups.
- Avoid junk food. Most people like junk food. It is tasty and easy to eat. We should try to replace it with healthier snacks, such as protein bars. We need to learn our triggers for snacking: are we really hungry or just bored?
- Exercise. We should incorporate both aerobic and strength training into our exercise routines. The goal is 150 minutes per week. While many people say they don’t have time, this time can be broken down into smaller segments, such as exercising 15 minutes twice a day instead of 30 minutes at a time. Making small changes such as using the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away can help.
Medications can be added to help with weight loss but should never be the sole treatment modality. People can have great results with these but only when they use them as they were meant to be.
Photo Credit: Markus Winkler
