The increase in weight of the average Westerner is considered by many a cause for some concern, and the US Food and Drug Administration developed a program in 2004 for tackling the issues and working towards healthier diets for all. Amongst their recommendations were greater provision of nutritional information and list of ingredients on food products, consistent programs of health education and further developments in weight loss treatment.
In most cases, an recommended weight loss program will involve a 10% reduction in body weight in the first instance. After the goal has been attained, the appropriateness of further weight loss will be assessed and a second stage of the weight loss program developed. Where an individual has begun a weight loss program while severely overweight, the likelihood of losing weight and maintaining a new, 'healthier' weight is great.
Diet therapy is known to be more effective than the old model of 'dieting', in terms of losing weight and maintaining this weight loss. Rather than a strictly planned diet, diet therapy usually consists of simply reducing the intake of calories. Calories which are consumed and not used up in subsequent exercise or activity will be stored in the body as fat; therefore, reducing the number of calories consumed results in less fat being stored, and more of the stored fat being utilised as energy.
Low impact exercise, such as walking and swimming, are recommended for seriously obese individuals, as heavy exercise can put excessive pressure on the heart and a program may be extremely difficult to maintain. Exercise such as weight training and calisthenics can decrease fatty tissue and increase the metabolism.
Behavioural therapy is an often underestimated element to a weight loss program, but can make the process much easier and even enjoyable! Simple changes in 'behaviour' include signing up for a weight loss support group or attending groups which aim to eliminate or 'cure' emotional problems which originally led to the weight gain. For some, this can include stress management or treatment for depression.
Where a combination of these therapies have failed to yield the required results after at least six months, doctors may recommend weight loss drugs such as Bontril. There are many of these available and a drug will be recommended based on the individual's personal circumstances and physical health. Most common, however, are drugs which reduce the appetite or decrease the absorption of fat. In some cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressants to increase the serotonin released into the brain, generating a feeling of 'fullness' and reducing the need to 'comfort eat'.