Obesity Treatment: An Overview of Modern Methods

The treatment of obesity is a complex of procedures aimed at improving metabolism and correcting body weight, since excessive weight undoubtedly has a negative effect on the duration and quality of life of the patient.

Treatment of obesity includes a set of different procedures. To begin with, you should increase physical activity, adhere to a healthy diet, switch to a low-calorie diet. Absolute fasting is practiced strictly under stationary conditions, under the supervision of a physician.

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Treatment of obesity through diet

The fundamental principle of treating obesity, regardless of its origin - a sharp decline in the consumption of high-calorie foods. All other methods, including the use of medication, perform an auxiliary function. Diet in each case is selected individually by a dietitian, depending on the degree of obesity, body build, sex, physical activity and other factors, based on the needs of the body.

The diet should be balanced. It is recommended to limit the intake of carbohydrates and increase the amount of protein consumed. Prolonged consumption of low-protein foods can provoke abnormalities in the functioning of the liver, cardiovascular system and other organs. Food should be frequent and fractional (from five to six times a day). A prerequisite for a therapeutic diet is the exclusion from the diet of salt, sweets, baked goods, spices, spices, smoked foods, alcohol.

In the treatment of obesity, in order to improve metabolic processes, cold therapy is practiced-douche, contrast baths, etc. Thermal procedures are also used in the absence of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Treatment of obesity with drugs

To reduce appetite, the complex treatment of obesity presupposes the appointment of anorexigene drugs that suppress the feeling of hunger - mazindol, desopimon, fenfluramine, fepranon. Such drugs as desopimon, fepranone and mazindol can cause side effects, manifested as irritability, sleep disorders, increased blood pressure. With prolonged use of these drugs, addiction and dependence can develop, these drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor. Fenfluramine, in contrast to previous drugs, on the contrary, has a sedative effect. In the initial stage of treatment, it is possible to use diuretics (agents that accelerate the excretion of water and salts), as well as herbal preparations.

Today, the treatment of obesity is often carried out by placing an intragastric balloon in the stomach, which helps to reduce the amount of food consumed and body weight.

Surgical treatment of obesity

Surgical treatment of obesity consists of the following methods:

• Vertical gastroplasty: a small round hole is made in the stomach slightly below the esophagus, resulting in a vertical small stomach containing a minimum amount of food (25-30 grams). As a consequence, when filling a small stomach, the patient quickly experiences a feeling of saturation, which in turn leads to weight loss. In order to improve the cosmetic effect after a certain time after gastroplasty, a patient can undergo liposuction.
• Gastric banding is a procedure similar to vertical gastroplasty. When bandaging a small part of the stomach is separated by a specially designed silicone bandage, pulling the stomach and dividing it into two halves. Under the skin is placed the apparatus, which makes it possible to regulate the circumference of the opening of a small part of the stomach and the amount of food supplied to it.
• Gastroshuntirovanie - a procedure in which the upper part of the stomach is completely isolated, forming a connection with the small intestine. After this procedure, the patient is significantly weakened by the need for food. In this case, foods with a high content of calories can provoke discomfort feelings: a feeling of weakness, nausea, tachycardia, etc. After this operation in the future should be on a regular basis to take drugs containing a complex of vitamins and minerals.
• Biliopancreatic shunting is a rather complicated operation, in which part of the stomach is removed and the small intestine is reconstructed in order to reduce the level of absorption of fatty foods.

Treatment of obesity is a rather lengthy process, requiring, in addition to drug treatment, the implementation of a set of various exercises and procedures. Since obesity can be a consequence of various causes - neurological, endocrinological, therapeutic - then first you should consult a therapist for a full examination and referral to a specialized specialist. Surgical intervention can be indicated in the presence of the third or fourth stage of the disease.