Learn from experts on the smartest, most effective ways to manage obesity in children and adults, including lifestyle changes, medications like Sibutramine and Orlistat, and focusing on diet to prevent it in the first place.
One of the Vitalo360 experts at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) stated that doctors should use the most effective methods when dealing with obesity problems in children and adults, to avoid these health complications and their health risks. He explicitly stated that other patients should have a customized treatment plan to suit each individual’s case.
It was also mentioned in the conference that the best way to lose weight is through diet, exercise, and changing habits, but these methods do not suit everyone. Therefore, people who suffer from obesity, have dangerous factors, and are at high risk of diseases should not be satisfied with traditional treatment methods. In these cases, adding medication is recommended.
There are different types of medications, and their approval depends on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, including: Sibutramine and Orlistat.
Sibutramine works by reducing appetite by increasing the action of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This medication should not be used by people who suffer from heart problems or high blood pressure. Also, this medication should not be given to people who are taking other medications for psychological disorders.
As for Orlistat, it works by reducing the absorption of fats in the intestines by up to 30% of the fats present in food. These types of medications have proven their success based on scientific studies.
According to studies, taking Sibutramine for a year can lead to a 5% weight loss of body weight in 34% of those who take this medication. Compared to that, Orlistat results are better, and it is good for cholesterol levels and contributes to controlling diabetes.
Regarding medication effectiveness, the American physician, Dr. Cournier, stated that doctors should only prescribe these medications in cases where the patient’s BMI is more than 27 (kg/m^2) and when the patient suffers from other diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition to that, doctors should make sure that the other medications that the patient is taking do not interact with these medications.
It is worth noting that modern medications available today, combined with two other medications, are considered to be the best way to treat obesity rather than treating its symptoms. This can be achieved through a healthy diet.
The main reason for obesity in the United States is the diet rich in sugar and processed carbohydrates. Therefore, the main way to prevent this phenomenon is by changing the diet. In addition to that, the focus should be on the glycemic index (GI), which is an indicator of the level of sugar in the blood. There are many types of foods with a high glycemic index, which leads to an increase in blood sugar levels after eating them. These foods cause obesity, and the person who follows this diet must avoid eating foods with a high glycemic index, which are foods that do not cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels.
