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* Success measured as a loss of 10 percent of initial body weight.
** Weight loss is not maintained once treatment ends.
*** Success measured as a loss of 50 percent of excess body weight
(equivalent to loss of approximately 20 to 25 percent of initial body weight).
The above chart compares the long-term effectiveness of three different obesity treatments: diet and exercise, weight loss medications, and bariatric surgery.
· Bariatric surgery has the best weight loss outcome compared to the other two treatments—50 to 70 percent of people were able to lose at least 50 percent of the excess weight and keep it off for five years.
· After five years, only 2 to 5 percent of the people who dieted and exercised had maintained a weight loss of at least 10 percent.
· People who had taken weight loss medications were not able to maintain any weight loss.
Bariatric Surgery:
There are several different bariatric surgery procedures, but the two general ways in which they work are restriction and malabsorption:
· Restriction limits the amount of food you can eat. Whether it is a gastric banding device around the stomach or a surgically-created, smaller stomach pouch, restriction ensures that the patient feels satisfied with less food.
· Malabsorption limits the number of calories and nutrients your body can absorb. During malabsorptive procedures, the surgeon reroutes the small intestine so that fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed.
Commonly performed bariatric procedures include:
4. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
Diet :
To lose weight, your body must burn more calories than you eat and/or drink. A diet plan should be based on your health and lifestyle needs, and would include reducing the number of calories you take in. If you are considering this option, speak with your primary care physician about nutritional guidelines, and keep in mind that many bariatric programs also offer medically supervised weight loss programs.
Exercise:
Frequent and regular physical activity is beneficial to most anyone—whether they are pre- or postsurgery. Generally, an exercise program includes cardiovascular exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling, strength training using resistance bands, weights, or machines, and stretching. Speak with your primary care physician before beginning any physical activity.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications:
Prescription weight loss medications may be considered a supplement to diet and exercise. Only a healthcare professional can prescribe these weight loss medications.
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