From the Guidelines
To safely lose weight if you are severely obese, it is crucial to start by consulting with a healthcare provider who can assess your specific situation and create a personalized plan, focusing on a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral modifications, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. When considering weight loss, it's essential to prioritize a balanced approach that includes dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral modifications.
- The goal should be to lose 1-2 pounds per week, which is a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss.
- Dietary changes should focus on reducing calorie intake by 500-1000 calories per day, with an emphasis on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats.
- Physical activity should be started gradually, perhaps with 10-minute walking sessions, and built up to 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
- Medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), or Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate) may be recommended by your doctor to support your efforts, typically used alongside lifestyle changes, as noted in the study 1.
- For those with BMI over 40 or over 35 with obesity-related conditions, bariatric surgery options like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy might be considered, as these procedures can produce substantial weight loss, according to the study 1. Regular monitoring of your progress with healthcare providers is essential, as is addressing psychological aspects through counseling or support groups, to ensure a comprehensive approach to weight loss, as highlighted in the study 1.
- Gradual, sustainable changes work better than extreme diets because they allow your body to adjust while preserving muscle mass and minimizing metabolic slowdown, leading to more lasting results. It's also important to note that the effectiveness of interventions for weight loss may vary among different populations, and therefore, a personalized approach is necessary, as suggested by the study 1.
- The use of antiobesity medications, such as tirzepatide, which has been shown to have a significant effect on weight loss, with a mean weight loss of 21% at 72 weeks, as reported in the study 1, should be considered in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. Overall, a comprehensive and personalized approach to weight loss, incorporating dietary changes, physical activity, behavioral modifications, and potentially medications or surgery, is the most effective way to achieve and maintain significant weight loss, as supported by the most recent and highest quality evidence 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use for weight loss in overweight adults, 18 years and older, when used along with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet Directions read the enclosed brochure for other important information diet and exercise are the starting points for any weight loss program. Try these first before adding orlistat. use with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program until you reach your weight loss goal
To safely lose weight if you are severely obese, diet and exercise are the starting points for any weight loss program. You should try these first before considering any medication like orlistat. It's also important to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Additionally, you should use orlistat with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program until you reach your weight loss goal.
- Key points to consider:
From the Research
Safe Weight Loss for Severely Obese Individuals
To safely lose weight if you are severely obese, consider the following options:
- Consult a healthcare provider to discuss the best course of action for your specific situation 3, 4, 5
- Adopt a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity, which can be augmented with medication for chronic weight management 3, 4, 5
- Medications such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and orlistat have been shown to produce significant weight loss in clinical trials 3, 4, 6, 5, 7
Medication Options
Some medication options for weight loss include:
- Semaglutide, which has been shown to produce an average of 15% weight loss at 1 year 3
- Liraglutide, which reduces food consumption, promotes weight reduction, and improves metabolic functions 4, 5
- Orlistat, which prevents the absorption of about one-third of ingested fat and can be useful for patients who are no longer losing weight after gastric banding surgery 6, 7
Importance of Healthcare Provider Guidance
It is essential to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best weight loss strategy for your individual needs and health status 3, 4, 5