From the Guidelines
Being overweight or obese typically results from consuming more calories than your body uses over time, and to address weight concerns, focus on creating a modest calorie deficit through a balanced diet and regular exercise, as supported by the most recent evidence from 1 and 1. This caloric imbalance can occur due to various factors including:
- Genetic predisposition, which affects metabolism and fat storage
- Dietary habits, particularly consumption of high-calorie, processed foods and sugary beverages
- Insufficient physical activity
- Hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome
- Certain medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or steroids
- Poor sleep patterns
- Stress, which can trigger emotional eating
- Age-related metabolic slowdown As noted in 1, a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater is commonly used to define overweight, and a BMI of 30 or greater to define obesity, with lower thresholds for Asian populations. To achieve weight loss, comprehensive, evidence-based obesity treatment combines behavioral interventions, nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and metabolic/bariatric procedures as appropriate for individual patients, as recommended in 1. Aiming for 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, combining cardio and strength training, can help achieve a modest calorie deficit, as suggested in the example answer. It is also essential to consider consulting healthcare providers to rule out medical conditions or medication effects that might contribute to weight gain, as mentioned in 1 and 1. The most recent evidence from 1 and 1 supports the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise in achieving and maintaining weight loss, and reducing the risk of obesity-related comorbidities.
From the FDA Drug Label
Purpose Weight loss aid orlistat works by preventing the absorption of some of the fat you eat. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Potential Causes of Weight Gain
- Dietary habits: Consuming high-calorie foods and beverages can lead to weight gain 2
- Physical inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity can contribute to weight gain 2, 3
- Associated medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can increase the risk of weight gain 2
- Medications: Some medications, such as steroids, can cause weight gain as a side effect 2
Factors Contributing to Obesity
- Genetic predisposition: Family history can play a role in obesity 4
- Environmental factors: Socioeconomic status, education level, and access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities can influence weight 4
- Psychological factors: Stress, emotional eating, and lack of motivation can contribute to weight gain 4
Effective Management of Obesity
- Lifestyle interventions: Diet modification, physical activity, and behavior therapy are foundational to managing obesity 2, 3
- Caloric restriction: Reducing daily caloric intake is essential for achieving weight loss 2
- Sustained physical activity: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining weight loss 2
- Adjunctive therapies: Pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery may be necessary for patients who do not achieve targeted weight loss and health goals with lifestyle interventions 2, 5, 6