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Striae in the popliteal fossa Different types of weight gain Lipocytes (fat cells) Roux-en-Y stomach surgery for weight loss Obesity and health Adjustable gastric banding Vertical banded gastroplasty Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Overview Treatment

Obesity

Alternative Names:

Fat - obese; Overweight

Home Care:

See intentional weight loss.

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To help prevent an increase in weight:

• Avoid the following:
  • excess alcohol consumption.
  • stress
  • depression
  • boredom and frustration
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle by increasing your activity level:
  • Perform aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week
  • Increase physical activity in general by walking rather than driving.
  • Climb stairs rather than using an elevator or escalator.
• Reduce consumption of food that is high in fat and sugar.

For additional help in losing weight:

• Join a support group (see eating disorders - support group). Many people find it easier to follow a reduction diet and exercise program if they join a group of people with similar problems.
• Avoid over-the-counter drugs that claim to aid in weight loss -- most are ineffective, and some can be dangerous.

Also, be sure to set realistic goals for weight reduction. A loss of 1 to 2.5 pounds a week may seem slow, but losing weight too fast often does not work. Weight lost quickly is usually regained quickly.

Call your health care provider if:

• You are unable to lose weight on your own.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting obesity in detail may include:

• Time pattern
  • Has there always (or since childhood) been a tendency to be heavy?
  • Has the person been slender until recently, and then begun to gain weight?
• Eating habits
  • Has diet changed recently?
  • Have eating habits changed?
  • What percent of the daily calories are from fat?
  • How many meals are eaten in a day? What type?
  • How many snacks? What type?
• Exercise habits
  • Has activity level changed?
  • Has there been a decrease in daily activity?
• Other factors
  • Is there an increase in emotional stress?
  • Have you increased your alcohol consumption?
  • What other symptoms are occurring at the same time?

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