Obesity is defined as having an abnormal increase of body fat which is also called adipose tissue mass. An obese person is 20 percent or more above desirable weight. In the last decade obesity has been on the rise in both women and men.

Scale weight is a total measure of bone, muscle, fluid, organs, and fat. Weight measurements reflected by the bathroom scale or compared to standard height and weight tables does not allow for weight changes which occur due to aging, exercise, or frame size. Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on body composition and healthy lifestyles with less on body weight alone.

As much as 50 to 75 percent of obesity has genetic influences. Just what those genetic influences are that affect body weight have not been identified.

Many people are tempted by ads that use celebrities to tout liquid fasting diets for weight loss. Ads claim quick and easy weight loss with use of such products. Very obese patients may be referred to these types of diets. Their diets are carefully supervised by their healthcare provider.

Fasting diets for weight loss may be right for obese persons who have serious weight-related medical problems. Rapid weight loss is the primary advantage of using these diets. This may be helpful in motivating the individual to continue with the program. This may help to support lifestyle changes which are needed for continued weight loss.

To achieve lasting weight loss, commitment must be given to making real changes in eating patterns. Individuals are who not committed will gain back their weight.

Binge eating is like bulimia, but does not include purging behaviors. A diagnosis of binge-eating disorder is made when a person binges an average of two days per week over a six month period.

Binge eating can be difficult to control because many people turn to food as a way of dealing with their feelings. Keeping a food diary can be beneficial in identifying specifically what feelings are likely to trigger binge eating as well as what types of foods are consumed during a binge. Strategies can then be employed to reduce the urge to binge when the impulse strikes.

Appetite suppressant medications help weight loss by diminishing appetite or increasing the feeling of being full. These medications diminish appetite by rising serotonin or catecholamine two brain chemicals that affect appetite. Appetite suppressant medications are used with a course of behavioral treatment and dietary counseling, designed to help you make long-term changes in your diet and physical activity.

The most recent drug in the fight against obesity is Xenical. A new class of non-systemic anti-obesity drug called lipase inhibitors which act in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent the absorption of fat by about 30 percent. Drugs in this class do not achieve their effect through brain chemistry or central nervous system stimulation. In other words, Xenical is not an appetite suppressant or metabolic inducer.

Brand names of the most effective prescription diet medications on the market today are: Phentermine, Adipex-P, Fastin, Ionamin, Bontril, Plegine, Tenuate, Xenical.

Several appetite suppressant medications are available to treat obesity. In general, these medications are effective, leading to an average weight loss of five to twenty-two lbs. above that expected with non-drug obesity treatments.

Over the short term, weight loss in obese individuals may reduce a number of health risks. Studies looking at the effects of appetite suppressant medication treatment on obesity-related health risks have found that some agents lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, triglycerides (fats) and decrease insulin resistance (the body's inability to use blood sugar) over the short term. Long-term studies are currently being done to determine if weight loss from appetite suppressant medications can improve health.

Because appetite suppressant medications are used to treat a condition that affects million of people, many of whom are basically healthy, their potential for side effects is of great concern. Most side effects of these medications are mild and usually improve with continued treatment.

Terms used on this page

FDA

• Food and Drug Administration: A government agency that oversees public safety in relation to drugs and medical devices. The FDA gives approval to pharmaceutical companies for commercial marketing of their products.

Fat blocker

• Drugs that block the absorption of fat or calories, and lose substantial weight.

Overweight

• Weighing more than is normal, necessary, or allowed, especially having more body weight than is considered normal or healthy for one's age or build.

Appetite

• An instinctive physical desire, especially one for food or drink. Decreased desire to eat is termed anorexia, while polyphagia (or "hyperphagia") is increased eating. Disregulation of appetite contributes to anorexia nervosa and cachexia, or oppositely, overeating.

Diabetes

• Any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive discharge of urine and persistent thirst, especially one of the two types of diabetes mellitus.

Diet

• A regulated selection of foods, as for medical reasons or cosmetic weight loss.


• A solutions designed to reduce or suppress the appetite.

Fat

• Any of various soft, solid, or semisolid organic compounds constituting the esters of glycerol and fatty acids and their associated organic groups.

Obesity

• The condition of being obese; increased body weight caused by excessive accumulation of fat.

Stress

• A state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain.


• A physical and psychological response that results from being exposed to a demand or pressure.

Suppress

• To curtail or prohibit the activities of.


• To inhibit the expression of (an impulse, for example).


• To bring to an end forcibly as if by imposing a heavy weight.

Your health in your hand. Your choice - follow advice or no.