Principles of Weight Loss in Obesity and the Role of Approved Medicines in Enhancing Weight Loss

Core Principles of Weight Loss in Obesity:

1. Caloric Balance: 

At its core, weight loss revolves around a simple maths: consume fewer calories than the body burns. Achieve this through a mix of diet adjustments and enhanced physical activity.

2. Nourishing Diet: 

Embrace a diet brimming with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and beneficial fats. This ensures nutrient-rich consumption that supports weight loss.

3. Physical Activity: 

Incorporate exercises, especially aerobic ones like walking, cycling, or swimming, to torch calories, elevate metabolism, and maintain muscle mass.

4. Habitual Changes: 

Recognizing and transforming unhealthy eating patterns is key. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be a beneficial tool in this journey.

5. Mindful Consumption: 

Savour meals, eat slowly, and tune in & be responsive to the body’s hunger and fullness signals to prevent excessive eating.

Role of Approved Medications in Weight Loss:

Several weight loss drugs have been approved by Drug Administration/ regulators:

• Orlistat: Reduces fat absorption by inhibiting an enzyme in our intestines.
• Phentermine/topiramate; bupropion/ naltrexone; liraglutide; semaglutide.
• Each functions differently, impacting appetite or metabolism. It’s paramount to understand their specifics and potential side effects.

• Combined Approach: Some patients might reap benefits from a mix of medications, optimising results while curbing side effects.
• Supplementing Lifestyle Changes: These drugs aren’t magic pills. They’re meant to complement dietary shifts and physical activity, offering an added push towards weight loss targets.

As with any health journey, collaboration with healthcare experts ensures a tailored, safe, and effective approach. Lasting weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint, rooted in long-term dedication to wholesome habits.