See intentional weight loss.

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.

• You are unable to lose weight on your own.

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?

Skin fold measurements may be taken to assess body composition. Blood studies to test endocrine function may be performed.

Treatment:

Medications are usually not recommended to aid intentional weight loss. They often cause harmful side effects or adverse reactions. At best, the drugs control appetite only for short time periods and don't help change eating habits.

Gastric outlet stapling may be indicated for the morbidly obese. Your primary care provider may want to refer you to a general surgeon for more information about this.