Weight loss possible. Loss possible?

Thank you for asking the question. Of course weight loss is possible. Firstly, it should be understood that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to weight control. It is easy to gain weight and the pace at which weight gain occurs is faster than the pace of weight loss. Weight loss or reduction can be done by anyone of any age group. There are various methods by which you can lose weight. a. Weight loss by lifestyle changes b. Weight loss by medical therapy (using medicines) c. Weight loss by surgical therapy a. Lifestyle changes: DIET: maintaining your diet is the easiest and the most cost effective process of reduction in weight. Intake of low fat diet is the best way. You should consume small portions of meals four times a day spaced out between each meal. Eat fruits, a lot of fruits. They satisfy your hunger as well help in weight loss. Reduce intake of rice and eat more wheat products like chapathi. Fruits also help in the process of digestion and help in weight control. EXERCISE: In order to prevent weight gain, you must maintain an exercise routine. You should take brisk walk daily for 30 to 45 minutes supplemented with physical exercise of the body like stretching, bending etc. SLEEP: You should ensure that you get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep everyday and eat your supper two hours before sleep to maintain good digestion. b) Weight loss by medical therapy Medications for treatment of overweight are available both “Over The Counter” (OTC) and by prescription. OTC drugs are those for which you don’t require a prescription. The weight loss through drugs works on the principle of appetite suppressant and gastro intestinal fat blocker. Drugs which you will be able to buy with a prescription are sibutramine and orlistat. Sibutramine is a . Orlistat {ZenicalTM) is a drug that helps in weight loss by decreasing fat absorption in the intestine. The side effects include diarrhoea and muscle cramps. c) Weight loss by surgical therapy: Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery is done in individuals who were unsuccessful in reducing weight by diet,medicines and exercise. Procedure: the size of the stomach is reduced by removing a part of the stomach. Once the size is reduced, the capacity for consumption of food decreases drastically. And hence reducing the weight. TYPES: Sleeve gastrectomy (gastro-stomach, ectomy-to remove) In this type, the stomach is reduced to 15% of its original size. This is done by removing part of the stomach, so as to reduce its capacity. The cut edges of the stomach are joined using surgical staples or by sutures. This is NOT a reversible procedure. Stomach volume is reduced, function is not altered. Intragastric balloon: This procedure involves the placement of a deflated balloon within the stomach, and is inflated to decrease the stomach capacity. This balloon can be left in the stomach for 6 months and has to changed thereafter regularly. This procedure has been approved by many countries including India. The intragastric balloon can also be used before opting the above mentioned procedure to help in weight reduction before the surgery. We do hope your doubts have been cleared and wish you good health.