TACKLING OBESITY

Diet

To lose weight, your body must burn more calories than you eat and/or drink. A diet plan should be based on your health and lifestyle needs. If you are considering this option our Brighton Bariatric dieticians can speak with you about nutritional guidelines.

Exercise

Frequent and regular physical activity is beneficial to your general health and to help you lose weight. Generally, an exercise program includes cardiovascular exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling, strength training using resistance bands, weights, or machines. Speak with your general practitioner before beginning any new strenuous physical activity.

Weight Loss Medications

Prescription weight loss medications may be considered as a supplement to diet and exercise. Only a healthcare professional can prescribe these.

Gastric Balloon

A temporary gastric balloon might be suitable for you to create a feeling of fullness; this requires a camera inserted into your stomach called a gastroscopy.  With proper dietary changes and healthier lifestyle you can expect to lose 20-30% of your excess body weight. Side effects can include nausea; however this can usually be successfully managed with medication and diet. It is also not suitable if you are at risk of stomach ulcers for example.

Bariatric Surgery

There are several bariatric surgery procedures which can help you lose weight.  Only you and your Brighton Bariatric surgeon can decide if surgery is right for you.

The table below compares the effectiveness of three different obesity treatments: diet and exercise, weight loss medications, and bariatric surgery.

Improvement to Medical Conditions

Weight loss after bariatric surgery improves or even potentially ‘cures’ several medical conditions which are related to obesity as seen in the image below.