Strategies for Lasting Weight Loss
November 30, 2023
Managing weight is a complicated and often difficult journey for many individuals, and obesity stands as a common and serious chronic health condition.
In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence of obesity in the US is greater than 40% in adults and 20% in children, and those numbers are continuing to climb. In Nevada, according to the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 28.7% of adults reported being obese. By 2030, almost 80% of American adults may be overweight and half of them will be obese.
But obesity isn't just about the numbers on the scale; it's a multifaceted, lifelong, neurobehavioral disease triggered by a combination of factors. These include abnormal eating patterns, reduced physical activity levels, environmental stressors, genetics and various other contributors.
Obesity extends far beyond appearance, often leading to the development of numerous medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, liver disease, various cancers and infertility.
Join us as we delve into the complexities of obesity and explore strategies for effective weight management available right here in northern Nevada.
Why Can Losing Weight be so Difficult?
The challenge behind weight loss finds its roots in the Set-Point Theory of Obesity, a concept that says our bodies have a predetermined weight, or fat mass, within a defined set-point range. In other words, when an individual's weight deviates from this set point, the body initiates mechanisms to bring it back to the established range.
So, if someone loses weight below their set point, the body may respond by increasing hunger and reducing metabolism, making it challenging to sustain weight loss.
There Isn’t One Right Answer, But Renown is Here to Help
Various weight management strategies can be utilized by patients struggling with obesity, which may lead to substantial weight loss, resolution of associated medical conditions and improved psychosocial health.
In fact, the most successful strategy involves a multidisciplinary approach under the guidance of trained specialists that includes a combination of tactics, including:
- Behavioral adaptations
- Dietary modifications
- Physical exercise
- Anti-obesity medications
- Weight loss surgery
Beyond the Numbers
Renown’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgical Program meets the highest level of national accreditation for bariatric surgery and is officially recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program as a comprehensive center.
Choose Renown for Bariatric Services
What is Weight-Loss Surgery & Are You a Candidate?
Weight-loss surgery, also known as metabolic and bariatric surgery, involves altering the anatomy of the stomach and small intestine to regulate food intake and absorption. This surgical approach induces favorable changes in the digestive process by reshaping the hormonal environment in the body, potentially resetting the abnormal obesity set point.
Opting for weight-loss surgery is a significant decision that requires a thorough assessment of one's overall health, lifestyle, and commitment to post-surgery guidelines. Prospective candidates typically engage in comprehensive consultations with a multidisciplinary team, comprising surgeons, dietitians, and psychologists. This ensures that the procedure aligns with their unique needs and goals.
It's crucial to understand that eligibility for weight-loss surgery is determined by various factors. Generally, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35-39.9 coupled with obesity-related health issues such as diabetes or hypertension, may be considered suitable candidates for this transformative surgery.