The management and prevention of obesity and overweight focus on dietary changes, increased physical activity, and psychological counseling.
The primary goal of dietary intervention is to create an energy deficit of 500–800 kcal/day. This can be achieved by reducing overall food intake and incorporating lower-energy foods with reduced carbohydrate and/or fat content. Additionally, reducing alcohol consumption is strongly recommended. For short-term use, low-calorie meal formulas providing 800–1200 kcal/day may be. However, one-sided diets should be avoided due to associated medical risks and potential long-term health consequences. To support dietary changes, patients are encouraged to log their food intake and establish a regular meal schedule.
Regular physical activity is essential for long-term weight stabilization and reducing metabolic risks. Moderate endurance training and incorporating more movement into daily life are particularly effective. The type and intensity of physical activity should be tailored to the individual’s personal circumstances and any limitations of their musculoskeletal system.
Psychological interventions play a crucial role in obesity treatment by enhancing self-management skills while fostering more flexible, controlled eating with exercise behaviors. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, psychological counseling may include:
These interventions help individuals develop sustainable habits and improve their overall mental well-being.
Drug therapies for weight reduction are being researched globally, but many medications have been withdrawn from the market due to serious side effects. In cases where conservative measures are unsuccessful, Orlistat may be considered. Orlistat works by inhibiting fat-digesting enzymes, thereby reducing fat absorption in the intestine. On average, this can result in a weight loss of approximately 4 kg over one year.
Efforts to prevent and reduce obesity focus on achieving long-term weight loss of 5–10% of body weight, tailored to the individual’s current BMI. Even a modest weight loss of approximately 4 kg can significantly lower obesity-related health risks and positively impact mortality rates, work capacity, quality of life, and mood.
Lifestyle modifications can result in a weight reduction of about 5% within a year. However, research shows that weight regain occurs in approximately 85% of cases, highlighting the importance of sustained behavioral changes and ongoing support for maintaining weight loss.