FAQ
related to treatment options
What can I change in my daily routine to lose weight?
Choose better food. Eat more fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains... avoid processed and fast food. Eat slower and in smaller portions (using smaller plates).
Be careful with sugary or alcoholic drinks. It is an easy way to consume a large amount of calories in a short time.
Buy yourself a pedometer and keep a count of the daily steps you take. You should at least take 5.000 steps per day, which is equivalent to a 3 kilometers distance.
How much weight should I lose in order to notice a health improvement?
With a 3-5% weight loss you will notice a health improvement. However, the closer you get to your ideal weight, the greater the benefits will be. Your ideal weight relative to your height should be a resulting BMI between 20-25. You can calculate your ideal weight.
What is the energy density of foods?
All food has a certain amount of calories for a certain amount of volume. Fats, sugars, processed foods, etc., they all have a high energy density, that is why a small portion has many calories. On the other hand, other foods have a low energy density, in other words, big portions have few calories, and that is why you are allowed to eat more. E.g. Vegetables, fruits, protein, whole grain carbohydrates…This way you reduce your appetite and intake fewer calories.
Fast diets that make you lose a lot of weight in a short time, are they healthy?
In general, you should not trust these fast solutions. They are usually tempting but they really work only in the short term. It is because in order to lose weight and keep it off, you have to develop a healthier lifestyle that you can keep over time. You have to consider that these fast diets, probably will not teach you how to keep up with healthier habits in the long term.
Is it necessary to do physical exercise in order to lose weight?
Physical activity is a fundamental pillar for your obesity treatment. The aim is not only to lose weight, but to keep it off over time. Most of the people who lose weight and keep it off for one year, exercise at least 45 minutes a day (300 minutes per week).
What are the habits or behavior changes required?
Many patients with obesity issues report difficulties in exercising and changing their eating habits. Usually, it is because of lack of time, stress, anxiety, loss of control, apathy, etc. Every person is different and faces particular difficulties in order to lose weight. It is about implementing the necessary changes according to their personal background.
What is behavioral therapy? How can it help me?
It consists in getting the right psychological medical counseling in order to implement the necessary changes to lose weight according to every particular case. This therapy will help you become aware of the reasons that make you eat more. You will learn how to confront anxiety in a healthier way to prevent cravings. It is about knowing the reality of your diet and your physical activity.
Is there any pill that will help me to lose weight without diet or surgery?
Your doctor may recommend some weight loss pills if other methods have not been successful, and if you have a BMI between 27 and 35, or if you have any disease related to your obesity.
It is important to understand that these drugs were created to be used simultaneously with diet, physical exercise and behavior changes, not to replace them. Without these measures, medication alone probably will not work and you might regain the weight you lost. Furthermore, these drugs may provoke serious side effects, and you will need additional medical supervision.