Is there a shortcut?

Unfortunately no. Most of the short term fad diets helps you lose weight quickly, but the fat also comes back quickly. Therefore regular healthy diet and exercise is the long term answer to good health.

Are there alternative therapies of weight loss?

Yes. Acupuncture helps you lose weight faster. However it is no shortcut to looking good. Studies have shown that people who take up acupuncture along with diet and exercise, lose weight twice as fast as those who only diet and exercise. So acupuncture can help you lose weight quickly if you are willing to stick to your diet and exercise plan!

Are there drugs available for obesity?

Yes. Prescription drugs are available for certain category of patients. When diet and exercise fails in patients with a BMI greater than 30 or a BMI greater than 28 with co morbid health factors.

Why can’t everyone take the drugs?

One group of drugs prevent the absorption of fats from the diet and the other group of drugs suppresses the appetite. Both groups DO NOT aid in weight loss. Both of the above can be done with a certain level of discipline. Both groups of drugs have a lot of side effects, the most common being kidney damage.

What about surgery?

In extreme cases, bariatric surgery can be performed on patients. Bariatric surgery is usually performed in people with a BMI of greater than 40 or greater than 35 with co morbid health conditions. However, even after surgery, your doctor will advice you to undertake a good diet and a healthy exercise regime to prevent regain of weight. Therefore there is no short cut to diet and exercise.

What does bariatric surgery involve?

Bariatric surgery involves reducing the absorption of food from the diet and involves reducing the size of the stomach, among other forms.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a form of surgery that remove fat from localized areas from the body. It is not a weight loss surgery but rather a form of sculpting. It comes with a number of risks.

Who can undergo liposuction?

The best candidate of liposuction is a person above 18, in good health, having reduced weight with diet and exercise and has small pockets of fat remaining.