Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

310 Lifestyle Variables: Smoking and Obesity
MEDICATIONS TO SUPPRESS APPETITE
Medication Actions Possible Side Effects
orlistat (Xenical) blocks intestinal absorption of fat frequent or uncontrollable bowel movements
deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)
phentermine (Fastin) CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM stimulant dependency
increases NOREPINEPHRINE levels in the PALPITATIONS
BRAIN, which suppresses the APPETITE and insomnia
HUNGER centers
DRUG INTERACTION with monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) antidepressants
sibutramine (Meridia) increases norepinephrine and serotonin serotonin syndrome
levels in the brain, an action that drug interaction with narcotic analgesics, selective
suppresses the appetite and hunger serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, and
centers and elevates mood
MAOI antidepressants
Bariatric surgery Weight loss surgery is a drastic
measure that becomes a treatment option
when an individual’s weight exceeds 100 pounds
over healthy weight (class 3 obesity) or otherwise
directly and immediately threatens health. Most
bariatric surgery operations either restrict the size
of the STOMACH to limit the volume of consumed
food or alter the flow of ingested food to curtail
absorption. Surgery for weight loss has numerous
risks and potential complications, though may be
the therapeutic approach that succeeds for people
who have been otherwise unable to reach a
healthier weight.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF WEIGHT LOSS
decrease OSTEOARTHRITIS improve HYPERLIPIDEMIA
symptoms
improve HYPERTENSION
improve INSULIN sensitivity improve LIBIDO and sexual
relieve OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP
function
APNEA
improve self-esteem
improve type 2 DIABETES improve FERTILITY
increase energy and mobility reduce risk for cancer
reduce risk for CARDIOVASCULAR reduce risk for type 2
DISEASE (CVD)
diabetes
relieve chronic BACK PAIN relieve GASTROESOPHAGEAL
REFLUX DISORDER (GERD)
Maintaining Healthy Body Weight
Weight loss that is gradual and steady generally
results from incorporating lifestyle changes that
will support sustained weight management. Even
small progress makes a measurable difference in
health and well-being.
Social and family support Encouragement and
support for weight loss and weight management
from family and friends is crucial for long-term
success, though is often a complex dynamic. Some
people find themselves alone in their weight loss
efforts because other family members do not want
to make the same changes in their own eating
habits and physical activity. Other people are able
to make weight loss and weight management a
family endeavor or to join with friends to support
and encourage one another. Positive reinforcement
for achievements, however small, is far
more effective than criticism.
Relapse and weight gain Relapses of regained
weight are common and disheartening. However,
the quicker a person recognizes that his or her
weight is slipping back toward obesity the easier it
is to stop the slide and return to the treatment
methods that were effective. Unfortunately many
people tend not only to regain lost weight but also
to gain additional weight. Such a rebound or “yoyo”
effect is especially detrimental to health. It is
important to get back on track with eating habits
and exercise as quickly as possible to halt weight
gain before it becomes overwhelming to confront.
See also DIET AND HEALTH; EATING DISORDERS; EXER-
CISE AND HEALTH; OBESITY AND HEALTH.