Benefits of Weight Loss

In general, there are more benefits that can be achieved with a moderate weight loss (between 5 and 10%): benefits in the prevention of diseases associated with obesity and advantages in the quality of life of the individual.
The very marked degree of obesity shortens life expectancy of patients and moderate increases in weight produce negative health effects. Not to mention the psychological problems (relationship problems, rejection, low self-esteem, job discrimination, etc.) generated in the obese individual. Considering all of this into economic costs, we found that obesity and associated diseases arising from their social adaptation, reaching about 7% of the Spanish health expenditure. Treatment of obesity is very difficult and the long-term results are scarce, with a recovery of weight loss in most cases. But this should not be a reason for not fighting it, for some, is the great epidemic of the developed countries.
Who should think about losing weight?
Each person is different, both when considering whether or not to lose weight, and the way to do it. You should have a full "field work" explore "the field", habits, environment and, above all, the patient's medical history.
The most accepted criterion for assessing the degree of obesity is an individual's BMI (body mass index: weight in kg / height in m2). The measures taken according to the BMI value are:
• BMI below 25 kg/m2: In these cases it is not, in general, justified therapeutic intervention in an attempt to reduce weight.
• Overweight grade I (between 25 and 26.9 kg/m2): From the medical point of view, therapeutic intervention is not justified. Control of food, exercise and regular clinical checks is sufficient.
• Pre-obesity and overweight grade II (between 27 and 29.9 kg/m2). Like the Grade I, there is 20% of the Spanish population in this group. First rule: check and medical assessment required. If weight is stable, the fat distribution is homogeneous and there are no associated risk factors, medical intervention is optional. If any of these conditions are not met, the patient should be treated with the goal to lose 5-10% of their body weight and, importantly, maintain stable this new weight.
The following groups have included the mandatory visit and medical treatment, and using all possible means: diet, physical activity, changing patterns of behavior and drug treatment)
• Grade I obesity (BMI 30 to 34.9 kg/m2): we recommend the steady decline of 10% by weight in about 6 months.
• Grade II obesity (BMI 35 to 39.9 kg/m2): The loss of 10% is the minimum target to be achieved.
• Obesity class III and IV (more than 40 kg/m2): In these cases the steady loss of 10%, always difficult to achieve, would represent a significant improvement, but insufficient.

Set a plan and set objectives
As noted above, the comprehensive treatment of obesity requires an improvement in eating habits, increased physical activity and a change in lifestyle and drug therapy when necessary. We have seen that from grade II, we must implement the full array of anti-obesity resources. But for all cases it is necessary to prefix a plan of attack on those extra kilos. The first "commandments" are listed first: changes in dietary pattern, exercise and behavior, the next is to avoid the terrible and false hopes that both echo achieved in some media.
Set a plan and set goals make the difference between a wars would be overweight or making mere skirmishes without success. The medical specialist support should help both the setting of these objectives and the achievement thereof. The ultimate goal is weight loss, but maintain weight loss, decrease complications, improve lifestyle and as a result of this, improving the quality of life is of paramount importance.
The indication for drug treatment should not be an isolated but to function with basic procedures. Be applied in patients with BMI greater than 30, or over 27 if associated with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia or sleep apnea syndrome, and is contraindicated for pregnant or lactating, or in patients with unstable heart or blood pressure difficult to control.
It is therefore very convenient for moderate weight loss, but as much or more should be done in an organized and safer ways.