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March 23, 2024
As the global epidemic of obesity continues to escalate, experts underscore the need for a holistic approach to treatment, highlighting the importance of diet, exercise, and caution when considering pharmaceutical interventions.
Alarming Global Obesity Trends
According to recent estimates, nearly 2.3 billion individuals worldwide, spanning both children and adults, are grappling with overweight and obesity. If current trends persist, projections suggest that this figure could skyrocket to 2.7 billion adults by 2025, painting a grim picture of the escalating crisis.
Limitations of Drug-Based Treatments
While new treatments, including drugs and injections, have emerged to address obesity, experts caution against relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions. Drugs such as semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists, initially developed for diabetes treatment, have shown promise in aiding weight loss. However, experts stress that these medications alone may not suffice.
Importance of Lifestyle Modifications
Dr. G. Moinoddin, Consultant Bariatric Laparoscopic Surgeon at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, emphasizes the crucial role of maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity alongside drug therapy. “These drugs alone are not sufficient for weight loss,” Dr. Moinoddin asserts. “Patients must adhere to a low-sugar, low-carbohydrate diet and commit to at least one hour of physical activity daily for optimal results.”
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits of pharmaceutical treatments, challenges remain. High costs, gastrointestinal side effects, and associated risks such as kidney problems and pancreatitis limit the prolonged use of these drugs. Moreover, discontinuing medication may lead to weight rebound, highlighting the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes.
The Role of Exercise in Weight Maintenance
Recent research published in the journal ‘eClinical Medicine’ underscores the significance of exercise in maintaining healthy weight post-treatment. Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max HealthCare, emphasizes, “Supervised exercise plays a key role in weight maintenance.” The study’s findings indicate that incorporating exercise into post-treatment regimens can help prevent weight regain.
Moving Towards a Balanced Approach
As the global community grapples with the obesity crisis, experts advocate for a multifaceted approach to treatment. While pharmaceutical interventions may offer valuable support, they should be complemented by lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and regular exercise. By adopting a comprehensive approach, individuals can work towards achieving sustainable weight management and overall well-being.
Amidst rising obesity rates, experts stress the importance of embracing a balanced approach to treatment, combining pharmaceutical interventions with lifestyle modifications for long-term success in combating obesity.
