conservative management of obesity
Last reviewed 02/2022
The conservative management of obesity has three main goals:
- a mildly hypocaloric diet
- increased exercise
- behaviour modification
NICE have also outlined general strategies to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight (1)
- Diet
- base meals on starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, rice and pasta, choosing wholegrain where possible
- eat plenty of fibre-rich foods - such as oats, beans, peas, lentils, grains, seeds, fruit and vegetables, as well as wholegrain bread, and brown rice and pasta
- eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day, in place of foods higher in fat and calories
- eat a low-fat diet and avoid increasing your fat and/or calorie intake
- eat as little as possible of:- fried foods- drinks and confectionery high in added sugars- other food and drinks high in fat and sugar, such as some take-away and fast foods
- eat breakfast
- watch the portion size of meals and snacks, and how often you are eating
- for adults, minimise the calories you take in from alcohol
- Activity
- make enjoyable activities - such as walking, cycling, swimming, aerobics and gardening - part of everyday life
- minimise sedentary activities, such as sitting for long periods watching television, at a computer or playing video games
- build activity into the working day - for example, take the stairs instead of the lift, take a walk at lunchtime
NICE have stated that weight loss programmes (including commercial or self-help groups, slimming books or websites) are recommended only if they:
- are based on a balanced healthy diet
- encourage regular physical activity
- expect people to lose no more than 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lb) a week
- programmes that do not meet these criteria are unlikely to help people maintain a healthy weight in the long term
- people with certain medical conditions - such as type 2 diabetes, heart failure or uncontrolled hypertension or angina - should check with their general practice or hospital specialist before starting a weight loss programme (1)
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