Physicians' Involvement Increases Success of Battle against Obesity during the Holiday Season
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
People should speak to their family doctors as part of their efforts to lose weight over the summer, a leading UAE physician argued today, partly to get their help in slimming down for the summer months, but also to avoid the health risks associated with "crash" diets.
Obesity is a growing problem - current World Health Organization (WHO) statistics suggest that up to a quarter of UAE nationals suffer from obesity - and many doctors and government officials recognize that the hot season presents a prime opportunity to discuss the problem.
"Patients often focus on their weight during the hottest months of the year, primarily because of the discomfort and difficulty that obesity can present in high temperatures, or because they are looking to slim down before their holiday," said Dr. Imad El-Din Ginawi El-Sadig of the Ultra Care Medical Group.
However, while the holiday season can offer a powerful incentive for some people to lose weight, it can also present challenges for people trying to reduce their weight, according to experts. People have to be willing to make time to do a minimum amount of 30 minutes of exercise a day, but the heat of the summer can often work against this.
"Because it can be difficult to get the right amount of outdoor exercise, it's often a time when people are attracted to 'fad' diets, or even more drastic methods to lose weight. While we don't always discourage these treatment approaches, it's important that people speak to their doctor before they embark on any weight loss program so that we can offer expert advice," added Dr. El-Sadig.
Studies show that people can lose weight by cutting calories, but dietitians and specialists overwhelmingly agree that activity is a crucial component of weight loss.
By prescribing a treatment program based on dietary improvement and increased exercise doctors can help patients to greatly reduce the likelihood of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Part of Dr. El-Sadig's approach is to work with patients to track food intake, identify problem areas and develop sustainable weight management programs. In some cases, he recommends a prescription medicine which increases feelings of fullness while eating and helps to reduce daily calorie intake.
Experts acknowledge the inherent difficulties in sticking to an effective programme of weight management during the summer, but physicians can offer help to supplement the willpower of people who are at least considerably overweight and anxious to change.
Prescription medications provide one way for overweight people to lose kilos with the support of their doctor.
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