Obesity is assessed by determining dysfunctional body fat rather than kilograms as a measure of excess weight.
In the ongoing battle against obesity, a specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Laura Bartolomé, is advocating for a change in approach. The traditional methods of weight loss, often characterized by fad diets and extreme measures, are being replaced with a more personalized, evidence-based strategy that emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes.
Obesity, referred to as "the great pandemic of the 21st century" by Dr. Bartolomé, requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique nature of every body and metabolism. What works for one may not work for another, and simplifications like the Body Mass Index (BMI) should be abandoned. The ideal weight should be discussed in terms of ideal body composition.
The percentage of additional fat varies depending on the individual and is not an absolute rule. For instance, the starting percentage of additional fat in women is 32%, while it begins at 25% for men. This percentage depends on sex, age, and health factors such as hormonal status.
The Disney Princess Diet, which promises quick weight loss by consuming minimal calories, is not effective and can be harmful. Following this diet can cause a decrease in the body's basal metabolic rate, leading to a slower metabolism and potentially weight gain in the long run.
Factors affecting weight include genetics, environment, diseases, medication, and lifestyle. Given these complexities, the first step in treatment is habit management. At her clinic, patients are becoming more educated about the ineffectiveness of such diets and the importance of personalizing treatment for weight loss and managing health.
Multicomponent lifestyle change programs integrating diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management are foundational treatments for obesity, supported by gold standard guidelines. Dietary interventions should create an energy deficit but be customized to individual preferences, goals, and social factors to maximize adherence and effectiveness. Regular exercise, tailored gradually to a patient’s capacity, aims for 200-300 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly, helping optimize weight loss and maintenance while minimizing injury risk.
Behavioral change techniques built into treatment focus on sustainable modifications instead of short-term or extreme measures, supporting long-term health and weight management. Patient-centered approaches respect patient circumstances and goals, including weight-neutral strategies that promote healthy eating behaviors and physical activity without a sole focus on weight loss.
When lifestyle approaches alone are insufficient, additional options such as anti-obesity medications or metabolic surgery can be considered in collaboration with the patient. However, these options should be used judiciously and in consultation with healthcare professionals to avoid side effects.
Healthcare providers are advised to be aware of their biases and strive to reduce weight stigma to improve patient engagement and outcomes. Most guidelines discourage fad diets and extreme interventions due to their lack of sustainability and potential harm.
In summary, effective obesity treatment is a personalized, gradual, and evidence-based process focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes over rapid or extreme measures, supported by multidisciplinary care and patient-centered decision-making. Comparison with others should be avoided, and the focus should be on changing habits, not obsessing over numbers and unattainable standards.
Dr. Bartolomé's book, "Lose Fat, Gain Life," discusses these concepts further, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment and the dangers of fad diets. She recently discussed her book on "The Afternoons of RNE" with Iván Romero and Irene Vaquero. The endocrinologist is fighting for the patient to be their healthiest version, not focusing on sizes or aesthetics, but on overall well-being and long-term health.
- In her book, "Lose Fat, Gain Life," Dr. Laura Bartoloméfurther explores the idea of personalized treatment, advocating for a focus on overall well-being and long-term health rather than sizes or aesthetics.
- The average person may benefit from evidence-based treatments that consist of multicomponent lifestyle change programs, which integrate diet, exercise, sleep, and mental health strategies.
- Instead of relying on fad diets or extreme measures, therapies and treatments in health-and-wellness and mental-health sectors should support sustainable modifications for long-term health and weight management. Nutrition plays a crucial role in this, with dietary interventions being customized to individual preferences, goals, and social factors for maximum adherence and effectiveness.
