Non-Surgical Weight Loss

Most patients with weight problems are candidates for non-surgical methods of weight reduction. Although these may occasionally involve the use of medications, they will most often be centrally based upon modifications to behaviors in the areas of eating and exercise.

Weight Loss Issues

The National Weight Control Registry stores information volunteered by people who have lost 30 pounds or more and kept it off for at least a year. Among the important observations from the registry are:

• 90% changed their diets and increased physical activity
• 55% used a formal program (such as Weight Watchers) or professional help (e.g. a dietitian)
• Nearly 90% limited intake of some class of food (e.g. high fat or calorie foods)
• 44% limited the quantity they ate
• 92% exercised at home, 40% with a friend and 31% with a group
• Walking was the most common form of exercise
• Two thirds had been overweight as children
• More than 90% had tried to lose weight before

The key overall findings are that:

• More than 80% used more exercise
• More than 60% used a stricter diet
• 85% experienced improvements in their overall health and quality of life.

Behavioral Therapy 

Diet Therapy 

Exercise