Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 42-year-old woman struggling with obesity, and I am feeling overwhelmed by conflicting diet advice. Could you explain to me the pros and cons of popular approaches like keto, intermittent fasting, and low-fat diets? I am also curious about the role of exercise in weight loss. How much exercise should I do, and what types of exercise should I aim for? Are there any tests I should take to assess my weight gain? I have heard of new weight-loss drugs like Semaglutide; are they safe and effective long-term? Lastly, I am concerned about my loose skin after significant weight loss. Are there ways to minimize this, or would I need to consider surgery? I am committed to making a change but want to approach this in the healthiest way possible. Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Keto diet: These are high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets that force your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. The main advantage of the keto diet is that it can lead the body to
Rapid weight loss.
Reduces hunger.
Helps with calorie control.
However, some people find it difficult to stick to such diets long-term due to its restrictive nature. It can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and might increase your risk of heart disease if too much unhealthy fat is consumed.
Intermittent fasting: This process involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It can help reduce calorie intake naturally. Many find it easier to manage than strict daily calorie counting.
Low-fat diets: They focus on reducing fat intake to promote weight loss. It helps reduce heart disease risk and is easier to incorporate into a balanced diet if healthy fats are included in moderation. It often leads to increased consumption of refined carbohydrates, which can actually contribute to weight gain and blood sugar.
Exercises also help as they are essential to any weight loss plan. Exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming can be beneficial.
The other medical conditions that need to be ruled out are hypothyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to release sufficient thyroid hormone into the bloodstream), polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS (a chronic hormonal disease that affects the function of a woman's ovaries), and insulin resistance (which occurs when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver do not respond well to insulin and cannot readily absorb glucose from your bloodstream) as these conditions can cause weight gain and make it more challenging to lose weight.
On the other hand, drugs like Semaglutide and other weight-loss medications should be used strictly under prescription. as the potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
To prevent loose skin after weight reduction, stay hydrated. Maintaining muscle mass through strength training is essential, and gradually losing weight can help prevent the appearance of loose skin.
A physical examination by a doctor in a hospital is required to examine your health and detect any underlying issues.
I hope this information will help you.
Kindly revert in case of queries.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Sugandh Garg
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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