An individual who struggles with obesity and being overweight may want to seek obesity support to help them address their condition. Obesity support comes in several forms and can address the medical, physical, and emotional aspects of obesity and provide assistance with losing pounds and maintaining a healthy weight. Types of support available include assistance from healthcare providers, obesity rehab clinics, peer- and professionally-led support groups and weight loss programs.
For many people, a wise first step in addressing obesity is making an appointment with a personal physician. While the physician may not be an expert in weight loss management, he may be able to rule out physical or metabolic causes of obesity and evaluate his patient's overall health. If the patient decides to seek outside sources of obesity support, the physician may be able to make recommendations. For example if an obese person has a medical condition that would make certain kinds of exercise or certain types of diets dangerous, both that person and any third parties they contract with for obesity support should be aware of these limitations.
Once a patient has a good understanding of their medical condition and health needs, they can begin seeking appropriate sources of support. For many people, this may be found in support groups. Participation in a support group is often free or available at a low charge, making obesity support affordable. Some individuals may find that seeking private therapy or counseling is a more effective way of not only dealing with their present condition, but also understanding possible reasons for the behaviors that led to their obesity.
Other options include participation in structured diet and exercise programs. While these programs may have a profit motive, some people find the accountability of weekly weigh-ins and prepackaged foods or itemized food lists to be extremely helpful in losing weight. These programs may also offer one-on-one or group counseling. Working with a personal trainer is also an option for those who can afford the expense and time of a regular exercise regimen.
Individuals who have severely compromised health or who have failed at other attempts at losing weight may require more intensive obesity support. Both inpatient or outpatient obesity programs exist that can assist a patient in correcting behaviors or making choices about various treatments. These programs are typically supervised by mental health professionals as well as physicians and may include individual counseling as well as group therapy and support. For someone who needs to make significant life changes, such a program may be the best type of obesity support and offer the patient his best chance of permanent behavioral change.