Obesity

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Obesity is when you have too much body fat. Obesity puts you at a higher risk for serious medical problems, including diabetes and heart disease. Your caregiver will use your height and weight to calculate your BMI (body mass index). Your BMI is one way to measure your body fat. You are obese if your BMI is greater than 30.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Appetite suppressant: This medicine helps you feel full, so you want to eat less.
  
  
• Lipase inhibitor: This medicine blocks your body from absorbing the fat you eat.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Ask your primary healthcare provider (PHP) to help you manage your weight loss. Follow your diet and exercise plan. Keep a record of what you eat and how much you exercise. Weigh yourself once a week. Keep appointments with your PHP so that he can support you as you try to lose weight. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Lifestyle changes:

• Change your diet: Eating 500 fewer calories a day can lead to a weight loss of about 1 pound a week. There are many kinds of diets. Ask your PHP which diet is best for you, and for more information about it.
  
  
• Get lots of exercise: Physical activity burns extra calories. This may help you lose weight and maintain your weight loss over time. Your PHP may tell you to walk 30 to 45 minutes, 3 days a week. Talk to your PHP before you begin an exercise program.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have diarrhea.
  
  
• You have headaches or you feel dizzy.
  
  
• You feel like your heart is beating much faster than usual.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have a rash, hives, swelling, itchy skin, or trouble breathing after you start a new medicine.
  
  
• You have abdominal pain, yellow skin, dark urine or pale stools after you start a new medicine.
  
  
• You have blood in your urine or new back pain after you start a new medicine.
  
  
• You feel like you cannot cope with your life anymore.
  
  
• You have sudden and new abdominal pain. You may also feel sick and vomit.
  
  
• You have signs of a stroke: The following signs are an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you have any of the following:
  
  
  • Weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face (may be on only one side of your body)
    
    
  • Confusion and problems speaking or understanding speech
    
    
  • A very bad headache that may feel like the worst headache of your life
    
    
  • Not being able to see out of one or both of your eyes
    
    
  • Feeling too dizzy to stand
  
  
• Call 911 or an ambulance if you have any signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Discomfort in the center of your chest that feels like squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain, that lasts for more than a few minutes or keeps returning
    
    
  • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or one or both of your arms
    
    
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
    
    
  • Having trouble breathing
    
    
  • A sudden cold sweat, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing
    
    
  • Feeling very lightheaded or dizzy, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing

Learn more about Obesity (Aftercare Instructions)