The diabetologist and nutritionist at the Medical Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Specialties (CEMDOE), Jenny Cepeda, warned against doing inappropriate things to lose weight, such as undergoing very restrictive diets in the short term, in which there is no physiological loss and soon you will regain the weight you have lost or even more; or use non-certified supplements, or not recommended by a health specialist.
“It is important to identify clinical histories such as arrhythmias, kidney conditions, heart conditions, before introducing any supplement with stimulants or with any substance that could be harmful over time. Assessing the cause of obesity can go beyond uncontrolled eating or inactivity. We must rule out associated pathological situations, medications that may be causing it, psychiatric disorders, neurocognitive disorders, among others, ”he explained.
He explained that the important thing is that it is never too late to start lifestyle changes and that the success of these therapies is to make small changes, with frequency, intensity, and persistence over time. Set initial goals so as not to create frustrations in the middle of this process.
Food changes in the family
The doctor alerted the population about the importance of including and instilling dietary changes in the family as a way to prevent obesity.
Within the framework of World Obesity Day, the specialist detailed important recommendations for the prevention and adoption of habits for a healthier life that can reduce the risk of obesity, which is increasing worldwide, according to studies.
“You have to start from the parents, guardians or close ones, instilling in our children healthy dietary models, reducing or eliminating the consumption of sugary drinks, including healthy foods in the school lunch box; that they can have breakfast before going to school and that we can integrate more frequent family activities every day, if possible”, he explained,
He invited, in leisure time, to include physical activities such as walking, exercising together, dynamics that are active so that they can have changes in healthy patterns from an early age.
The nutritionist argued that the reason why obesity statistics are increasing more and more is because our intake is high in carbohydrates, high in simple sugars (juices, sweets, sugary drinks, cake, alcohol), low in fiber and low in vegetables that are low in calories, an exaggerated increase in the amounts of saturated fats, fried foods, few fruits and a marked reduction in physical activity and inactivity in leisure time.
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Obesity also affects self-esteem and relationships
CEMDOE psychologist Kristie Belliard added that obesity significantly affects a person’s self-esteem. “People with obesity have a distorted body image, which often results in low self-esteem and self-confidence, impacting the quality of interpersonal relationships.”
They often experience social stigma and discrimination, which leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness, limiting their ability to participate in social, work, family and sports activities, in addition to affecting rest, opening the door to sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea syndrome and this influences a person’s functioning during the day, thus entering a circle where food, body image and emotions are involved.
In addition, obesity can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular and/or metabolic diseases in general, decreasing satisfaction and the feeling of well-being.
“Understanding the negative effects of obesity on a person’s daily life can help health professionals provide a holistic, patient-centered approach to its treatment and prevention,” he said.
About CEMDOE
Outpatient medical center, specialized in chronic diseases, which offers a comprehensive care model focused on safety, quality, and the experience of the patient and their family. Supported by international processes, standards and policies that guarantee the success of its purpose.
CEMDOE is part of INTEGRA, the first health ecosystem in the Dominican Republic whose objective is to improve the health of the population in a sustainable and sustainable way.
