There are so many reasons why people with particular medical conditions are advised to lose weight.

For example, for people with diabetes, it is necessary to lessen insulin resistance which can be caused by obesity.  Interestingly many people have gone into remission from type 2 diabetes through sensible eating and weight loss.

In the case of some other conditions such as multiple sclerosis weight loss is needed to counteract the weight gain caused by medications prescribed for the condition.

But for a number of medical conditions, however, weight loss is important because of the impact of obesity on the joints.  Arthritis is just one such example. It is important not to put too much pressure on the joints when moving so as to minimize pain among other problems.  Thus weight loss becomes a priority for anyone diagnosed with arthritis.

There are a number of ways of losing weight which people may wish to consider.  But it is very important that you consult a medical practitioner prior to embarking on any course of action like this.

However, there are a number of different options you may want to consider in conjunction with your Doctor.

1. Weight loss or bariatric surgery.  Yes, this is pretty extreme but it is very effective.  The downside is that a lot of patients report that returning to normal eating is very hard.

1. A specialist but paid for a diet such as Our Path or Weightwatchers.  My wife has used Our Path which combines diet with mindfulness techniques with great success.  The downside is that, of course, they are expensive. But those that encourage permanent change in diet and other behaviors seem to be the most successful in stopping the effect of “yoyo” dieting.

1. Calorie counting or cutting out carbohydrate diets.  It can work well in the short term but these diets are hard to keep up in the longer run.

1. Exercise.  We love it here.  I do yoga and cycling and find it really helps with my weight.  But both types of exercise are also recommended for people with multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.  For some advice on how to lose weight with arthritic knees, for example, the link is a great resource.
   
   
2.  Alcohol.  Even a few drinks brakes down our will power to keep up with our good habits and eat foods we know are bad for us.  Alcohol itself is full of empty calories so many dieticians suggest you should give it up completely or at best have only one drink.

1. Drink water instead of sodas and fizzy drinks.  I have been suggesting drinking up to three liters of water a day.  That is around six pints. Will help you lose weight.

1. Finally try and find a way of living which you enjoy rather than thinking weight loss is a chore.

So what have you used to lose weight and how has it worked?  Why not use the comments box below to share your experiences with your fellow readers.

Fasting is one of the latest diet trends. It was one of the most googled diets in the United States last year. But does it work?

Living with excess weight cannot only impact your confidence levels, but it can also lead to the development of various health issues throughout your lifetime. As a result, you might be considering embarking on bariatric surgery to successfully lose weight and restore your health.

If you are unsure how you can care for your body once the procedure is complete, read the below guide to supporting your health after bariatric surgery.

Eat Small

Once surgery is over, you will only be able to eat pureed or liquefied foods during the first few weeks. Gradually, you can re-introduce soft foods into your diet before fully returning to solids. It is, however, important to bear in mind that your stomach will be smaller in size. For this reason, you will only be able to consume a few mouthfuls of food initially.

Your stomach will eventually expand, but you must only eat small amounts of food to avoid stretching your stomach. It is wise to consume six small meals per day, which you should chew for twenty or thirty minutes at a slow pace to prevent stomach cramps.

Follow a Balanced Diet

To avoid weight gain, you must aim to follow a balanced diet each day, which should consist of:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Low-fat protein (fish, eggs, pork and low-fat dairy)

If, however, you are unsure how to create the right diet plan for your body, you should consult a qualified nutritionist to help you maintain a healthy diet and weight.

Take Prescribed Medications

It is possible you might be prescribed acid-blocking medication following surgery, which will prevent bowel and stomach ulcers. Many patients might also be required to take medication for the first six months to ensure they don’t develop gallstones.

It is important to regularly book check-ups with your dentist when taking any medication, as they will turn to companies such as Kent Express for the best dental supplies to resolve various oral health issues, such as dry mouth.

Embrace Physical Activity Each Day

While it is important to build up to exercise after bariatric surgery, you must eventually aim to incorporate physical activity into your everyday routine. Most doctors will likely recommend walking each day initially before undertaking various aerobic activities, such as cycling or swimming. It’s also possible to increase your metabolism and muscle mass with weight training.

Find Effective Coping Strategies

Many people often turn to food to cope with overwhelming emotions and high stress levels. It might, therefore, feel difficult to adjust to your new lifestyle after surgery at first or you might need a new outlet to manage your negative feelings.

Rather than suffering in silence or overindulging in food, you should look for healthy coping strategies following bariatric surgery. For example, you could benefit from behavioural therapy or you could join a support group. You should lean on your loved ones for emotional support, as they could help you to embrace your brand-new, healthier lifestyle.