Weight loss: causes, medical assessment and anti-obesity treatments

How can you trigger weight loss quickly?

Seeking rapid weight loss should preferably be supervised by a general practitioner or a specialist, so that people take no risks with their health. The first crucial objective is to establish a calorie deficit, where calorie intake is lower than what the body expends. For example, people who want to lose weight quickly can aim for a moderate calorie intake, ranging from 500 to 100 calories per day. By maintaining this calorie deficit, studies show that people can achieve weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg per week. It is generally inadvisable to try to lose more kilos quickly, for health reasons, but also in order to maintain the weight loss over the long term. Regarding diet, the ketogenic diet (or keto) is popular and can also promote weight loss. The aim of this diet is to reach a state of ketosis, in which the body uses fat as its main energy fuel. Although this type of diet can be effective in the short term, it is strongly recommended to follow it with the help of a doctor, particularly to avoid certain nutritional deficiencies. In addition to this advice, we would draw your attention to the importance of regular physical activity and restorative sleep. Official recommendations suggest that it is beneficial to do at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, at a light to moderate intensity. Weight-loss programmes often recommend combining cardiovascular exercise (cardio, endurance, running, etc.) with strength training. The main aim is to allow a reduction in fat mass while preserving muscle mass. High-protein diets have also shown some effectiveness in continuing to lose weight while maintaining good muscle mass.

Weight-loss programmes: advantages and disadvantages

When looking to lose weight, people often turn to a slimming programme, and there are many available online. Although they can offer benefits, certain drawbacks need to be considered to ensure their effectiveness. The main advantage a weight-loss programme offers is generally access to individualised coaching and medical follow-up. These two features allow programmes to be tailored to each person's specific needs. Above all, this leads to more effective weight loss in the long term, since people do not all have the same goals or the same state of health. Individualised coaching also shows that people find it easier to stick to diets and are more motivated to keep up physical exercise. In general, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for people who want to lose weight. For example, they can combine dietary changes with regular exercise, with psychological support if needed. This helps avoid certain complications or risk factors, particularly cardiovascular ones, linked to poorly managed weight loss. It is also recommended to aim for lasting behavioural changes to avoid regaining weight after a programme or diet. That said, slimming programmes sometimes have the drawback of being costly, which can be discouraging for some people. Other studies show that it is difficult to maintain personal commitment over the long term, particularly after a few weeks. Finally, in some people, the stress of having to follow a programme increases the risk of disordered eating behaviours. Furthermore, excessive pressure, whether social, professional or linked to other factors, can lead to negative psychological effects. For all these reasons, if you wish to start a weight-loss programme, we recommend discussing it with a doctor during an online consultation.

How can you lose 10 kg as fast as possible?

Aiming for a calorie deficit is a key concept for losing weight quickly. To do this, energy intake needs to be lower than daily energy expenditure. This calorie deficit must also be maintained over time for greater effectiveness, even if only moderate. Nutritionists emphasise low-carbohydrate diets, such as the keto (or ketogenic) diet. The aim is to reach a state of ketosis, in which the body burns fat as its main source of energy. In addition to these dietary changes, it is advisable to engage in physical or sporting activity alongside it, even at a light to moderate intensity. Ideally, people should do light to moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week. Nutritionist doctors emphasise the benefits of doing endurance exercise in addition to strength training. Studies show that weight loss is thereby more effective and lasting, while also being beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Other studies suggest the value of high-protein diets, which provide sufficient calories while preserving muscle mass. For example, people can aim for a protein intake representing 25 to 30% of their total calorie intake. This in particular helps optimise weight loss without taking risks, since muscle mass is preserved. Metabolic activity can thus be increased. In any case, we recommend discussing this with a healthcare professional in order to establish an effective meal-plan strategy. On Feeli, you can consult a doctor without an appointment in under 2 hours, 24/7. Don't forget that sleep and good hydration are other important factors when trying to lose weight.

Unexplained weight loss: when should you be concerned?

Unexplained weight loss that is rapid and unaccounted for can be a warning sign to take seriously, as it can sometimes conceal other underlying health problems. For example, an endocrine disorder, such as hyperthyroidism, can lead to significant weight loss with no direct link to the person's diet. In addition to significant weight loss, hyperthyroidism can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nervousness, a rapid heart rate and tremors. But unexplained weight loss can have many other causes, ranging from chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc.) to infections such as HIV or tuberculosis. Regarding IBD, it can impair proper absorption of nutrients, leading to an increase in the body's energy needs, particularly because of chronic inflammation. Illnesses such as HIV or tuberculosis, for their part, can affect appetite and interfere with digestion. Finally, we should mention certain psychological and psychiatric disorders, which are often responsible for a reduced appetite and weight loss. Depression and anorexia nervosa are notable examples here. Anorexia is characterised more by a voluntary restriction of food intake, whereas depression is characterised more by a loss of interest in food and a reduced appetite. When should you seek help? Doctors advise consulting as soon as weight loss exceeds 5% of body weight over a period of 6 to 12 months, with no apparent cause. Other warning signs may include symptoms such as fever, extreme fatigue, digestive problems or abdominal pain. For an initial medical opinion, do not hesitate to turn to a teleconsultation and talk things through with an online doctor.

Which dietary supplement helps with weight loss?

People often look for a dietary supplement to lose weight, but is it effective? We can first classify weight-loss dietary supplements into 4 main categories: fat burners, fat blockers, appetite suppressants and thermogenic agents. Regarding fat burners, they are supposed to increase fat oxidation, although results are variable, with effectiveness that is not necessarily significant. Few scientific studies confirm their effect. Appetite suppressants such as garcinia cambogia and glucomannan are known to increase feelings of fullness while reducing calorie intake. Their effects are nonetheless modest — never expect a miracle solution when it comes to losing weight. Similarly, regarding fat blockers, even though some studies suggest they can reduce the absorption of dietary fat, evidence of their effectiveness is scant. For example, a supplement like chitosan actually offers little benefit for weight loss, or at most a minimal impact. Finally, thermogenic agents are substances that can increase the body's energy expenditure by raising its body temperature. Caffeine and capsaicin are notable examples, although the effects are often too weak to bring about lasting, significant weight loss. Also be mindful of the risk of side effects from these dietary supplements. Even natural ones can have contraindications and cause unwanted effects, such as anxiety, insomnia or heart palpitations. Choose a teleconsultation with a doctor without an appointment on Feeli, in under 2 hours, to work out an effective treatment strategy and meal plan.