Answer:

The key to treating overweight and obesity is to consume fewer calories than you burn, while ensuring your body receives all the necessary nutrients. Here are three dieting principles to follow:

Avoid excessive restrictions. Eliminating too many food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies, causing fatigue, lethargy, and reduced productivity. When your body lacks energy, maintaining this habit becomes difficult, often leading to giving up quickly. Instead, focus on a balanced diet that includes macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

Doctor An advises a patient. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Avoid prolonged hunger. This can trigger the release of stress hormones, leading to psychological distress and increased cravings, hindering weight loss efforts. It's better to eat several small meals throughout the day.

Personalize and maintain your diet consistently. Everyone has a different health status, metabolic rate, and eating habits. A generic diet often proves ineffective. Consulting a weight management and obesity treatment center for a comprehensive assessment and a personalized nutrition plan is recommended.

Doctors can explain and advise you about changes in your body, helping you distinguish between normal and abnormal reactions to weight loss. Continuous treatment and regular monitoring are also important, allowing adjustments to your diet as needed. This approach ensures a safe, sustainable, and healthy weight loss journey, rather than a forced and restrictive diet.

Doctor Tran Quyen An

Weight Management and Obesity Treatment Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ha Noi