As the numbers of obese people in the US increases, the issue has come to the forefront of the public health debate and the Food and Drug Administration has set up a campaign, titled 'Calories Count', for the benefit of public health. Recommended measures include further provision of nutritional information, clearer labelling of food products and tighter regulations on accuracy, and cooperation between official bodies for the development of obesity treatments and therapy.
In the first instance, a weight loss program should consist of diet and behavioural therapy. Diet therapy differs from traditional diets in that it focuses on calorie reduction and not specialist eating plans, and that it prioritises lifestyle changes and exercise which speeds up the metabolism. Calisthenics and weight training are known to increase the speed of the metabolism and encourage the burning of calories after exercise has finished.
Behavioural therapy consists primarily of changes to behaviour and lifestyle which encourage the maintenance of the diet therapy. Attending a weight loss support program provides many people with the emotional support and incentives required to keep up with a weight loss program. Others find that classes and groups which aim to deal with stress, anxiety or depression can be helpful. There are a wealth of other activities, groups and incentives that can form essential elements of a weight loss program, and these vary from one individual to another.
After a combination of diet and behavioural therapy has been tried for six months or more, and insufficient progress has been seen, a medical professional may consider prescribing weight loss drugs such as Phentermine. These drugs usually act upon the system by reducing the appetite or inhibiting the absorption of fat from the intestines. Antidepressants are also known to increase serotonin in the brain, regulating the sensation of hunger and aiding with weight loss.