Kostförändring och/eller fysisk aktivitet vid fetmabehandling
The aim of this study was to investigate whether a dietary change, physical activity or a combination of both gave the best result when treating obesity, concerning weight loss and BMI. Excessive weight and obesity are today a big health-issue and it is estimated that 10 % of the men and 12 % of the women in Sweden have a BMI over 30, i.e. are suffering from obesity. The corresponding number for children is 3 %. No one can say for sure what causes obesity but there are many theories. Lifestyle has great impact on it, as have genetic factors. The every-day exercise has been decreased as the conditions at work have changed and we have become more inactive. At the same time our energy-intake has increased and the surplus of energy is added to our body in the form of fat. Research shows that obesity is more common among certain groups in society. The prevalence of obesity is higher among people with little or no education at all, than among people with high education. Labourers have a higher prevalence of obesity than white-collar workers and geographically seen, the prevalence is higher in the countryside than in the cities. Obesity is a large contributing factor to the metabolic syndrome which means an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, cardio-vascular diseases and the development of diabetes. All over the world it is agreed that something must be done to stop the obesityepidemic. Thirty minutes of physical activity every day is the general recommendation. Four of the studies I have analyzed include different amounts and intensity of exercise and the outcome of these. Also one study brings up the effects of diets alone. Two of the four studies that involved exercise also had restrictions in energy-intake as a complement to the activity-goals. All articles in my study are based on open randomized trials. My conclusion is that in many cases, thirty minutes of physical activity is sufficient to stop or counteract the obesity-epidemic, but for those who already suffer from obesity, an increase in physical activity often leads to better results. To alter the diet and obtain from, or reduce, the intake of certain products, e.g. sugar, also contributes to weight loss. It is my opinion that a combination of a healthy diet and exercise is the best recommendation for weight loss, and that other factors like support from family and friends can increase the chances of success.