Obesity is a health condition characterized by having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of developing various diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has tripled worldwide since 1975 and in 2016 alone, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of whom over 650 million were obese.

Conquering obesity is not an easy task, the road to a healthy weight requires discipline, changes in eating behaviors, adopting an active lifestyle, and a strong mindset.

Many people struggling with obesity embark on different weight-loss programs hoping to improve their health and get their life back on track. Some of these programs claim to help you lose weight quickly, but most of them are not sustainable and can even cause harm to your body if done without proper guidance.

Tracking the time it takes to conquer obesity is essential for setting realistic goals, making progress, and achieving long-lasting results.

Factors that Affect the Time it Takes to Conquer Obesity

Conquering obesity is a complex process influenced by various factors. Here are some of the factors that can affect the time it takes to conquer obesity:.

1. Starting Weight

The starting weight of an individual is one of the factors that determine the time it takes to conquer obesity. Generally, the higher the starting weight, the longer it takes to lose weight.

People with a higher starting weight tend to lose weight faster in the beginning but may experience plateau phases in their weight loss journey.

2. Age

Age is another factor that can affect the time it takes to conquer obesity. As we age, our metabolism slows down, and we tend to lose muscle mass, both of which can make it harder to lose weight.

However, age should not be an excuse to give up on losing weight. With the right mindset, diet, and exercise routine, it is still possible to lose weight at any age.

3. Gender

Gender can also play a role in the time it takes to conquer obesity. Men tend to have more muscle mass and a higher metabolic rate compared to women, which means they can lose weight faster than women.

However, women can still lose weight and achieve their desired weight with the right plan and consistency.

4. Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in weight loss. The time it takes to conquer obesity can be affected by an individual’s diet.

Eating a balanced diet that is high in protein and fiber and low in sugar, saturated fat, and processed food can help speed up the weight loss process. Consistency in practicing a healthy diet is also essential in maintaining long-term weight loss goals.

5. Exercise

Exercise is an essential aspect of the weight loss journey. Regular exercise can speed up weight loss, reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, and improve overall mental health.

Incorporating at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week can help in achieving sustainable weight loss.

How Long Does It Take to Conquer Obesity?

The amount of time it takes to conquer obesity varies depending on an individual’s starting weight, age, gender, diet, and exercise routine.

It is essential to set realistic goals and stay committed to the weight loss journey to achieve long-lasting results.

Achieving Weight Loss Goals with Diet and Exercise Alone

Weight loss can be achieved with diet and exercise alone. However, the time it takes to achieve the desired weight loss goal can vary. As a general rule, it is safe to aim to lose one to two pounds per week.

This slow and steady approach increases the chances of keeping the weight off in the long term.

For example, let’s say a person who is 5’6″ tall and weighs 250 pounds wants to lose 100 pounds.

With a daily caloric intake of 1500-1800 calories and regular exercise routines, it can take up to 10-12 months to achieve the goal weight.

Achieving Weight Loss Goals with Surgical Procedures

In some cases, diet and exercise alone may not be enough to achieve weight loss goals. In such cases, surgical procedures like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding can be an option.

These procedures can help patients lose a significant amount of weight quickly. However, it is important to note that these procedures are not for everyone, and those who undergo them still need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to maintain their weight loss.

With gastric bypass surgery, patients can expect to lose up to 60-80% of their excess body weight within the first 12-18 months.

For patients who undergo gastric sleeve surgery, they can expect to lose up to 60% of their excess body weight within 12-18 months. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is another weight loss surgery that can help patients lose up to 50-60% of their excess body weight within the first 12-18 months.

Conclusion

Conquering obesity is a personal journey that requires commitment, a positive mindset, and the right resources. Tracking the time it takes to conquer obesity is essential for setting realistic goals, making progress, and achieving long-term results.

The time it takes to conquer obesity varies depending on an individual’s starting weight, age, gender, diet, exercise routine, and the weight loss approach used. However, with the right mindset, diet, and exercise routine, anyone can achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall health.