A Dietician at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), Ms Ama Hienne Amoako, says specific therapies or drugs for treating obesity may not be readily available but proper dieting and regular exercising are helpful strategies.
She said although surgery was available for some really obesed patients, healthy behavioural goal setting should be the emphasis for an obese family in order to live healthy lives.
Ms Amoako encouraged everyone to consume a lot of vegetables, especially greens, and cut out on fatty and chunky foods.
“Do not eat or exercise solely to gain or lose weight; do it for other health benefits to the body,” she advised.
Ms Amoako was speaking at the Ghana News Agency’s health education and advoccy platform, dubbed: “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility”.
She said obesity could be inherited and could lead to other chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and, in some cases, psychological stress.
Dr Marc Kwame Dzradosi, the Head of Pharmaceutical Services at IMaH, recommended that people visited their dietician or nutritionist on regular basis for assistance with weight management regimen and monitoring.
“Set a diet goal, exercise regularly, and eat healthy. This is the only way to help keep the body healthy and in shape,” he said.
Dr Dzradosi noted that self-assessment, exercise, and a healthy, balanced diet would help people stay in shape.
Mr Francis Ameyibor, the Tema Regional Manager, GNA, said in order to create a healthy society, everyone must be concerned about the well-being of others.
GNA