Prognosis and duration of disabling effects

There are many complex factors that influence weight loss in the individual including genetic, environmental and behavioural influences. Each person would respond slightly differently to a weight loss programme because of his/her unique physiological makeup.

There are three main elements, which may be used in a weight loss programme:

• Diet.
• Exercise.
• Medication.

In reality, surgical options are not used so frequently on the NHS.

It is a fundamental fact that any changes to lifestyle (with the aim of losing weight), especially in diet and exercise must be lifelong to make a lasting difference. If the changes are short-term, the weight will almost certainly go back on again. The changes must be manageable such as moderate exercise and a diet which is varied and enjoyable, otherwise the person will not persist in the changes.

Many experts believe that yo-yo dieting, as it is called, encourages the deposition of abdominal fat with the associated complications and prognosis may be worse in these individuals than if they had not lost weight at all.

The longer a person remains overweight, the less likelihood there is of the person losing weight, unless there are very strong motivating factors. Other factors may not make it completely possible, such as the taking of permanent steroid medication. Generally speaking, if a person has been obese for 5 years it is likely that they will remain so.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

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• The likelihood of success in losing weight

Amended November 2009