What Tools Are Available to Lose Weight?

Losing weight always comes down to a simple principle: burning more energy than you consume. In theory, it sounds easy—about 9,000 calories equal 1 kg of body fat. In practice, however, weight loss is far more complex. When calorie intake is reduced, the body activates hormonal and metabolic compensation mechanisms designed to restore lost weight, making sustainable weight loss challenging.

Still, even a modest weight loss of 5% of body weight can already lead to significant health benefits, including improved metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Why Losing Weight Is So Difficult

During calorie restriction, the body reacts by:

• Reducing energy expenditure

• Increasing appetite, especially for calorie-dense foods (fatty and sugary foods)

These biological responses explain why many people struggle to maintain weight loss over time and why quick-fix solutions rarely work.

Are There Effective Medications for Weight Loss?

Currently, very few medications are approved to treat obesity, especially in France.

• Many weight-loss drugs previously used have been withdrawn due to an unfavorable risk–benefit ratio (limited effectiveness and serious side effects, particularly cardiovascular).

• Orlistat (Xenical®) is the only medication currently approved in France. It works by reducing fat absorption but often causes fatty diarrhea, has limited effectiveness (only a few kilos lost), and is not reimbursed.

Medications That Can Cause Weight Gain

Some medications prescribed for other conditions—such as:

• Psychiatric disorders

• Diabetes

may promote weight gain. In these cases, healthcare providers must carefully choose treatments that are effective while remaining as weight-neutral as possible.

Medical Devices for Weight Loss: Are They Effective?

Several medical devices have been tested, including:

• Intragastric balloons

• Gastric pacemakers

• Intestinal sleeves (e.g., EndoBarrier®)

Results so far have been mixed, and these tools are not considered long-term solutions without lifestyle changes.

What About Diets?

The Problem with Restrictive Diets

Highly restrictive or unbalanced diets (such as extreme high-protein diets) often lead to:

• Disordered eating behaviors (snacking, binge eating)

• Depression linked to restriction and repeated failure

• Weight regain, sometimes greater than the initial loss

• Reduced chances of successful future weight loss

A Better Approach

Rather than counting every calorie or banning foods, experts recommend:

• A moderate calorie reduction

• A balanced, varied diet that can be maintained for life

This approach helps reduce guilt, restore pleasure in eating, and prevents worsening the situation.

Are Dietary Retreats or Weight-Loss Programs Useful?

Dietary programs and weight-loss retreats are not primarily designed to cause weight loss. Their main goal is to:

• Teach practical skills

• Help patients adopt long-term healthy lifestyle habits

They provide:

• More intensive therapeutic education than standard consultations

• Temporary support when lifestyle constraints (stressful work, family environment, limited access to physical activity) interfere with weight management

The Essential Role of Physical Activity

Physical activity is crucial because it:

• Helps stabilize weight after weight loss

• Preserves muscle mass during calorie restriction

• Improves overall health, particularly metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, even without major weight loss

Key Factors That Predict Long-Term Weight Maintenance

Research shows that people who maintain weight loss long-term usually share these habits:

• Low fat intake

• Regular physical activity

• Ongoing weight monitoring by healthcare professionals

Conclusion

There is no miracle tool for weight loss. Medications and medical devices have limited roles, and restrictive diets often do more harm than good. The most effective strategy combines:

• A balanced, sustainable diet

• Regular physical activity

• Medical support and long-term follow-up

Even small, gradual changes can lead to meaningful health improvements. Sustainable weight loss is not about quick results—it’s about building habits that last a lifetime.

Medical & Scientific Sources

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Obesity and Weight Management

• INSERM – Mechanisms of Weight Regulation

• Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) – Obesity Treatment Guidelines

• ANSES – Risks of Restrictive Diets

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance