Non-Pharmacological and Non-Surgical Options to Combat Obesity

Abstract

Objective: To provide a detailed and simplified information about the role of Non-pharmacological and Non- surgical options i.e. lifestyle, exercise and ketogenic diet to combat obesity.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted as narrative review article at King Faisal University College of Medicine, AlAhsa, Kingdome of Saudi Arabia from January 2026 to June 2026. Google Scholar and PubMed were searched for last ten years up to June 2026. Medical Subject Headings (Mesh) keywords were used. The filters were applied to include original articles, reviews, systematic reviews and meta-
analysis, free/open access full text articles in English language.

Results/Review: By modifying the lifestyle and performing regular exercise, 5% to 10% weight can be lost. It helps to reduce obesity and has a positive psychological effect of feeling well. By diet control, there should be a daily deficit of 500 kcal over a period of one year to lose the weight. Ketogenic diet is different from low-carb diet in
terms of proportion of fats, protein and carbohydrates and food species to be taken.

Discussion: It may feel difficult to adopt these strategies because the obese people have craving for food and different types of exercises may not be suitable for every patient due to morbid obesity and associated co-morbidities.

Conclusion: The lifestyle modifications, exercise and/or ketogenic diet may be tried to treat obesity. This modality may spare the patients from the side-effects of pharmacological and the complications of the surgical modalities. It may also be helpful to treat the psychological aspect in obese patients, which contributes a major role in gaining weight.