From Fat to Fit

by Robert Dammeyer, Medical Director,
Pet Medical Center at Apple Tree Cove,
www.kingstonvet.com

Our pets enjoy a rich lifestyle like no other pets that have come before. The past decade has seen the explosion of toys, treats, snacks, and foods marketed through us for our pets. The fallout of all this is a population of beloved pets that are simply carrying way too much weight on their frames.

As with people, obesity is one of the most common health concerns facing our pets.  Not only does it create excess strain on the bones and heart, but fat is now recognized as the largest hormone producing organ of the body. Having too much fat tissue results in chemical and hormonal imbalances that are damaging to internal organs.  As a result our overweight pets frequently suffer from joint problems, heart problems and diabetes. 

Getting your fat friend to fit is frequently a daunting and frustrating challenge.  As with people, the most effective weight loss programs for pets includes a combination of calorie reduction, exercise and follow-up. While the first two steps, calorie reduction and exercise, are consistently addressed, the latter (follow-up) is routinely neglected.

One has to look no farther than Weight Watchers to identify one of the most successful weight loss programs for people. What makes this program successful? There is certainly calorie reduction and exercise/activity is stressed, but I propose that it is the regular return visits for weigh-ins (follow-up) that is the key to their success.  Follow-up keeps you honest, allows you to easily seek help and encouragement in a non-judgmental environment, and allows you to share your success with others. It is this positive reinforcement that gives you the fortitude to reach your weight target and keeps you focused on your goal.

Unfortunately, with our pets it’s the follow-up that doesn’t happen.  This makes it much too easy to give up on our goal when bumps in the road to a healthier pet occur.

So, for effective weight loss the following step-by-step approach can be highly effective:

Evaluation and Goal-Setting

Examination and possible tests to make sure no medical reason exists for weight gain.  Target weights and baseline measurements are determined.

Lifestyle and Diet Change

Weight loss involves a reduction in caloric intake coupled with exercise.  An appropriate weight loss diet is prescribed and an exercise regimen should be undertaken. Be aware that there is no effective weight loss diet that can be purchased in a pet store. “Light” maintenance diet are rarely effective in reducing a pet's weight, they are more effective at keeping pets from becoming overweight should their activity levels change.

Monitoring

Regular monthly meetings between you and your pet’s doctor is essential to keeping your pet on target for loss. The most successful weight loss program for both pets and people are always accompanied by regular face-to-face consultations.

Weight Management

When your pet reaches the target weight, maintaining the new weight is the final goal.  At this time your pet should be transitioned from the weight loss diet to a diet that will maintain his new fit physique.