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Obesity: occurrence, treatment, and prevention
M S Hand1, P J Armstrong, T A Allen
1Department of Professional Education, Mark Morris Associates, Topeka, Kansas.
Summary
Managing pet obesity through diet is crucial for resolving associated health issues. Low-fat, high-fiber diets promote satiety and aid in weight management for dogs and cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Companion Animal Health
Background:
- Obesity is a prevalent nutritional disease in dogs and cats.
- Obesity is linked to numerous health problems that can be resolved with weight normalization.
- Dietary management is key for treating and preventing obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of dietary management in treating and preventing obesity in pets.
- To discuss effective dietary strategies for canine and feline weight management.
- To caution against fasting obese cats due to the risk of hepatic lipidosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pet obesity and dietary interventions.
- Analysis of the benefits of low-fat, high-fiber diets for satiety and calorie reduction.
- Consideration of proactive obesity prevention strategies.
Main Results:
- Low-fat, high-fiber diets offer fewer calories and greater satiety compared to simple food restriction.
- Weight normalization resolves many obesity-related health problems in pets.
- Reduced-energy maintenance diets are available for obesity prevention.
Conclusions:
- Proper dietary management is essential for successful obesity treatment and prevention in dogs and cats.
- Low-fat, high-fiber diets are recommended for weight management.
- Obese cats should not be fasted due to the risk of hepatic lipidosis; proactive prevention is advised.