Beschreibung
The two most important points in the therapy of overweight are the reduction of energy intake and the increase of physical activity, as far as the dog's health condition allows. In addition to an adjusted diet with reduced fat content and an increased raw fiber supplement to provide the dog with a better feeling of satiety, extensive walks, preferably in combination with swimming or physiotherapeutic support, should have the highest priority.
Nevertheless, the effect of weight loss can be positively supported by the targeted use of dietary supplements. L-Carnitine stimulates the β-oxidation of fatty acids. Thus, it promotes energy production from fatty acids in the muscle area. It therefore promotes fat burning and modifies body composition in favor of muscle mass. Since skeletal muscle has a higher energy consumption than body fat even at rest, an increase in muscle mass can promote energy expenditure and thus help prevent or reduce obesity. Therefore, the addition of L-Carnitine to reduction diets is often recommended to influence body composition. Positive effects regarding weight loss and the stimulation of fat breakdown have been observed in obese patients. Vitamin E has a similarly positive effect on muscle integrity. It also acts as an antioxidant, capturing free oxygen radicals. The trace element zinc also helps support the immune system. Especially due to the fact that adipose tissue is not "dead" storage tissue, but produces numerous hormone-like substances that have inflammatory – that is, inflammation-promoting – effects, it is appropriate to support the immune system of obese patients in this way.