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Weight Loss Management
Let's Weigh the Facts
Weight gain in America is on the rise; 71% of American adults (58 million people) are overweight.
In the last 10 years, serum cholesterol levels have decreased while average weight has increased. 50% of American women and 25% of American men are on diets.
Health risks of overweight people include:
heart failure
diabetes
high blood pressure
arthritis
degenerative joint disease
coronary artery disease
gallbladder disease
neural birth defects
cancer
You Are Not Alone
The battle to control your weight has most likely involved a lengthy struggle. For many it generates feelings of anger, disappointment, misunderstanding and even depression. Recent medical studies indicate that even a minimal amount of weight loss can benefit most individuals. Obesity for many is not a simple matter of self control, but a complex medical and psychological condition requiring special attentions from professionals in the field of Bariatric Medicine.
Excess weight gain and obesity can be caused by a variety of reasons:
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Eating more calories than are utilized for energy
- Insulin Resistance - an imbalance of glucose and insulin levels in the blood stream. Research shows that controlling Insulin Resistance is a key factor in effective weight loss.
- Hypothyroidism or slow metabolism
- Chronic stress which leads to overactive adrenal glands
- Adverse food reactions or intolerances which promote weight retention
- Deficiencies in nutrients which are necessary for proper metabolism
- Genetic factors
- An increase in fat cells and adipose tissue mass (connective tissue in which fat is stored) during infancy and childhood--and for some severely obese persons, even during adulthood--which predisposes certain people to obesity
- Medications. Weight gain can be produced by many medications, especially steroid hormones, some antidepressants, some tranquilizers and some antipsychotic drugs
As well as the BMI measurement, excess weight gain and obesity can be diagnosed in the following ways.
- A check of personal and family history of symptoms
- Physical exam by a doctor
- Laboratory studies, which may vary depending on your symptoms:
- Fasting glucose
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels
- Fasting lipid profile, including LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- DHEA-S level
- Cortisol levels
- Food allergy testing
- Prolactin level
- Testosterone level
- Tests to assess risk of Cardiovascular Disease from such factors as homocysteine, lipoprotein and Cardio CRP
- To reverse excess weight and obesity, you must first address Insulin Resistance, a root cause of your condition. If left unchecked, Insulin Resistance can lead to a number of disorders, including:
- Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) - a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that can lead to a heart attack or stroke
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - a leading cause of infertility in women as well as irregular or absent menses, skin conditions, excess facial and body hair and male pattern baldness in women
- Pre-Diabetes - a reversible imbalance of blood sugar and insulin, which, if left unchecked, can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, a greatly increased risk factor for blindness, amputation and kidney disease
- Getting your weight under control is the next step. A low-carbohydrate diet has proved to be effective in not only weight-loss programs but also in helping to control the production of insulin in the pancreas. But keep in mind that lean people of both sexes can also have Metabolic Syndrome and lean women can suffer from PCOS.
- Exercise is a necessary component of dealing with the symptoms of excess weight gain and obesity. Regular exercise increases the number of insulin receptor sites on your cells’ surface, aids glucose disposal in the muscles, boosts metabolism, raises HDL "good" cholesterol and helps to balance the level of glucose and insulin in the blood stream.
- Choose a balanced, healthy diet that doesn’t include foods with a high glycemic (GI) index, like bread, pasta, rice, refined sugars, potatoes and corn. Avoid artificial sweeteners which can raise glucose and insulin levels.
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Even over-the-counter cold and flu medications can contain stimulants, causing spikes in insulin production and release.
- Your doctor may need to address collateral issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or elevated cholesterol issues with medication until they come under control naturally with your weight loss.
- Seek help in developing a Nutrition and Exercise Plan and develop a Support Network to keep you motivated and informed.
What Makes Our Practice Different?
At The Center For Health & Healing we are committed to helping overweight patients achieve their weight loss goals. We offer a comprehensive medical approach to weight loss, combining the expertise of a physician, a nutritionist, registered nurses, and trained, friendly helpful staff. We have access to the newest, most recently researched pharmaceutical adjuncts to weight loss therapy including information and experience in the use of amino acids to facilitate neurotransmitter production for a safe and effective weight loss. Treatment for most patients includes a medical evaluation, prescribed medications and/or natural supplements to help suppress hunger and reduce cravings, along with regular medical supervision to ensure safe and successful weight loss. The treatment approach also includes the support and education needed to create permanent healthy lifestyle changes.
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