Medical Weight Loss

By Karen Clarke-Bennett, DO

A Better You

. http://abetteryoumedispa.com/

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

Medical Weight Loss

Obesity means accumulation of excess fat on the body. Obesity is considered a chronic (long-term) disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes. It has many serious long-term consequences for your health, and it is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S.

Health Consequences Of Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of many health conditions, including the following

Coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Type 2 diabetes.

Cancers, such as endometrial, breast, and colon cancer.

High total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides.

Liver and gallbladder disease.

Sleep apnea and respiratory problems.

Degeneration of cartilage and underlying bone within a joint (osteoarthritis).

Reproductive health complications such as infertility.

Mental health conditions.

So, What Is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss is not surgery or diet pills. It is physician-directed weight management based on medical scientific principles that target the root causes of obesity and weight gain to achieve and sustain a healthy weight in the long-term.

How Medical Weight Loss Differs From Other Programs

The tools that medical weight loss physicians use to help you manage your weight are very different from what you find with commercial programs. First, medical weight loss doctors use your metabolism and body composition (mainly fat percentage) as true indicators of weight loss progress. Second, they can prescribe safe, low-calorie diets that are specifically designed to help you lose weight while breaking the cycle of food addiction. And should you choose, your doctor can also prescribe an appetite suppressant for you.

Finally, medical weight loss doctors have the ability to view your weight loss and maintenance within the context of your total health profile. If you have a condition that requires medication that may be interfering with your weight loss efforts, your medical weight loss doctor can consult with your primary care physician to prescribe a safe, effective alternative to lift those barriers.

So, How Can Your Doctor Help?

A doctor that specializes in medical weight loss can provide guidance in meal planning and incorporate calorie-controlled meal replacement options. Meal replacements work betterfor weight loss than just providing general advice about food choices. More structure regarding meals is associated with greater weight loss.

Medical weight loss can help identify biological, psychosocial and environmental factors that may be standing in your way. Although genetic factors play a large role,even moderate environmental changescan promote as much weight loss as even the best weight-loss drugs.

Your medical weight loss doctor will do more than just say add “more veggies in your diet” or “eat breakfast every day”. They advise you on how to do it.

Regular physical activity is encouraged as it does help in promoting weight loss and has health benefits even in the absence of weight loss.

Obesity is a chronic condition,requiring ongoing management to maintain long-term weight loss.