More than 70 percent of US adults are considered overweight or obese. Obesity is linked to health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
With so many weight loss programs and diets to choose from, it can be difficult for you to know what the best option to lose weight is. If you are ready to get serious about losing weight in a safe and healthy way, it's time to start working with a medical professional.
A medical professional who specializes in weight loss and management can develop a customized plan to get permanent results for you. Some of the different types of medical professionals who specialize in weight loss and management include:
General practitioners.
Nutritionists.
Dieticians.
Bariatric physicians, and
Bariatric surgeons.
How Is Obesity Measured?
Obesity is typically measured by calculating Body Mass Index (BMI), which considers your height and weight. A BMI outside the range of what is considered healthy can fall into two categories - overweight or obesity.
A BMI from 25 to 29.99 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obesity. Although it is not perfect, BMI is considered as a good, easily accessible, and indirect indicator of excess body fat.
If you want to find a safe, balanced, and effective approach to weight loss, our experts in Medical Weight Loss in Philadelphia are ready to help. Schedule a free consultation to take that first step towards a healthy future.
How Medically Can You Lose Weight?
Medical weight loss is the process of losing weight with the help and guidance of a trained medical professional.
By trusting the knowledge, education, training, and experience of a doctor, you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving the best professional, individual care and plan that is tailor-made to suit your needs.
Your doctor will give counseling on which weight loss program or weight management options, if any, may be right for you.
Before prescribing medicine, or weight loss devices, or recommending surgery, your doctor will probably want you to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle that includes better nutrition and increased physical activity.
PROS OF MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENT
In medical weight loss treatment, there are a few pros and cons you will witness. Some obvious positives of enlisting the services of a trained medical professional to help you with your weight loss journey include:
Your Medical Weight loss program is designed for you.
When you choose to lose weight medically, you are not treated with a weight loss program that offers one plan to everyone. What works for others may not work for you. Your doctor takes into consideration your special needs while devising your weight loss plan.
You will make positive changes that last a lifetime.
Your medical weight loss program is not going to look for a quick fix. Its objective is to keep you grounded and focused. The purpose of your medical weight loss program is not to lose a certain amount of weight in six months or a year, it is about achieving a certain body profile and maintaining it. As you work with a medical professional, you will discover the benefits of eating well and getting enough physical activity.
Follow-up visits keep your medical weight loss plan on track and prevent resurgence of weight gain.
Medical weight loss is a team effort.
Trying to lose weight by yourself can be stressful. If you do not succeed, you will blame yourself and that is going to make you feel worse than before. With medical weight loss, your doctor and team will be by your side to help you through the highs and the lows.
Medical weight loss programs are not painful or exhausting.
There is a misconception that pain is a requirement while losing weight. Some pain can go a long way in building endurance and strength, but it should be within the limits of what your body can handle and endure.
Your doctor will prescribe the right amount of nutrition, medication, and physical exercise to ensure that you lose weight at a safe and gradual pace.
You experience the benefits right away.
You can start experiencing weight loss benefits after losing just 5 to 10% of your excess body weight. You feel the influence of a healthier lifestyle long before you reach your ultimate goals.
Medically losing weight can benefit you in:
Health and life expectancy.
Relationships and social interactions.
Finances and job security.
Mental health.
OVERWEIGHT ISSUES CAN IMPACT WHOLE LIFE
The longer you struggle with being overweight, the greater the impact it will have on your health and lifestyle. Psychological consequences of being overweight or obese can include lowered sef-esteem, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia.
Overweight individuals tend to have less energy than others. As it takes more effort to be active, overweight and obese individuals gravitate towards low-activity lifestyles and become sedentary. Over time, even ordinary tasks of daily life like going up a flight of stairs or doing household chores can lead to exhaustion.
Discrimination, stigma, and bias due to weight are frequent experiences for overweight and obese individuals who are viewed as being lazy, and lacking in motivation and self-control. Such discrimination and bias is experienced in many aspects of life, including social environments, workplace, and even the individual's own family.
We warmly encourage you to reach out and Make an Appointment if you are considering medical weight loss. Our caring, dedicated, and experienced team of professionals at Avellina will be pleased to explain how your weight loss program will be tailored and answer all your questions.