Weight Loss

Introduction

Weight management is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. Excess weight can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Weight loss can help reduce these risks and improve overall health.

There are many different approaches to weight management, and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to find an approach that you can stick with and that makes healthy changes to your lifestyle.

If you are interested in learning more about our weight management services, please contact us today. We would be happy to schedule a consultation with you.

Obesity and weight loss — obese, overweight and high BMI

What is overweight and obesity?

Overweight and obesity are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Overweight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher, while obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

People who are overweight or obese have excess body fat, which can increase their risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Weight loss can help reduce these risks and improve overall health.

Causes of overweight and obesity

There are many different causes of overweight and obesity, including:

Diet: Eating too many calories, especially from unhealthy foods like processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast food.
Physical activity: Not getting enough exercise.
Genetics: Some people are more likely to gain weight than others due to their genes.
Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can contribute to weight gain.
Medications: Some medications, such as steroids, can cause weight gain.

Health risks associated with excess weight

Excess weight is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including:

Heart disease: Excess weight can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, which are all risk factors for heart disease.
Stroke: Excess weight can also increase the risk of stroke.
Type 2 diabetes: Excess weight is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes.
Certain types of cancer: Excess weight is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can occur in people who are overweight or obese. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down. Excess weight can put extra stress on the joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Gallstones: Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. Excess weight can increase the risk of gallstones.
Depression: Excess weight can increase the risk of depression.
Low quality of life: Excess weight can have a negative impact on quality of life, including physical function, social relationships, and mental health.

Benefits of Weight Loss

Losing even a small amount of weight can have a number of health benefits, including:

Reduced risk of chronic diseases. Weight loss can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Weight loss can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are important risk factors for heart disease.
Improved blood sugar control. Weight loss can help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Increased energy levels. Weight loss can help increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Improved sleep. Weight loss can help improve sleep quality.
Improved mood. Weight loss can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Increased physical function. Weight loss can help improve physical function and reduce the risk of falls.
Improved appearance. Weight loss can help improve self-esteem and body image.

It is important to note that the benefits of weight loss vary from person to person. Some people may experience more benefits than others. Additionally, the amount of weight that needs to be lost to achieve health benefits also varies from person to person.

New Medications for Weight Loss

The FDA has approved several new medications for weight loss in recent years. These medications work in a variety of ways to help people lose weight, including:

Reducing appetite. Some medications work by reducing appetite, which can help people eat less.
Boosting metabolism. Other medications work by boosting metabolism, which can help people burn more calories.
Increasing fullness. Some medications work by increasing feelings of fullness, which can help people eat less.

These medications can be a helpful tool for people who are struggling to lose weight on their own. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any weight loss medication to make sure it is right for you.

Here are some of the new medications for weight loss that have been approved by the FDA in recent years:

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic). This medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone that helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
Liraglutide (Saxenda). This medication is another GLP-1 receptor agonist. It has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and improve their blood sugar control.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). This medication is a combination of a GLP-1 receptor agonist and a glucagon receptor agonist. It is the most effective weight loss medication currently available.
Bupropion and naltrexone (Contrave). This medication is a combination of two drugs: bupropion, which is an antidepressant, and naltrexone, which is used to treat opioid addiction. It works by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure.
Semaglutide and Exenatide (Rybelsus and Bydureon). These medications are extended-release versions of semaglutide and exenatide, respectively. They are taken once a week or once a month.

Ozempic for Diabetes — **Ozempic with generic name: Semaglutide**

Mounjaro for Diabetes and also weight loss — **25% weight loss possible with Mounjaro**

The Four Keys to Weight Management

Weight management is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. There are four key areas that you need to focus on to achieve and maintain a healthy weight:

Healthy eating. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
Regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Managing stress. Stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Tips on Healthy Eating

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a great choice for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after eating.
Choose whole grains over processed grains. Whole grains are a good source of fiber and other nutrients, while processed grains are often high in calories and unhealthy fats.
Limit sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are a major source of empty calories, which can contribute to weight gain. If you do drink sugary drinks, try to limit yourself to one or two per day.
Choose lean protein sources. Lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, and beans, are low in calories and fat and high in protein. Protein can help you feel full and satisfied after eating, which can be helpful for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.
Cook more meals at home. When you cook at home, you have more control over the ingredients and the portion sizes. This can help you make healthier choices and avoid unhealthy ingredients, such as added sugar and unhealthy fats.
Read food labels carefully. When you’re shopping for food, take the time to read the food labels carefully. This will help you make informed choices about the foods you’re eating. Pay attention to the calories, fat, sugar, and sodium content of the foods you’re considering.
Listen to your body. Pay attention to your hunger cues and stop eating when you’re full. Don’t force yourself to finish your plate, even if there’s food left over.
Make gradual changes. Don’t try to change your entire diet overnight. Start by making small changes that you can stick with. For example, you could start by adding one more serving of fruits or vegetables to your meals each day.
Find a support system. Having friends or family members who are also trying to eat healthier can help you stay motivated. You can also join a support group or online forum for people who are trying to lose weight or eat healthier.

Suggestions for Physical Activities

Walking: Walking is a great way to get started with exercise. It’s low-impact and easy on your joints, and you can do it anywhere. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking most days of the week.
Running: Running is a more vigorous form of exercise than walking, but it can also be more effective for weight loss. If you’re new to running, start slowly and gradually increase your distance and speed over time.
Cycling: Cycling is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. It’s a low-impact activity that’s easy on your joints, and you can do it on a variety of terrain.
Swimming: Swimming is a great way to get a full-body workout. It’s low-impact and easy on your joints, and it’s also a good way to cool off on a hot day.
Dancing: Dancing is a fun and social way to get some exercise. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and burn calories. There are all sorts of different dances you can try, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy.
Yoga: Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance. It can also help to reduce stress and improve your mood. There are many different types of yoga, so you can find one that’s right for you.
Pilates: Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength and flexibility. It can help to improve your posture and reduce back pain.
Strength training: Strength training is important for building muscle and burning calories. There are many different ways to do strength training,