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There is a fascinating trend that’s been observed time and time again about medical weight loss. Namely, regarding the influx of searches for the phrase “lose weight” during the start of a new year.
But over the course of the year, this interest tapers off and eventually falls to the usual baseline. Then, the cycle repeats.
Most people who strive to embark on a weight loss journey oftentimes fall back to their old habits—leaving their idealized and healthier self on the back burner.
We get it. Losing weight is hard.
With over a third of Americans classified as obese, it’s not uncommon for a sizeable chunk of the population to want to reclaim their health and lose weight fast.
Not only does a healthier weight level improve one’s health, but it can also minimize the risk of developing chronic diseases and heart problems.
But then it begs the question. How do you maintain the discipline to lose weight? What if I fall behind my weight loss goals?
If you’ve tried exercising and dieting by yourself with little success, try finding a medical weight loss program.
What is Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss is a weight management program conducted by diet clinicians that are aimed to aid obese patients to lose weight.
Unlike cookie-cutter weight management programs you can find on the internet, this weight loss procedure is performed with the guidance of an involved medical professional. This holds patients accountable to sticking with the habit of promoting healthy weight loss.
In addition, it’s also a one-on-one program that fits the individual’s overall health. The doctor takes into account the patient’s diet history, exercise tolerance, heart disease, and many factors to curate a weight loss plan right for them.
Taking steps to improve your health is an inspiring and life-changing undertaking. If you’re looking for a medical expert to assist you with creating a weight loss program, consider a free consultation with registered dietitians today.
How Do Medical Weight Loss Clinics and Programs Work?
As medical weight loss programs tend to be tailor-made, there’s a certain variance involved when it comes to the way patients get treated.
The program usually kicks off with the patient and doctor meeting up. This is the time they get to know each other. The patient also shares their history of weight loss and health during this time.
After an initial consultation, a series of assessments may be performed to gather data for the coming weight loss plan. These include:
- Blood Work – This will determine the patient’s blood lipid levels and other basic vitals such as their current cholesterol profile.
- Weight Measurements – This will provide a baseline weight, BMI, and waistline measurement.
- BMI Reading – This is to determine the current body mass of the patient.
- Body Fat and Circumference Measurements – This estimates a patient’s body fat.
Diet clinicians then use this information to design a weight loss plan that complies with all aspects of the patient’s health. The plan can be modified as necessary if it causes any deleterious effects on the individual.
If applicable, patients are gradually introduced to an exercise routine that fits their lifestyle. Behavioral changes such as decreased food intake and increased physical activity are key aspects of achieving success with a medical weight loss program.
Diet
Diet is another important consideration for medical weight loss. Exercise and activities outside account for 15 to 30% of energy loss, but the food you eat accounts for 100% of your calorie intake.
A dietitian may work with the patient to reduce or count calories depending on their specific needs. For instance, diabetic patients may need a different caloric intake than those who aren’t predisposed to chronic disease.
Other than calorie reduction, diets also revolve around substituting meals high in fat and sugar for healthier alternatives. This also includes avoiding simple carbohydrates, processed foods with large amounts of trans fats, and other ’empty calorie’ items.
Exercise
Exercise is a vital factor in order to maintain weight loss, and can support a number of other medical treatments including ED and PE.
During one’s weight loss journey, exercise physiologists can work with the patient to establish an exercise routine. This is often done with the help of a cardiac stress test.
Some patients may need to state their health history and current medical conditions during this time. The examination can also determine if the patient has or is prone to any heart irregularities that could alter the exercise program.
The exam will include several different types of stress tests. These tests typically include:
- Treadmill exercises
- Bicycle stress testing
- Echocardiogram
For patients who have limited mobility, the weight management program is altered accordingly. The regimen can be adjusted by becoming more active in daily life with the help of walking aids and other devices.
Why Is Medical Weight Loss Better Than Other Diet Methods?
According to a research paper published in the National Institute of Health, 714 patients who’ve undergone the medical weight loss training have seen a weight decrease by up to 16.7 kg on average, or about 15.1% of their initial body weight over eight years.
One of the biggest reasons why medical weight loss is more effective than popular health programs is because it takes all factors involving a patient’s lifestyle into account before developing a strategy.
It also introduces a custom-fit meal replacement plan for patients to use. It also allows them to eliminate the hassle and risk of attempting to devise a pernicious meal plan while they work on their new healthy lifestyle.
Unlike most weight loss plans that require taking supplements, medical weight loss places focus on changing one’s lifestyle for the long term. A sustainable weight management journey is a shared experience for most people who’ve undergone a weight loss program.
This program also enables patients to gain contact with a registered dietitian who not only has a solid profile of the client’s body but also can act as an expert advisor for living a healthier lifestyle.
Consult a Professional Center for Medically Supervised Weight Loss
Living healthy through bettering your lifestyle changes is one of the greatest gifts you can give your future self.
It’ll require commitment and a great deal of effort — but with the help of licensed medical professionals, your journey towards a better life can be realized before you know it.
Get in touch with a weight loss specialist at Preferred Men’s Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale today for a consultation. Our trained staff can provide a customized healthy living program to best support your overall health. We will tailor the plan to your unique needs, history, and circumstances so you can get the best results possible. Give us a call today to set an appointment with our expert medical team.