What Is Obesity
Medical OptionsWhen a weight problem keeps you from being your healthiest, Alexian Brothers Advanced Weight Solutions offers real answers. Through holistic treatment and individual attention, the Freedom to Live program addresses the medical and behavioral care you need to achieve a healthier life. If for any reason you don't qualify for weight-loss surgery and traditional weight-loss methods have not worked for you, there are still significant steps that can be taken to help you, including behavioral modification steps and weight loss medications, when appropriate. We also offer support groups, exercise and nutritional counseling. Our team will be with you, helping you to succeed, every step. How can I reduce my weight and regain my health? That's exactly the goal your doctor will have for you. Resist the temptation to launch into a very strenuous diet trying to achieve an "ideal body weight." Ninety-five percent of the people who do this may lose weight, but regain it within five years, sometimes even regaining more than they lost. The Good News Even though you desire for your excess weight to go away quickly, the real answer-for long-term success-is to seek an effective, lasting treatment. The sooner you start losing weight—even small, incremental amounts—you begin to reap the benefits! Here are some of the benefits of weight loss you may experience:
The sooner you seek and follow treatment—the sooner you begin to Live Your Life—The Weight will be Over. How can I reduce my weight and regain my health? To lose weight and keep it off, you will follow three basic steps:
So what is good nutrition? The eating habits of Americans go a long way to explain why so many citizens are overweight and obese today. Americans consume 23% more sugar than they did in 1970, and we eat "out" twice as often as we used to. Most people require three regular meals, as well as one snack every day. The three meals should be about the same size and should be low in fat content. In a day, it's good to try to eat:
Some people benefit from a different meal approach, such as:
Your physician, the dietitian, or the nurse practitioner can help determine the eating plan that will work best for your particular needs. So should I be worried about carbohydrates or high fat? This question tell us a lot about contemporary culture. There are a lot of diets that promise good results, but that don't take a balanced approach. Foods that are high in fat contain almost twice the calories of carbohydrates and protein. Fat calories actually turn into body fat more easily than carbohydrates or proteins. High fat content can confuse your appetite making it hard to know when you are full. Can I trust nutrition information I get from websites and magazines? If you're thinking of following one of these diets, it's good to check it out with your physician, nutritionist or a dietician. Here are few thoughts to keep in mind:
Should I be taking medications to help me lose weight? If the physician or nurse practitioner believes that you will benefit from medication, he or she will prescribe it for you when you are seen at our clinic. Usually, a physician will only prescribe medicine if you are extremely over weight or obese and at risk for developing other medical complications without immediate weight reduction. Will a diet or treatment center help improve my success? It can, but some programs are better than others. A program that promises quick results usually doesn't yield lasting results. Your doctor knows that some of the most successful weight loss programs use a team approach to your treatment. You will be at the center of that team, and your physician is your trusted ally. Your physician may also encourage you to have an additional team of weight loss professionals assisting you, such as the Nutrition & Disease Prevention Center's program. Your team will help you each step of the way discover and live healthy, new behaviors for years to come. Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is a fairly new developement—and it's one the poses a very serious health threat to our children. Sadly, many of the startling weight problems impacting adults are also impacting children across America. How do I know if my child is overweight? Trust your doctor to help you determine if your child is overweight. If my child is heavy now, will he or she always have a weight problem? Not all heavy children have weight problems as adults. However, as children get older, their risk for staying overweight increases. If one or both parents are overweight, the child will be more at risk for having weight problems. What's causing my child's weight problem? Could it be hormones? Over eating and eating too often Genetics Inactivity It's unlikely that your child has a hormone imbalance. Your physician can tell you if he or she feels more tests are indicated. But most children with a hormone imbalance grow slower than other children. If your child has excessive fatigue, constipation or dry skin, let your doctor know. What will obesity do to my child? An alarming trend in childhood obesity is the rise of obesity—related illnesses in children-the same illnesses that we see in adults. Physicians are seeing the following illnesses in obese children: Type 2 Diabetes—formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes has become increasingly prevalent among overweight children and adolescents. In the USA, up to 45% of children with newly diagnosed diabetes have Type 2 diabetes and most are overweight or obese at diagnosis. Other weight-related illnesses in children can include:
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