Does your health depend on your
weight loss? You’re not alone. More than 64 percent of Americans
are considered overweight and more than 31 percent are obese. In
fact, many experts consider obesity an epidemic. Obesity can
lead to serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular
disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.
If you are overweight, it is important to speak with your doctor
about the impact of your weight on your health. You and your
physician can devise a plan for treatment. You may even require
an intensive weight-management program.
If you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off, there
is a state-of-the-art treatment for overweight and obese
individuals. An initial screening includes the testing of
metabolic rate using an innovative device called the “BodyGem.”
This measures a person’s resting metabolic rate, or burn rate,
in a 24-hour period. This information is then used to help
design a person’s weight loss or maintenance plan.
The programs available include the Optifast program, used by
more than 1 million patients since 1974. This program can be a
complete meal replacement plan or it can be modified. Research
shows that in more than 20,000 patients who follow the Optifast
program, the average, weight loss is 52 pounds. In some
patients, anti-obesity medications are used either for weight
loss or maintenance, depending on the individual’s medical
history.
Long term follow-up and maintenance programs are available to
help prevent weight regain. Some patients may eventually
discontinue or reduce the use of medications for high blood
pressure or diabetes.
