Medical Weight Loss Helps People Drop Pounds

Dieting isn't easy but medical weight loss plans are one way to achieve success. Obesity has become a problem in our culture. Many restaurants, especially fast food chains, were exposed as culprits in offering gigantic portion sizes of high fat, calorie-laden foods. Now many restaurants offer smaller portions or lighter fare for those who are trying to shed body fat. Individuals are also becoming more conscious of the need to incorporate some types of exercise into their days. Doctors became involved in helping their patients get slimmer because being overweight causes so many health problems. There are different ways that physicians can step in to assist patient's reach their own healthy poundage. Here are some things to think about:

Diet clinics: Some MDs oversee clinics to assist patients in their quest for slimmer bodies. During these programs, individual diets and menus would be designed for each participant; support groups and speakers would be in place to help motivate and educate. Progress would be monitored with regular weigh-ins, blood pressure checks and exams. These checkups keep each person's wellbeing at the forefront.

Exercise programs: Because exercise will also allow a person to obtain a sleeker figure, doctors may monitor these, as well. Personal trainers and physical therapists can design strengthening and aerobic programs for weak muscles and burning calories. Flexibility regimes may also be prescribed to help wellbeing.

Counseling for food addictions: Some people are addicted to eating food and it may actually become their "drug of choice." Addiction counselors can help individuals discover why they have these issues and guide them in developing healthier coping skills. 12 Step groups such as Overeaters Anonymous are modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. O.A. may be helpful for those trying to diet and curb food addictions.

Gastric bypass surgeries: Some surgeons perform operations to shrinking the stomach. The pathway between the intestines gets altered in this operation, too, so that the metabolism is changed to promote losing pounds. In order to have this surgery, a person must have a body mass index, also known as a BMI, of 40. If the person also has an illness, which is related to the excess weight, he or she only needs to have a BMI of 35. This is a complex procedure, which requires hospitalization for a couple of days.

Gastric banding: Another operation, which is similar to the bypass, is a banding procedure. This involves placing a silicone band around the stomach to reduce its size. A patient must have 40 BMI without a complicating disease or 30 BMI with an illness such as high blood pressure or diabetes. This is often an outpatient procedure allowing the person to go home on the day of the banding.

Seeing a healthy number of pounds appear on one's scale can greatly enhance a person's wellbeing. Being overweight can lead to an array of difficulties – physically, emotionally and socially. Diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain, foot problems and more are linked to obesity. Mental maladies such as depression and anxiety are more prevalent in overweight people, too. Heavy humans are judged, discriminated against and suffer socially. Medical weight loss can turn this around.