Obesity not only does not look good but it is also not healthy. It is a complicated long-term disease that can involve almost every body system. According to the World Health Organization, obesity can have genetic, biological, behavioural and environmental causes. Weight management is thus not just a question of will – it may be a question of proper medical assistance and the right treatment program.
How Obesity Affects the Body
Too much fat, especially in the belly area, can set up an inflammatory response and result in metabolic changes in the body. Such transformations can disrupt the regulation of blood sugar, raise blood pressure, impact cholesterol levels, and put more strain on the heart, lungs and joints.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that obesity can also cause serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, liver disease and some types of cancers. Threats can be increased where an individual has more excess weight and has lived with obesity for an extended time.
The Connection with Diabetes and Heart Disease
It’s not a prerequisite for a person experiencing health improvements to reach “ideal” body weight. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, shedding about 5 percent to 10 percent of current bodyweight has a tremendous impact on health and quality of life. The drop of over 3-5% can already have a beneficial effect on reducing blood pressure and blood cholesterol. A 5% decrease is just 10 pounds for a 200 pound person. While small, this can help in better glucose monitoring, less stress on the joints and a lesser likelihood of complications in the future.
Small Changes Can Produce Meaningful Benefits
Medical weight loss offers a custom plan, under medical supervision, for weight management. Typically starts with the patient’s health history, medical history, diet, activity level, and potentially other health issues. Depending on the results, the health care provider might advise certain dietary changes, appropriate exercise, behavioral support and periodic follow-up visits. Weight-management medication may also be used, if clinically appropriate, and prescribed. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that drugs will not substitute for good nutrition or exercise.
How Medical Weight Loss Can Help
Medical weight loss provides a personalized, professionally supervised approach to weight management. It usually begins with a clinical assessment of the patient’s health history, medications, eating habits, activity level and possible underlying medical conditions.
Based on the findings, the healthcare provider may recommend nutritional changes, suitable physical activity, behavioural support and regular progress monitoring. Prescription weight-management medication may also be considered when clinically appropriate. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases emphasizes that these medicines should complement healthy eating and physical activity, not replace them.
Protect Your Long-Term Health
Taking care of the extra weight now can help to lower the risk for diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases in the future. To explore a medically supervised weight-loss plan designed around your health needs, email appointment@familydiagnosticclinic.com, and our team will get you scheduled.
