You’re not alone! Forty percent of the U.S. population are obese and losing those extra pounds can be challenging to say the least. There are so many different diets, exercise routines, and professional opinions, making the path to your ideal weight seem overwhelming and speaks to the fact that there isn’t a one size fits all approach—some diets work well for some but not others. Add to the fact that obesity is a complex interplay between genetics, stress levels, caloric intake, macronutrient composition (carbs vs fats vs proteins), and perhaps even our own gut bacteria just to name a few, getting weight loss results often requires a multimodal approach and through evaluation to determine the best treatment.
Most want to lose weight to look and feel better, but there are also serious health consequences for being overweight. Obesity increases your risk of high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea, and diabetes. The NHANES Study, which is the most complex health and nutrition study carried out in the U.S. found that 80% of type II diabetes is attributed to obesity and that obesity increased the incidences of 13 different types of cancers, which made up 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States.
The good news is that weight loss is possible, and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, it can be done in a healthy and sustainable way. It all starts with a proper evaluation—getting to know your food habits, work schedule, triggers and cravings, and understanding your complete medical history. It also includes a laboratory evaluation looking at thyroid, testosterone, vitamin B12 levels, and blood counts. After a complete picture emerges, a tailored plan can be created that may include anything from nutrition counseling and bioidentical hormone therapy to weight loss medication or supplement recommendations. What should be constant, however, is a provider who supports you through the process, cheering you on as you work towards your goal and providing encouragement every step of the way!
To get started, call today for an appointment or we can discuss at your next visit.
Dr. T.C. Elliott is a board-certified Internal Medicine specialist at T. Douglas Gurley MD.