The Healing Effects of Stem Cell Therapy
August 1, 2019Dealing With A Migraine Headache
August 15, 2019We are constantly bombarded with fad diets and supposed miracle fixes that can harm our bodies when we are trying to lose weight. Unlike unhealthy fad diets, medical weight loss plans are directly monitored by your doctor, include testing for allergies and nutrient deficiencies, and utilize individualized programs that fit your specific needs. It’s hard to do a diet on your own, so having a professional guide you along the way has proven to be more effective and long-lasting. Learn about what a medical weight loss plan looks like and how it can benefit your health with this guide!
Importance of Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Millions of Americans suffer from weight problems and obesity, which causes harm to physical, mental and emotional health. Although many people try various weight loss and exercise programs, most never see any results due to metabolic issues, hereditary problems and stress. This makes it very difficult for them to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which can cause major problems in the future. Physical inactivity and poor diet are the two major contributors to weight gain, but some patients have a genetic predisposition to gain weight, even if they’re eating well and exercising. Your healthy weight will be different than that of other family members and friends, but it should stay within 10 pounds of what you weighed when you turned 21. Your current weight, waist size and the amount of weight that you’ve gained since turning 21 influences your likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea, cancer and infertility. While most of these conditions can be treated, it is still better to prevent them as much as possible rather than spend the money and time needed to relieve them.
Common Fad Diets
As a people, we are generally very concerned about our weight and appearance, especially when trying to lose weight. Many times, however, we look to fad diets that promise quick results that end up being exaggerated and very difficult to maintain. These diets typically are very restrictive but don’t rely on the importance of exercise, so most patients end up gaining all of their weight back once they finish the program. One of the most trending diets in 2019 is the Paleo diet, which focuses on eating foods that we would naturally find in nature, like our ancestors used to. Foods commonly eaten on the Paleo diet include fish, eggs, grass-fed meat, nuts, fruits and veggies, while carbs and baked goods are completely eliminated. This diet works well but strict obedience and responsibility are needed to cut out the bread, sugar and fried foods that it restricts. Another fad diet is the Master Cleanse, which was made famous by Beyonce as she prepared for her role in Dreamgirls. For two weeks, those participating in this diet only consume fresh lemon juice mixed with water, cayenne pepper and pure maple syrup. Although effective, this diet is dangerous for the body, not recommended by medical professionals and is not a good long-term solution for stubborn weight loss. The Mediterranean diet is another popular option for those looking to lose weight fast. This diet switches red meat for chicken and poultry while eating mostly fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and red wine. You do have to cut out butter, though, but you can replace it with olive oil to add flavor to your food.
There is a huge list of fad diets that celebrities and Americans all across the country promote and promise that you’ll lose weight fast. Other diets include the Atkins diet, Weightwatchers, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig and the grapefruit diet, which can all help you lose weight if you strictly follow their rules. Unfortunately, while you may lose some weight participating in these diets, most patients end up gaining all of their weight back once the program ends since none of them really teach you how to prepare your own healthy meals or how to exercise. To effectively lose weight and keep it off, the best option is to visit with your medical provider and develop a medical weight loss plan with him/her. By doing this, you will be examined by a medical professional and provided with a plan tailored to your needs to give you the best chance possible to lose weight.
Benefits of Medical Weight Loss
Before you join a fad diet, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss a medical weight loss plan. A medical weight loss plan is recommended over fad diets because it is overseen by an experienced medical professional that can help you achieve weight loss without risking your health. They can also identify allergies or nutritional deficiencies that are affecting your weight loss, which wouldn’t be possible with a fad diet. Medical weight loss plans also take into account previous medical conditions, such as heart disease, chronic pain and diabetes, and adjust your weight and nutritional goals to work with these issues. You can also breathe a sigh of relief that no extreme exercise regimens or starvation diets are included in medical weight loss; these plans focus on your individual needs, goals and what is healthy for your body. Some benefits of medical weight loss include:
- Customized diet and exercise plans
- Constant support to keep you motivated
- Regular checkups and tests to ensure that you’re healthy
- Treatments that reduce hunger and cravings while boosting metabolism
- Counseling for eating disorders when needed
- Prescription medications to aid in weight loss
Lose Weight Safely With Our Help!
At Texas Spine & Sports Health Center, we focus on the needs of our patients and help them create healthy medical weight loss plans that are effective and safe. As you lose weight, we provide training and recommendations to keep the weight off for years to come. If you’re ready to lose some extra weight and improve your health, call our office at (512) 806-0015 to schedule a consultation. Don’t let your weight get you down; call today to begin your journey to a healthier you!