Why is it important to have a healthy body weight?
While many people want to lose weight to improve their appearance and confidence, there are many health benefits to losing weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for various health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Gallbladder disease
However, if you’re overweight, losing just 5-10% of your body weight — 10-20 pounds for a 200-pound person — can lead to significant health improvements.
How can a health care provider help me lose weight?
Losing weight and keeping it off is much tougher than the weight-loss equation would have you believe. If it were easy to use more calories than you consume consistently, millions of Americans wouldn’t be overweight.
The team at Dr. Susan Rife and Associates Family Medicine provides personalized weight-management programs tailored to the individual needs of each patient. They can address issues that inhibit weight loss, such as:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Stress hormones
- Insulin resistance
- Anemia
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Inflammation
A multitude of issues can make weight loss challenging, from underlying health issues to overestimating your daily caloric needs. Your provider can help you overcome obstacles and provide support to help you on your weight-loss journey.
What is included in a weight-management program?
The providers at Dr. Susan Rife and Associates Family Medicine begin with a general health exam and blood tests to check for immediate and underlying health concerns that could interfere with your efforts. They also ask you about your lifestyle and previous weight-loss efforts.
Once your provider understands your specific needs, they work with you to create a sustainable weight-management program. Your program may include:
- Nutrition consultations with a registered dietitian
- Customized nutrition recommendations and meal planning advice
- Advice and support to increase physical activity
- Treatment for health issues that are inhibiting weight loss
- Weight-loss medication, if appropriate
- Education, support, and encouragement
You have regular appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your program as needed. Once you achieve your goals, your provider can help you adjust to maintaining your new weight with consistent and sustainable healthy choices.
To get started on a personalized weight-management program that can help you achieve your goals and improve your health, call Dr. Susan Rife and Associates Family Medicine today or make an appointment online.
