It’s time for New Year’s resolutions. And at the top of most people’s list – lose weight.
But for some, routine dieting and exercise alone can’t get the job done.
“Obesity is a chronic condition and not a result of overeating or lack of exercise,” says Dr. Kamraan Madhani, bariatric medicine specialist at Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in Southington and Plainville.
Medical weight loss offers patients — who may not be ready for bariatric surgery — the opportunity to work with a weight loss expert to develop a customized weight loss plan.
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What exactly is medical weight loss?
You’ve probably heard of surgical weight loss, which often involves procedures like gastric bypass. But surgery isn’t for everyone, and this is where medical weight loss becomes an option.
“Medical weight loss involves a multimodal approach to the patient,” says Madhani. “We focus on lifestyle interventions, such as B. A foundation for healthy living, physical activity and attention to nutrition. In some cases, we discuss the use of medications that can assist patients in their weight loss efforts.”
Why should I consider medical weight loss?
“Many people are unaware of the importance of obesity in the United States,” says Dr. Madhani.
It is estimated that one third of Americans are obese, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea and certain types of cancer.
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How do I know if I qualify?
Medical weight loss qualification is based on your body mass index (BMI), which is a measurement of your body fat based on your height and weight. dr Madhani says that in order to qualify for medical weight loss, a person must have one of the following:
- A BMI of 27 or higher with health conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes.
- A BMI of 30 or greater, regardless of weight-related health issues.
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What results can I expect?
dr Madhani says the goal is for a patient to lose five to 10 percent of their excess body weight.
“The reason we’re aiming for that threshold is because we know from experience with those percentages that we’re starting to see improvements in health issues like blood pressure and diabetes,” he says. “If a patient can shed more than five to ten percent excess body fat, which is very often the case, that’s even better.”
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