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NutritionDoes your health depend on your weight loss? You’re not alone. More than 64 percent of Americans are considered overweight and more than 31 percent are obese. In fact, many experts consider obesity an epidemic. Obesity can lead to serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. |
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If you are overweight, it is important to speak with your doctor about the impact of your weight on your health. You and your physician can devise a plan for treatment. You may even require an intensive weight-management program. If you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off, there is a state-of-the-art treatment for overweight and obese individuals. An initial screening includes the testing of metabolic rate using an innovative device called the “BodyGem.” This measures a person’s resting metabolic rate, or burn rate, in a 24-hour period. This information is then used to help design a person’s weight loss or maintenance plan. The programs available include the Optifast program, used by more than 1 million patients since 1974. This program can be a complete meal replacement plan or it can be modified. Research shows that in more than 20,000 patients who follow the Optifast program, the average, weight loss is 52 pounds. In some patients, anti-obesity medications are used either for weight loss or maintenance, depending on the individual’s medical history. Long term follow-up and maintenance programs are available to help prevent weight regain. Some patients may eventually discontinue or reduce the use of medications for high blood pressure or diabetes. Dr. Loper, Ph.D., R.D. The Central Ohio Nutrition Center |
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