Obesity is a chronic condition affecting over a third of adults in the United States, significantly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and fatty liver disease. Weight management programs in Alaska offer various approaches, including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical options, to help individuals combat obesity and improve their overall health.
Personalized Care and Support
Many healthcare providers in Alaska offer personalized care and support to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. For example, Kelly Cerutti, APRN, FNP-C, provides primary and urgent care services, offering personalized care and access to the support needed for optimal health and wellness. Alaska Premier Health helps individuals take control of their health by identifying goals, crafting a plan, and providing the right support to achieve success.
Evidence-Based Weight Management Strategies
Weight management programs in Alaska emphasize evidence-based strategies rooted in scientific wellness. These strategies include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and, in some cases, medication.
Dietary Changes
Meal planning is a crucial component of successful weight loss. It involves actively selecting natural, healthy ingredients to create meals and dishes. Dr. Sarrimanolis and staff recommend a diet with moderate protein and cutting out refined carbohydrates, which consist of sugars and starches that don’t exist in nature, such as those found in bread, cookies, corn chips, pizza, pastas, and chocolate.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is essential for weight loss and overall health. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of activity a week. Even adding just 10 minutes of daily activity can increase the chances of living a longer, healthier life. Alaska’s Fresh Start campaign at freshstart.alaska.gov offers free programs for better health that support increasing daily activity to help lose weight or maintain a healthy weight; lower blood sugar; lower blood pressure; and stop smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping.
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There are many ways to incorporate short amounts of activity into your day, such as a 10-minute walk after lunch, a quick game of basketball, lifting weights during TV commercials, or climbing stairs. Bruce of Anchorage, who wanted to lose weight and have more energy, takes his lunch hour to walk. Allen of North Pole joined one of Alaska’s free Fresh Start programs and lost almost 60 pounds. He wears a tracker to count his daily steps and incorporates activity throughout the day, such as walking after meals and doing squats during TV commercials.
Weight Loss Medications
In some cases, weight loss medication may be necessary. Dr. Sarrimanolis views obesity as a chronic disease and believes that medicinal support may be needed. Some practices prescribe FDA-approved medications, but they do not prescribe miracle pills that claim to help you lose weight overnight. Deciding on the right medication depends on a number of factors, and a healthcare provider can help determine the best option.
SEARHC offers non-surgical weight management options, with appointments focusing on medications and lifestyle interventions that lead to weight loss. This may involve adjusting medications that cause weight gain and/or prescribing medications that help with weight loss. The purpose of medication is to make it easier for patients to make healthier nutritional, behavioral, and activity choices. Alaska Bariatrics is now offering highly effective GLP-1 medications.
Surgical Weight Loss Options
For individuals with severe obesity, surgical weight loss options may be considered. Anchorage Bariatrics offers several surgical procedures, including adjustable gastric band, duodenal switch, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. Drs. Clark, Lee, and Sigley are fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons in Alaska. You can now choose a cash payment option for bariatric surgery at the Surgery Center of Anchorage.
Adjustable Gastric Band
An adjustable gastric band involves an inflatable band fastened around the upper portion of the stomach. A smaller stomach pouch allows for smaller amounts of food to satisfy hunger and promote a feeling of fullness.
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Duodenal Switch
The duodenal switch combines a sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass, removing about 60 to 70% of the stomach and dividing the lower intestine. This procedure promotes weight loss primarily through malabsorption.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
During a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. A Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, duodenum, and jejunum, reducing the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. Following surgery, you may see an improvement in conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy removes approximately 85% of the stomach, changing it to the shape of a banana. There are fewer restrictions on foods that you can consume after surgery, although the quantity of food eaten is still considerably reduced. If you are obese with a relatively low body mass index (BMI), a sleeve gastrectomy may be your best option. This is especially true if you have existing conditions that may prevent other types of surgery, such as anemia or Crohn's disease.
Success Stories
Many individuals have found success with weight loss programs in Alaska. Allen of North Pole lost almost 60 pounds by joining one of Alaska’s free Fresh Start programs. Several patients at Anchorage Bariatrics have shared their positive experiences, noting improvements in their physical and mental health, increased energy levels, and the ability to participate in activities they previously couldn't.
Additional Resources and Support
Alaska offers various resources and support systems to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. Alaska’s health department supports programs to help you meet those goals. That's available too. We have a partner that's ready to connect you to the program that's the best fit for you. Many of these programs are low-cost. When you choose a program, you're not alone. The Fresh Start campaign at freshstart.alaska.gov offers free programs for better health.
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