Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that affects millions worldwide. It's not merely a cosmetic issue but a condition associated with serious health risks, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and musculoskeletal problems. If you're struggling to lose weight and keep it off, you're not alone. Many individuals find themselves in a cycle of weight loss and regain, trying various diets and programs with limited long-term success. This article explores various weight loss methods, including surgical and non-surgical options, with a focus on the approaches offered by the Nicholson Clinic and other weight management programs.
Understanding the Need for Weight Loss
Excess weight can significantly impact your health and well-being. It increases the risk of developing several health problems and can diminish your quality of life. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for and treating obesity, highlighting the importance of addressing this condition.
Determining Your Weight Loss Options
The first step in exploring weight loss methods is to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It can help you understand if you are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
- BMI of 40 or higher: You generally meet the national guidelines for weight loss surgery.
- BMI between 35 and 39.9: You may qualify for weight loss surgery if you have at least one obesity-related comorbidity, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure.
- BMI less than 35: Medical weight loss methods are typically recommended.
It's also important to consider how long you have been overweight and what weight loss methods you have previously tried. If you have a history of unsuccessful dieting and weight regain, a surgical approach might be a viable option if you meet the BMI requirements.
Surgical Weight Loss Options
For individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with comorbidities, bariatric surgery can be an effective solution for significant and long-term weight loss. The Nicholson Clinic, for example, offers several surgical options, including:
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- Gastric Sleeve: This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, reducing its size and limiting food intake. It is the most common procedure offered by the Nicholson Clinic.
- Gastric Bypass: This surgery creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine. This reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.
- Duodenal Switch: This is a more complex procedure that combines a gastric sleeve with intestinal bypass to further limit calorie absorption.
- Lap-Band Removal and Revisional Surgeries: These options are available for patients who have had previous weight loss surgeries and require adjustments or revisions.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery can kick-start your path to a healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life. Patients can often experience benefits immediately after surgery. Studies have shown that surgery decreases long-term mortality, morbidity, and healthcare use in morbidly obese patients.
Considerations for Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery isn't the easy way out. Successful weight loss surgery requires a fundamental life change. Preparations for surgery often include several months of supervised classes about nutrition and exercise to ensure patients maintain a healthy lifestyle after the procedure.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options
For individuals who do not meet the criteria for surgery or prefer non-surgical methods, there are several options available. These include medical weight loss programs, lifestyle modifications, and technology-assisted interventions.
Medical Weight Loss Programs
Medical weight loss programs, such as the one offered by the Summa Health Weight Management Institute, provide a physician-driven approach to weight loss. These programs are designed for patients with a BMI between 25 and 35 and focus on individual needs. The key components include:
- Initial assessment: An obesity medicine provider partners with you to determine your weight loss goals and develop a personalized plan.
- Personalized treatment plan: Elements of the plan, such as the frequency of follow-up visits, healthy eating plan, and lifestyle modifications, are tailored to your needs.
- Meal planning: Assistance with meal planning, along with management of weight in conjunction with medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or pregnancy.
- Behavioral health support: Identifying and addressing any underlying disordered eating behaviors that could be at the root of previous weight gain and failed weight loss efforts.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes are a cornerstone of any successful weight loss plan. These include:
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- Healthy Eating: Following a structured eating plan that suits your preferences and lifestyle. This involves consuming a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive carbohydrates.
- Regular Exercise: Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. This can include structured workouts at a gym, as well as everyday activities like walking, taking the stairs, and engaging in active hobbies.
- Self-Monitoring: Keeping track of your food intake, exercise, and weight. This can help you stay accountable and identify areas where you can make improvements.
- Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your eating habits and emotional triggers that lead to overeating.
- Intermittent Fasting: A strategy to take control of your eating habits and free yourself from body dysmorphia and food trauma.
Technology-Assisted Interventions
Technology-assisted weight loss interventions offer novel ways of improving treatment in primary care settings. These interventions utilize the Internet, personal computers, and/or mobile devices to deliver weight loss support and guidance. Studies have shown that these interventions can be effective in helping patients achieve weight loss compared to usual care. Interventions that include clinician-guiding software or feedback from personnel appear to promote more weight loss than fully automated interventions.
The Role of Medications
While certain weight loss medications and diet programs can be effective for some, they tend to be more viable options for patients with a lower BMI and without underlying health conditions. Weight loss medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It's also important to note that studies show weight loss programs, pills, and injections often result in only temporary weight loss, and once the medication is stopped or the program is complete, people tend to regain the weight.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of medications that have gained attention for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss. Semaglutide 2.4 mg, for example, is a GLP-1 RA approved for obesity treatment.
Compounded Weight Loss Drugs
Compounded weight loss drugs, specifically those containing tirzepatide (like Mounjaro and Zepbound), were previously used during shortages of these medications. However, as of October 3, 2024, the FDA no longer permits compounded versions of these drugs to be dispensed, as the shortage has officially ended.
Overcoming Barriers to Weight Loss
There are many barriers to successfully treating obesity. It is important to remember that obesity is a disease, not just a lack of willpower. It can be caused by other diseases, and it definitely causes many diseases, including cancer. Changing your behavior when it comes to eating and exercise is the key to success in any weight loss plan.
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The Importance of Support
Whether you choose surgical or non-surgical weight loss methods, having a strong support system is crucial for success. The Nicholson Clinic, for example, is committed to supporting patients before, during, and after surgery - for life! This includes follow-up appointments, additional support, and encouragement.
Success Stories
Hearing from others who have successfully lost weight can be a great source of inspiration. Here are a few examples:
- Ashley: Lost 129 lbs. and wanted to be there for her kids, patients, and husband.
- Vickie: Lost 65.8 pounds, improved her self-esteem, and decreased stress and anxiety.
- Robert: Lost 100 pounds and is now able to be around for his grandkids and kids.
- Vance and Kathryn: Lost over 200 pounds together through the Summa Bariatric Program.
- Tim: Lost over 200 pounds after weight loss surgery and is now able to mow his yard.
- Marissa: Lost weight through the Summa Health non-surgical weight loss program and is now an inspiration to other girls.
Embracing a New Approach to Fat Loss in Midlife
For women over 40, weight loss can feel more challenging due to hormonal changes and shifts in metabolism. Hollie Nicholson, a personal trainer and nutrition coach, offers a masterclass that focuses on strategies for midlife fat loss. This approach emphasizes strength training, understanding hormonal influences, and finding a sustainable plan that fits into busy lives.