Embarking on a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming. The St. Francis weight loss programs offer a comprehensive approach, encompassing personalized plans, medical interventions, and ongoing support, to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals safely and effectively. These programs recognize that effective weight loss requires more than just willpower; it necessitates a strong support system and a tailored strategy.
Understanding the Fundamentals
Before delving into the specifics of the St. Francis programs, it's crucial to understand some foundational concepts. Good health and body weight, while related, are distinct. Adopting healthy eating habits and incorporating an exercise plan can lead to weight loss. However, improvements in metabolic health are possible regardless of one's size.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) serves as an initial assessment tool, estimating body fat percentage based on height and weight. It is a calculation that estimates your body fat percentage based on your height and weight. While BMI is a useful starting point, a comprehensive evaluation considers individual health conditions and lifestyle factors. Weight loss treatment is typically offered to individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 and higher if accompanied by a weight-related health condition. These conditions include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
The Multifaceted Nature of Obesity
Obesity is not a result of a single cause. It can be a chronic condition or develop over time due to certain behaviors or underlying conditions. Addressing obesity requires a holistic approach that considers these contributing factors.
Components of the St. Francis Weight Loss Programs
The St. Francis weight loss programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, addressing individual needs and preferences. Here's an overview of the key components:
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Initial Consultation and Assessment
The journey begins with an initial consultation. During this meeting, healthcare professionals get to know you and learn about your medical and weight loss history. This initial consultation often includes an InBody scan to assess your current health and body composition. This assessment helps determine the most suitable program options and create a plan tailored to your individual needs.
Personalized Diet Plans
A customized diet plan is created and tailored to your individual needs, taking into account your health status, lifestyle, and weight loss goals. These plans emphasize healthy eating habits and may incorporate strategies to manage hunger and cravings.
Exercise and Lifestyle Modifications
Alongside dietary changes, exercise plays a vital role in sustainable weight loss. The programs often include guidance on incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Lifestyle modifications, such as stress management techniques and improved sleep hygiene, are also addressed to support overall well-being.
Prescription Weight Loss Medication
For some individuals, prescription weight loss medication may be a viable option. This is commonly used to make you feel full or less hungry. Most medication is administered by injection on a weekly basis. Many prescription weight loss drugs are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. These injectable medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which your body releases after eating to let your brain know you’re full. They slow the movement of food through the stomach to help you feel full longer. GLP-1 medications are also effective for treating Type 2 diabetes.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery may be an option for those who are 50 or more pounds overweight and have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight through diet and exercise. Bon Secours St. Francis Weight Management is a MBSAQIP Center of Excellence providing comprehensive care for patients seeking bariatric surgery. Our program helps patients improve their overall health, quality of life, and achieve long-term weight loss. Our surgeons are highly experienced and offer exemplary care to the Upstate and surrounding areas, including North Carolina. Bariatric surgery involves making surgical changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. There are several different surgery options and the type of weight loss surgery that is best for you depends on your health and individual situation. Bariatric surgery changes how your digestive system works. It reduces the size of your stomach to help you feel full faster and eat less.
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Ongoing Support
Effective weight loss requires a strong support system. The St. Francis programs provide ongoing support through various means, including individual counseling, group sessions, and access to online resources. At Catholic Health, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Our bariatric experts offer surgical, medical and holistic integrative medicine options to help you lose weight safely and effectively. We take the time to get to know you, your unique goals, challenges and lifestyle.
Program Options at St. Francis
OSF Weight Loss Center
The OSF Weight Loss Center offers a range of options, from personal coaching to surgery, customizing a plan to fit your needs. Your weight loss journey starts here! At your first appointment, we will get to know you and learn about your medical and weight loss history. We will discuss the program options and make a plan that suits you best.
Bon Secours St. Francis Weight Management
Bon Secours St. Francis Weight Management is a MBSAQIP Center of Excellence providing comprehensive care for patients seeking bariatric surgery. Our program helps patients improve their overall health, quality of life, and achieve long-term weight loss. Our surgeons are highly experienced and offer exemplary care to the Upstate and surrounding areas, including North Carolina.
Catholic Health Bariatric Services
At Catholic Health, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Our bariatric experts offer surgical, medical and holistic integrative medicine options to help you lose weight safely and effectively. We take the time to get to know you, your unique goals, challenges and lifestyle. We offer a full range of treatments - from the latest bariatric surgeries and minimally invasive procedures to FDA-approved weight loss medications as well as integrative medicine programs focused on diet and exercise.
St. Francis Heart Center Weight Loss Program
St. Francis Heart Center offers a 3-month program designed to give you the tools and support you need for successful weight loss. This comprehensive weight loss program includes an initial consultation with an InBody scan to assess your current health and body composition. A customized diet plan is then created and tailored to your individual needs.
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Navigating the Program
Getting Started
The first step is to contact the St. Francis Weight Management program location of your choice to make an appointment. You will work directly with one of our weight loss specialists to determine the program that will work best for you based on your health, lifestyle and weight loss goals.
Insurance Coverage
We recommend checking with your insurance provider to find out the details of your plan’s coverage for weight loss programs and treatments. Contact your insurance company if you have any questions on coverage for our services.
Informational Seminars
Attend our weekly informational seminars. Engage with our expert physicians and receive valuable insights from professionals who truly understand your needs. Learn about your non-surgical and surgical options available through Catholic Health. Seminars occur every Tuesday at 6 pm.