Obesity is a serious public health concern in the US. It is a risk factor in illnesses such as cardiac arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, stroke, ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. According to NCBI, up to 66% of adults in the country are overweight or obese. The situation is worsened by revelations that $140 billion is spent annually to treat obesity and affiliated ailments. The amount represents 9% of all annual medical expenditures. Scientists are yet to fully uncover the real causes of obesity. However, there is a strong case for a combination of factors, including genetic, behavioral, metabolic and hormonal changes.
A case for weight loss in obese patients
A comprehensive weight loss program should take into consideration efforts to maintain proper weight and health, as well as prevent future weight gain. Effective weight loss programs like bariatric treatment and exercise can minimize the risk factors and severity of weight related ailments. A medical bariatric physician, also called bariatrician can help an obese patient follow through a weight loss program without surgical intervention or refer the patient for surgery if necessary. Bariatricians are specialist in treating obesity disorders.
As part of treatment, a bariatrician can suggest the following interventions: diet changes, behavioral therapy and measured physical activities. According to Obesity Action, the treatment can be divided into two parts, the assessment and management. The assessment is done to determine the patient’s obesity levels and health status. The management part covers weight loss activities, measures to control risk factors and body weight management.
The bariatrician will look at the patient’s medical history, laboratory tests and results of physical examination to ascertain the obesity level and health status. Laboratory testing is normally requested to analyze key health issues including thyroid function and cardiac status via an electrocardiogram, as well as other tests. The bariatrician will also provide necessary counseling and to help ensure the patient follows the weight loss plan.
The progress made in areas like physical activity and diet must be recorded to gauge progress. If there are any underlying risks, the bariatrician will monitor the patient and institute the necessary changes to keep the program on track. Bariatric treatment may also involve the use of medications to assist with appetite and portion control. When writing a prescription for weight loss, the physician will analyze the expected benefits and possible side effects. Other factors include the patient’s current health and medical history.
Recommended exercises to stay healthy and lose weight
Exercise is critical for anyone who wants to stay physically fit and healthy. According to the World Health Organization factsheet, people who exercise regularly have lower rates of mortality arising from Depression, Breast Cancer, Coronary Disease, Hypertension and more. Exercise can also reduce the likelihood of suffering hip and vertebral fracture. The following physical activities are recommended for adults:
• Physical activities: hiking, walking, gardening, dancing and swimming
• Mobility exercises: cycling, jogging and walking
• Occupational activities: work, household chores, planned exercises and playing games
Note; these exercises can be carried out at individual, family or group level
Even with all the listed efforts, it is important to recognize that obesity is a complex global issue. The strategies to control weight, including exercise also remain controversial and indefinite. The controversy stems from conflicting studies and varied responses from different schools of thought. However, people suffering from obesity generally require increased daily activity to achieve weight loss. The program may constitute strength training, cardio exercises and aerobics.
The intensity of training should also be low to modest. Indeed, a better outcome can be achieved by putting emphasis on the duration of training rather than intensity. For patients with a BMI of 35 and over, exercises that cause too much strain on the joints should be avoided. These exercises include aggressive contact sports, jumping and jogging. A professional weight trainer working with a bariatric physician can help a patient through every step of training.
Get the right expert attention!
Patients suffering from obesity and its related disorders continue to benefit from treatment programs offered by bariatric physicians. Dr. Jan McBarron (Duke and The Doctor) is a well-recognized and highly respected Bariatric Medical Doctor residing in Nevada. She earned her medical doctorate from Drexel University School of Medicine in Philadelphia and was recently recognized as “The Distinguished Alumni for Entrepreneurship”. With her husband she moved to Georgia where for over thirty years she specialized in Bariatric Medicine while co-hosting with her husband Duke, the award winning, nationally syndicated, health talk radio show, Duke and The Doctor.
Having relocated to Nevada, she continues working in public speaking, writing books, blogs, magazine articles as well as for social media, and in philanthropic initiatives thru her scholarship campaigns. While she enjoyed seeing patients individually in private practice, she feels her work now enables her to reach more people than ever.