Dieting Doesn't Have to Hurt
Apr 05 '01
The Bottom Line Why weight any longer?
I'M FAT! This is a phrase uttered by far too many people these days.
Obesity is a problem that affects millions of Americans. It is the most common and least treated disease in the United States. In the human body, obesity affects every system; skin, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, digestive, etc.
Dieting can sometimes work, but for many people, it is ineffective. Many people diet and lose weight, only to gain the lost pounds back after a few months, sometimes gaining more weight along the way.
Exercise can help, but many people lack the motivation to stick with it.
For many people, assistance is needed. A family physician can provide that assistance. A weight loss clinic, gym, etc. are available for individuals who need help losing weight. These programs provide the motivation and encouragement to keep the weight loss going and to help maintain a healthy weight once the goal is reached.
The best thing about receiving assistance in losing weight is seeing results. When an individual has attained a healthier weight, they feel better and look better.
One key factor in success in dieting is to change not only the diet, but the lifestyle. By getting more active and modifying the way we eat, we may see an improvement in weight, but the change must become a way of life, not a temporary fix.
Another key factor is motivation. Getting encouraged to change lifestyle and lose weight and keeping motivated during the actual loss can ensure success. Additional desire to keep the weight off once it is lost is also critical. The major role of obtaining assistance in losing weight is to "cheerlead and guide".
During the initial physicians visit, tests may be run to make sure that the individual does not have any health concerns. An EKG and lab work may be performed, a detailed medical history is taken, diet counseling and modification is discussed, exercise recommendations are made and prescription medication may be provided, if needed.
The most important part of the first visit is the history. By addressing any health problems the individual might have and finding out as much about the individual as possible, it then becomes easier to start a diet program tailored for that individual's needs. Taking into account the activity level of the individual, current diet habits, amount of weight needed to be lost and how motivated the individual is, the physician works with the individual to determine the most effective diet plan for them. Continued monthly monitoring and maintenance helps to keep the individual motivated and ensure success.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN DIETING:
· Avoid foods that are high in sugar or that convert to sugar during digestion (starches).
· Eat more fruits and vegetables.
· You don't have to starve. Eating only when you are hungry and then only until you are full is the best method for eating. Starving only encourages overeating.
· Fresh foods are better than frozen and frozen are better than canned.
· Pick a type of diet that you're comfortable with and stick to it.
· Never use the excuse "This one time won't hurt me."
· Make healthy substitutions to your favorite recipes.
· Get moving! Do as much as you are able to do. Effective exercise occurs when you do it at least 30 minutes a day three times a week.
· Look at labels. Reading fat and calorie information on the label can help determine the best foods for you.
The loss of pounds is important but the loss of inches can be equally important. Because muscle weighs more than fat, many people may be experiencing dramatic loss in inches, but not actually be losing very many pounds. For this reason, measurements are taken at every visit as well as weight to determine the individual's success in dieting. When weight loss is achieved, clothes fit better, individuals receive compliments on their changed appearance, tolerance for exercise improves, self-esteem skyrockets, but health is the main beneficiary.
The heart does not have to work so hard, breathing becomes easier, skin condition improves, bones and joints do not experience as much stress, blood pressure is reduced, stress levels decrease and the blood flows better. These are just some of the benefits to the body of weight loss.
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