Weight Loss Treatment Options
If you struggle with weight, talk to our providers about weight loss treatment options as soon as possible.
What are some ways you can lose weight?
Learn to make healthy diet choices.
Making healthy food choices significantly impacts mood and weight-loss efforts. Each individual’s calorie requirements vary by gender, age, activity level, and health conditions, particularly when weight loss is necessary. By understanding these factors, individuals can tailor their dietary choices to meet their specific needs and goals effectively. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber while limiting processed and high-calorie foods promotes overall well-being and supports weight management efforts.
Additionally, adopting mindful eating habits, such as paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, can help prevent overeating and promote a healthier relationship with food. Ultimately, prioritizing nutritious food options contributes to both physical and emotional health, fostering a positive mindset and a sustainable weight-loss journey.
Increase your physical activity.
Our providers recommend getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day and even more exercise for further health benefits and weight loss. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which diet choices would best support your weight loss journey.
Regular exercise improves mental health and does the body good. Some great exercises include:
- Walking
- Resistance exercises
- Opting for stairs instead of an elevator
- Yoga
- Biking
If you’ve been inactive or you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor or health care provider before starting a new physical activity program. Most people can begin with five- or 10-minute activity sessions and gradually increase the time.
Sleep
Proper sleep duration and quality are essential not only for physical but also for emotional well-being, and adequate sleep can help with weight loss.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), some steps you can take to improve sleep are to:
- Keep a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid blue light from smart devices before bed
- Keep the bedroom cool
- Get exercise and natural light in the daytime
- Avoid eating or drinking close to bedtime
Increased use of smart devices can affect sleep quality and quantity, food choices, and physical activity. According to a study by Taheri at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, poor sleep increases BMI and alters levels of hormones ghrelin and leptin, which control appetite.¹⁶ Lack of good quality sleep can also lead to insulin resistance, causing weight gain.
How does weight affect previously existing conditions?
Migraines, arthritis, and other chronic conditions can cause both physical and emotional symptoms. Extra weight also puts pressure and stress on joints, increases pain sensitivity, reduces flexibility, causes inflammation, poor sleep, and affects quality of life.
Weight gain can lead to various health repercussions, including Migraine, low back pain, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Excess weight places added stress on the spine and lower back, often resulting in discomfort and pain. Furthermore, increased body fat can contribute to insulin resistance and nerve damage, exacerbating symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, may also be influenced by weight gain, as excess adipose tissue can exacerbate inflammation and pain sensitivity. Additionally, carrying extra weight puts strain on the joints, leading to the development or worsening of arthritis, a condition characterized by joint inflammation and stiffness. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the risk of these debilitating conditions and promoting overall well-being.
