 | Steve Brotton
is a Nurse Practitioner who has worked in Preventive Medicine and Bariatrics (treatment of obesity and eating disorders) for over twenty years. He previously worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in General Practice where he saw the profound effect obesity and overweight issues were having on patients' health and medical conditions and he found by implementing a weight management program for the patient that frequently it would correct and control their hypertension, diabetes, gastric problems, or lower their risk to develop these problems. Steve has worked extensively in medical weight management. You can reach Steve and his team by e-mail at Kelloggclinic@hotmail.com or by phone at (316) 682-5900. |
Diet & Nutrition
2004-02-01 15:10:00
Quick weight loss & good health?
: When talking weight loss, can you have the best of both worlds, good health and fast results?
Steve Brotton
Question: When talking weight loss, can you have the best of both worlds, good health and fast results?Answer: So many Americans today deal with the 'diet rollercoaster'. At some point, we have all picked up the phone and ordered the "latest amazing diet pill" or gallon of "miracle juice" that promises to take off 50 pounds between Friday evening and Monday morning. Lets face it; we as a society want instant gratification regardless of the cost. There is one simple rule to successfully losing weight while maintaining one's health. Cut calories without cutting nutrition. Starving yourself is fasting. Too many people think that calories alone are the secret to weight loss. They cut their calorie intake, and inadvertently starve themselves in the process. They find that they're feeling run down because they've lost muscle in addition to fat, which is unsafe and lowers a person's metabolism. Programs substituting highly nutritional supplements for the patient's usual food intake, which removes the decision about what and how much to eat, and to help overcome eating 'triggers' is known as medical fasting. If a person is planning to lose weight, especially at a rapid rate, a medical professional should monitor the patient throughout the process, as it's very important to know how the weight loss is occurring. Healthful weight loss can reduce the onset and consequences of other medical problems. In addition, healthful weight loss can result in the patient eliminating or reducing their medications for high blood pressure and diabetes. This decision should only be made by a medical professional, and one that has worked with you through the weight loss process is in the perfect position to monitor this. Although most decisions to shed pounds begin with aesthetic goals, it's rewarding to discover the additional benefits of fewer health problems and more energy to enjoy a more active lifestyle. Working with a trusted professional is like having a partner on your side. Weekly visits offer a distinct psychological advantage. The patient is more focused on their goal and once they begin seeing results, the enthusiasm is shared and snowballs. It's beneficial to know that you have someone in your corner cheering you on.Anyone who's tried to diet knows that maintenance is the most important (and sometimes the most difficult) part of the weight loss process. Before you begin any medically supervised weight loss program, ask your medical professional the success rate for those who have tried the program prescribed for you. Many times, they will have information on individuals or groups that have worked a particular program that may have helpful information and encouragement to share.
