1. What is BMI?
BMI (Body Mass index) is a measurement of body fat of an individual based on weight and height.
2. What is normal BMI?
BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal
BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight
BMI of greater than 30 is considered obese
Click here to calculate your BMI
3. What is lifestyle modification?
It is a combination of dietary changes and physical activity in daily life. Obesity is a chronic disease and needs life style modification on a day today basis. It plays a very important role in weight loss in addition to medications. It is very crucial part in keeping the weight off.
4. What is Obesity?
Obesity results from complex interaction of genetic, behavioral and environmental factors causing an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. A body weight of 20% or more above the desired weight loss is the point at which excessive weight becomes an established health hazard.
5. What are the health consequences of obesity?
Obesity is associated with the following diseases:
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Liver and Gallbladder disease
- Abnormal menses and infertility
6. What tests will be done during initial evaluation?
You will have blood tests for sugar, thyroid, liver and kidney function. These results will be discussed with you at your first follow-up visit.
An EKG will be done to make sure that the heart rate and rhythm is normal.
A Body Composition Analysis will be done using InBody 230. The results will be discussed with you and will help you to focus on your diet and exercise needs.
7. How frequently will I need to follow up?
You will be seen one week after the initial visit to discuss the lab results and to address your concerns and any questions you might have about your medicine. Thereafter, you will be seen every two weeks to ensure that the treatment is effective. Body composition analysis will be repeated as indicated.
8. What type of medicines will be used?
Appetite suppressants are the most commonly prescribed medications for weight loss. These include medicines like phentermine. The medicine will be dispensed to you,only, at the time of the visit. In addition to oral medicines, such as vitamins, will be given at the visit.
9. How effective is the treatment for weight loss?
Weight loss medicines along with life style modification are a very effective way of losing weight. You can lose 1-2 pounds every week in the first month on an average. Physical exercise will add to the weight loss. Fat distribution will be checked by Body Composition Analyzer to see the effectiveness of the treatment.
