Weight Loss Clinic Tips

Medical weight loss clinics are like everything else; some are effective and worth the money, others aren’t. There are certain components that a good clinic should have, so that you can expect the best possible results for your efforts. Safety is also a concern, as some diets, pills, and programs can put individuals who have health issues at risk. Being overweight isn’t always the result of over-eating; sometimes, it is the result of a medical condition. This is why is important that you find a medical weight loss clinic that closely monitors any medical conditions throughout your progress.

The primary component you should look for is a diet program that is individualized to your needs, and not a one-size-fits-all solution. Make sure the clinic employs doctors, nutritionists, and others who are trained to deal with weight issues. Diet plans should consist of foods you normally purchase at the supermarket, not special “meal plans” as you see with some of the popular diet programs advertised in magazines and on television. The whole point of joining a medical weight loss clinic is so that your health can be monitored while you lose weight, and you can learn how to prepare foods in a way that is healthy, instead of filled with saturated fats.

The first step is usually a consultation; at this time, you will be asked questions regarding your health, eating habits, etc. Most medical weight loss clinics will calculate your BMI, or body mass index, at this time and weigh you for a starting point. Following this consultation, a visit with the physician should be scheduled so that it can be determined you are in good health prior to starting the plan, or the program can be developed in a way that takes any health issues into consideration.

Fitness and exercise will also be an important component of your individualized plan, as no diet works as well without exercise. Physical activity tones muscles and tightens up loose skin, and burns calories so that you lose weight faster. It is also essential to good overall health. Your fitness instructor will devise a fitness plan that is suitable to your health and lifestyle; as you become more fit, the intensity of your workout will likely increase.

Psychological support is also a necessary component of a reputable medical weight loss clinic, as most people have times when it’s hard to keep going and it is tempting to revert to old habits and eating foods that aren’t healthy. Counseling will help you maintain a positive attitude and give you the motivation and support you need to keep working toward a healthier lifestyle.

Last but not least, it is essential that you set goals that are realistic in your efforts to lose weight, and personnel at a medical weight loss clinic will help you accomplish this. In most cases, the best results are achieved when an individual sets goals to lose 2 to 3 pounds per week. In reality, losing weight is all about behavior modification, learning how, what, and when to eat, planning meals with foods from the four food groups, and exercise. It isn’t about magic shakes, pills, supplements, or the latest “fad” diet of celebrities.

When considering medical weight loss clinics, keep the above in mind for the best possible results. It’s also a good idea to get references from past clients of the clinic you are considering, so that you have a good idea of their satisfaction and results.

Medical weight loss clinics are usually the most trusted and reliable of all of the methods individuals choose when they want or need to shed extra pounds.  While it cannot be said that all are a good choice, those that staff professionals and take an individual approach to each client’s needs usually provide a sound, safe program that’s effective.  Compared to some of the well-known and popular diet plans offered on televisions and in magazines, medical weight loss clinics are usually the preferred choice, simply because clients are taught healthy lifestyle changes rather than put on a generic “quick fix” diet.

 If you ever notice, many plans that constantly advertise on television and in tabloids offer meal plans which you can purchase for so much per week/month.  These same meals are provided to every individual who is on the plan, which isn’t necessarily a good thing.  Many people have various health issues, and their bodies are different.  Some have a slow metabolism, while others have a high metabolism.  Therefore, not every person is the same when it comes to losing weight, which is why medical weight loss clinics are usually so much more effective.  These clinics help individuals choose the foods and meal plans that are best for their particular needs, instead of taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Medical weight loss clinics address possible health concerns

Unlike fad or trendy diets, professional clinics address health issues that often arise with those who are overweight or obese.  Some of these conditions or diseases include:

*         High cholesterol

*         High blood pressure (hypertension)

*         Diabetes

*         Heart disease

While the popular plans that are heavily advertised usually advise clients to seek the advice of their doctor before starting any weight loss program, medical weight loss clinics typically staff doctors and other professionals who will monitor your health and make sure initially that it is safe for you to begin a diet and exercise program.

With a professional clinic, the goal is not “dieting,” because no one can remain on a low calorie diet that consists of the same meals indefinitely, or for the rest of their life.  The goal is to teach clients which foods are healthiest, how to prepare them, and how often to eat so that the metabolism works efficiently.  In short, medical weight loss clinics work toward a healthier lifestyle overall, rather than relying on so-called diet foods and “miracle” pills that usually do not produce permanent results.  Dieticians and fitness experts help clients learn how to eat right and include physical fitness in their daily routines so that these healthier habits become a permanent part of their lives.

There are countless “magic” pills, potions, drinks and formulas that promise super-fast weight loss today, but few (if any) which offer lasting results.  For those who want to slim down for life, these quick fixes are not the answer, and results are usually short-lived.  If you are severely overweight or have health issues that could be worsened if not properly monitored, medical weight loss clinics are absolutely the best choice.  Just be sure to do your part and check out the reputation of the clinic, along with how long they have been in business, client reviews, etc.  In the end, you’ll be glad you didn’t waste hundreds of dollars on plans or programs that offer only temporary results.

There are numerous benefits of choosing a medical weight loss clinic over popular or “trendy” diet plans or programs, many of which we will discuss in this article.  Whether you are 20 or 30 pounds overweight or obese, it is possible to reach your ideal weight without starvation or fad diets, and enjoy lifelong results.  The unfortunate fact is that most people who need to lose weight think that the solution is a diet, rather than a healthy, permanent lifestyle change.  Programs and plans that promise quick results or make claims that you can lose 10 pounds in a week are usually all hype; if you do lose weight, it isn’t likely you will keep it off.

Some of the benefits of choosing a medical weight loss clinic include:

Safer for those with health issues.  Many who are overweight develop diabetes, or have conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other symptoms of heart disease.  Sleep apnea, gall bladder issues, back and/or knee pain and stroke are other conditions that may affect those who need to lose a substantial amount of weight.  A weight loss clinic that offers medical supervision will monitor these problems, and work to devise a plan that includes proper diet and exercise for individuals’ needs.

Long term commitment.  A medical weight loss clinic, if it is reputable and trusted, is devoted to helping you achieve long term results.  It is important that those who are serious about losing weight have a support network of physicians, dieticians and fitness experts dedicated to helping individuals make the transformation to a permanent, healthier lifestyle.

Less risk to health.  With popular diet plans individuals usually begin the plan at their own risk, even though it is usually advised to consult with your doctor before starting any weight loss plan.  A clinic that staffs physicians typically schedule a consultation with the doctor, who will discuss your options, do tests such as EKG and a comprehensive blood panel, monitor your blood pressure, measure your body fat index, record present weight, etc.

Individual attention.  Unlike popular diet plans, a medical weight loss clinic offers individual attention to your unique needs.  Some people lose water weight, while others lose fat or even muscle.  Because you will be monitored closely to ensure good results, your physician can determine how much fat you are losing vs. muscle loss so that adjustments can be made to your diet and exercise plan.  In addition, some people benefit from the addition of supplements or injections to enhance their weight loss efforts.

Help with maintaining your healthy new body.  The fact is you have very little support with most of the popular or well-known diet plans and programs.  With a medical weight loss clinic, the relationship continues even after you reach your goal weight.  For several weeks or even months after your initial weight loss, your “team” will help you through weekly maintenance visits, so that you stay on the path to a healthier, longer life.

As you can see, there are some very real benefits in deciding on a medical weight loss clinic rather than going the popular or “fad” diet route which offer only temporary results if any at all.  Most people who go with a professional clinic find it much easier to stay on target, reach their ideal weight, and change their mindset, switching out bad habits for those that are positive and healthy.