Getting Help To Manage Weight
Getting Help To Manage Weight
Getting help to manage weight and blood sugars is a complex endeavour that necessitates a multidisciplinary approach with various healthcare professionals collaborating to provide comprehensive care. Initially, a General Practitioner (GP) serves as the primary point of contact for individuals seeking guidance on weight and diabetes management. GPs can diagnose and monitor these conditions, prescribe medications when necessary, and offer general advice on lifestyle changes.
Furthermore, weight and diabetes management often involve a team of specialists, including endocrinologists who specialize in hormone and metabolism-related issues. Diabetes educators play a vital role by offering specialized guidance, including information on blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration, and effective diabetes management techniques.
Regular eye examinations by ophthalmologists or optometrists are essential for individuals with diabetes to monitor eye health and detect conditions like diabetic retinopathy and other vision problems. Podiatrists may also become integral members of a diabetic's healthcare team, as diabetes can lead to foot complications that require specialized care. In addition, personal trainers with expertise in fitness and exercise can be valuable contributors to an individual's Wellbeing Team. They assist in creating personalized workout plans that align with weight management and diabetes goals, promoting physical well-being.
Effective weight and diabetes management require a collaborative effort from a diverse group of professionals, each bringing their expertise to address various aspects of physical, nutritional, psychological, and behavioural health. This team-based approach ensures individuals receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs and conditions.
Medications for weight loss are typically prescribed in certain situations when other weight management strategies, such as lifestyle changes and dietary modifications, have not been effective, and when obesity or excess weight poses significant health risks. It is important to note that medication should always be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight management program under the guidance of a Wellbeing Practitioner.
Weight loss medications is generally recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with obesity-related health conditions. They are not suitable or safe for everyone, may have potential side effects, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Their use should be closely monitored by a Wellbeing Practitioner. Before considering weight loss medications, you should consult with their Wellbeing to discuss their medical history, goals, and potential risks and benefits. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, should always be the foundation of any weight management plan, and medication should be seen as an adjunct to these efforts. It is important to note that some of these medications may have been discontinued or withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, remain essential to any successful and sustainable weight loss plan.
Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
Buproprion-Naltrexone (Contrave)
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Lorcaserin (Belviq)
Phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin)
Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
Ephedrine
Sibutramine (Meridia)
Mazindol (Sanorex, Mazanor)
Diethylpropion (Tenuate Dospan)
Rimonabant (Acomplia)
Weight Loss Medication
There are a range of over-the-counter weight loss aids that are available without a prescription. While they may be effective in aiding weight loss, their effectiveness and safety can vary, so consult a Wellbeing Practitioner when in doubt. Weight loss supplements are available over the counter and often claim to aid in weight management by various mechanisms.
As with any over-the-counter aid, it is essential to research the product, consult with a Wellbeing Practitioner, and consider potential side effects and interactions with other medications or medical conditions before use. Additionally, it is important to remember that while these aids may provide some assistance, they are most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise for sustainable weight management.
Caffeine
Green Tea Extract
Glucomannan
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Garcinia Cambogia
Raspberry Ketones
Bitter Orange (Citrus Aurantium)
Apple Cider Vinegar
ChitosanChromium Picolinate
African Mango
Yohimbine
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
White Kidney Bean Extract
Bitter Melon Extract
CLA and Green Tea Extract
Psyllium Husk
Forskolin
Acai Berry
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
L-Carnitine
Fucoxanthin
Guggul
Hoodia Gordonii
Glucomannan
Bitter Orange (Citrus Aurantium)
Kelp
Berberine
Astragalus
Ginseng
Chromium
Ketone Supplements
MCT Oil
Capsaicin (Cayenne Pepper Extract)
Saffron Extract
Chitosan
Over The Counter Weight Loss Aids
Weight Loss in TCM
Chinese Medicine, much like Western Medicine, adopts a holistic approach to weight loss, addressing both physical and energetic aspects of well-being. Acupuncture plays a significant role in this approach, with specific acupuncture points such as Spleen 6, Stomach 36, and Stomach 20 being used to stimulate energy flow, enhance appetite regulation, and promote metabolism. These acupuncture points are selected based on an individual's unique constitution and condition.
In addition to acupuncture, herbal formulas are often prescribed to support weight loss efforts. These formulas are designed to aid digestion, reduce water retention, and promote the metabolism of fats. Importantly, these herbal treatments are highly personalized to cater to the specific needs of everyone. TCM practitioners also provide comprehensive guidance, including dietary recommendations and lifestyle adjustments. These may include advice on choosing foods that align with one's constitution and energy balance, as well as practices like mindfulness during meals. Alternative therapies such as cupping may complement these treatments, helping to promote detoxification and circulation.
Interestingly, Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history of addressing digestive health and its connection to overall well-being. The Spleen and Stomach School, which emerged in the 12th century, focused on methods to improve digestion and the transformation of food within the body. This approach recognizes the vital role digestion plays in overall health and vitality.
In China, weight loss clinics that specialize in TCM treatments are quite popular, with individuals seeking specialized care to support their weight loss goals. These clinics offer a range of treatments and therapies tailored to the unique needs of each participant, making holistic weight management accessible to many people.
Weight loss apps are mobile applications designed to assist individuals in their weight management and fitness journeys. These apps are typically available for smartphones and tablets and offer various features and tools to help users track, monitor, and achieve their weight loss and fitness goals.
These apps can be a valuable tool for individuals looking to manage their weight, improve their health, and stay accountable to their goals.
Weight Loss Apps
A last resort option to manage your weight is weight loss surgery. Also known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery is a medical procedure performed to help individuals who are severely obese lose weight and improve their overall health. These surgeries work by reducing the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food a person can consume, or altering the digestive process to decrease calorie absorption.
Weight loss surgery is typically considered for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea, which have not responded to other treatments. There are several types of weight loss surgeries, each with its own mechanisms and techniques:
-
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB): a small pouch is created at the top of the stomach, reducing its capacity. Then, a section of the small intestine is connected to the pouch, bypassing a portion of the stomach and upper intestine. This limits the amount of food that can be eaten and the absorption of nutrients and calories.
-
Gastric Sleeve: a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a banana-shaped "sleeve" or tube. This reduces the stomach's capacity and restricts food intake, affecting hormonal signals related to hunger and fullness.
-
Lap-Band: an inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the size of the pouch and the rate of food passage into the lower stomach. This limits food intake but does not alter nutrient absorption.
-
Intragastric Balloon: a non-surgical option involves placing a silicone balloon filled with saline into the stomach. It occupies space, reducing food intake and promoting early satiety. The balloon is typically removed after a few months.
These surgical procedures can be performed using traditional open surgery techniques or minimally invasive methods, such as laparoscopic surgery, which involves smaller incisions and shorter recovery times. Advancements in surgical technology have also contributed to the safety and effectiveness of weight loss surgery. Surgeons may use robotic-assisted surgery (robotic bariatric surgery) to enhance precision and control during minimally invasive procedures.
Weight Loss Surgery
The Wellness Revolution recommends multiple ways to manage weight from medications, to over-the-counter aids, to TCM strategies, weight loss aids and surgery. Choosing the most effective method for your situation is imperative to meet your weight loss goals.
US 'N' U