Excess weight or obesity is a major health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. It isn’t just about appearance; carrying extra weight can lead to serious health complications. This is where bariatric clinics come in.
These specialized healthcare facilities are designed to address weight and related health issues by offering a variety of treatments, including balanced nutrition, physical fitness, and medical management.
Let’s discuss some common weight-related health issues and how bariatric clinics tackle them.
Common Weight-Related Health Issues
Weight management is a critical aspect of maintaining good health. Carrying excess weight can lead to a variety of health issues, such as:
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), an essential source of energy for the body. It’s closely linked with obesity.
The bodies of individuals with this condition either resist the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into cells — or they don’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes can further lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.
Metabolic Syndrome
This refers to a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
Examples include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to overweight or obesity and inactivity.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have prolonged or infrequent menstrual periods, excess male hormone (androgen) levels, and polycystic ovaries where the ovaries may develop numerous fluid-filled cysts.
While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, insulin resistance and obesity have been linked to it. Weight loss can reduce both insulin and androgen levels and may restore ovulation in women with PCOS.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, is often associated with obesity. Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve or even eliminate sleep apnea symptoms.
Joint Pain
Many overweight individuals suffer from joint pain, which is the result of carrying extra weight. This problem can become more severe as extra weight strains the joints, resulting in arthritis.
How Bariatric Clinics Can Help
Bariatric clinics offer a comprehensive suite of weight management services. These include prescription medications, nutritional planning, physical fitness plans, and telemedicine services.
Prescription Medications
Sometimes, dieting and exercise alone may not be enough for successful weight loss. That’s where prescription medications for weight loss come in.
Doctors at bariatric clinics can prescribe certain medicines that help with weight loss. These medicines work in different ways – they might help you feel less hungry, have fewer cravings, or stop your body from absorbing too much fat.
Remember, these medicines are not magic pills. They are most effective when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Nutritional Planning
Nutritional planning is all about what you eat. At a bariatric clinic, a weight loss expert will work with you to create a personalized eating plan. This plan considers your current weight, any health issues you have, the foods you like, and your lifestyle.
The goal is to help you develop healthy eating habits. You’ll learn things like how to control portion sizes, read food labels, make healthier food choices, and handle food cravings.
Physical Fitness Plans
Regular exercise or physical activity is important for weight loss and general health. At a bariatric clinic, weight loss experts will help you develop a workout plan that fits your current fitness level.
As you get stronger and fitter, your workout plan will change to keep challenging you. This could involve anything from walking and swimming to more structured workouts at a gym. Regular exercise helps burn calories, keeps your heart healthy, improves mood, and gives you more energy.
Telemedicine Services
Thanks to technology, you can now get medical care without leaving home. This is called telemedicine.
Bariatric clinics offer telemedicine services, so you can video chat with your doctor. This is handy if you live far away from the clinic or need help getting around.
You can use these virtual visits to talk about your progress, ask any questions you have, and make changes to your treatment plan if needed.
Bariatric Clinic Near Me
Bariatric clinics can help manage various weight-related health conditions such as diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and PCOS. By helping patients lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle, these clinics can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions and improve the patients’ quality of life.
At Advanced Weight Loss Clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing weight and weight-related health issues. Our weight loss expert, Dr. Rusnak-Zrnich, focuses on treating each patient as an individual, providing high-quality medical care, and helping reduce symptoms of weight-related conditions through effective weight loss.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today at (704) 817-4355 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to meeting you!
