As obesity has become increasingly more common in the U.S. in the past few decades, many physicians and clinics around the country are focused on providing medically supervised weight management programs. Through these specialized programs, patients can overcome obesity in a healthy, safe way.
The best weight management programs offer medical supervision, motivation, and a diet and exercise plan. At Olympia, we’re dedicated to helping both patients and physicians with our physician-supervised programs, designed to help any individual safely and effectively reach his or her specific weight-loss goals.
Symptoms of Obesity
As of 2020, CDC data found that 4 in 10 U.S. adults are considered obese. Adult obesity rates now exceed 35% in 16 states, as reported by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, with the highest obesity prevalence found among middle-aged adults and seniors.
The specific weight at which one is considered “obese” varies based on factors like age and height. The most common way for doctors to define obesity is with body mass index, or BMI. One’s BMI is calculated by dividing the individual’s weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. The CDC lists the following categories for interpreting an individual adult’s BMI:
- – <18.5 = underweight
- – 18.5 to <25.0 = healthy weight
- – 25.0 to <30 = overweight
- – 30.0 or higher = obesity
In addition to excess body fat, obese individuals may experience the following symptoms:
- – Sudden loss of breath
- – Increased sweating
- – Increased snoring/sleep apnea
- – Inability to handle sudden physical activity
- – Extreme daily exhaustion
- – Back and joint pain
Obesity has also been linked to a number of secondary conditions, including high blood, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallstones and gallbladder disease.
Please note that while BMI can be a valuable screening tool for obesity, it does not account for all factors, such as body composition and muscle mass. Consulting a medical professional is essential to gaining a complete understanding of the relationship between your weight and your overall health.
Benefits of Weight Management
Weight management is the process of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, often through a combination lifestyle changes and medical intervention. Through medically supervised weight loss, a physician can monitor the overall health of the patient while making suggestions for the individual’s caloric intake, exercise regimen and more.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight has many benefits, including:
- – A healthier heart
- – Lower blood pressure
- – Lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other secondary conditions
- – Less strain on joints and lower back
- – A better sex life
- – More confidence
- – Improved overall quality of life
How to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can have a number of positive effects on an individual’s wellbeing. To maintain a healthy weight, the CDC recommends the following measures:
- – Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that stays within your daily calorie needs
- – Ensuring you are meeting your recommended daily total water intake from foods, plain drinking water, and other beverages
- – Engaging in regular physical activity, including 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent mix of the two each week.
- – Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule of 7–9 hours per night
- – Taking steps to reduce day-to-day stress levels
Even with these measures, many people still struggle to lose weight or keep the weight off due to genetic, environmental or medical factors. For those patients, taking part in a weight-loss program supervised by a physician may be a good option.
Get Started
Treatment Options
How to Get Started
Whether you’re a patient looking to meet your weight goals or a physician wanting a weight management solution to implement at your practice, Olympia is here to help.
Additional Resources
Check out our blogs and guides to learn more about weight management.
Medically Supervised Weight Loss
Weight management can be difficult. For those who are clinically obese, medically supervised weight loss through prescription injections may help.
What Are Some Treatments for Obesity?
If you or someone you know is struggling with obesity, it’s hard to know where to turn or what to do about it. Thankfully, obesity is treatable and can be addressed in a variety of ways.
What Medically Assisted Weight Loss Options Are There?
Curious about your options when it comes to medically assisted weight loss? Use this article to make an informed decision about this form of weight loss.
Are Weight-Loss Injections Safe?
Learn more about how various injectable vitamins and medications can be used to manage weight.
