Weight management is a term used to describe the techniques and behaviors involved in maintaining a healthy body weight. Being at a healthy weight is crucial for our overall health and well-being.
When we carry excess weight, it puts a strain on our bodies, leading to various health problems. Obesity is a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.
By managing our weight, we can reduce our risk of developing these diseases and improve our overall quality of life.
At Express Health Systems, we use a measurement called “body mass index,” or BMI, to determine whether a patient’s weight is appropriate for their height. A healthy BMI range for most adults is typically between 18.5 and 24.9. This range is associated with the lowest health risks.
If a patient’s BMI falls between 25 and 29.9, they are considered overweight. If a patient’s BMI is 30 or greater, they are considered obese. Understanding your BMI is essential in determining whether weight loss treatments are necessary.
We recommend that individuals who are overweight or obese schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or nurses. Our healthcare professionals can provide personalized suggestions on ways to lose weight and address any health concerns you may have that are associated with being overweight or obese.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health and longevity. If you have any concerns about your weight, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Eating fewer calories than your body burns leads to weight loss because this creates a calorie deficit, prompting your body to use stored fat for energy. Once you’re at a healthy weight, consuming approximately the same amount of calories as you burn will allow you to avoid weight gain, setting you up for success in maintaining your optimal weight.
At Express Health Systems, we help you find the right combination of healthy eating and regular physical activity to achieve successful weight loss (and keep it off). It’s important to remember that weight loss is not a short-term solution. It’s a lifestyle change that requires commitment and consistency. We recommend starting with small changes and building on them over time. This will help to establish healthy habits that can be sustained in the long term.
Eating a balanced diet means consuming a variety of healthy foods in the proper proportions. Focusing on healthy, low-calorie foods can give your body the nutrients it needs and avoid empty calories. Nutrient-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, high-fiber foods (beans, nuts, oats) and lean protein (fish, chicken).
While many different diets are available, such as the Atkins diet, the Whole30 diet, the Keto diet and the Weight Watchers diet, no single diet is superior to the others. The most important factor is finding and sticking to a diet that reduces your calorie intake.
Moving your body burns calories, and the more you move and the higher the intensity of the exercise, the more calories you burn. But when starting an exercise routine, it’s vital to focus on attainable goals that you’ll stick with. By starting with a lighter exercise, such as walking, you’re more likely to follow through with your plan than starting with a strenuous workout you dread.
Finding the right diet and exercise routine can be difficult for many people. Our partners at MogulBody provide lifestyle, dietary and exercise programs customized to your needs and goals. MogulBody’s exclusive membership program can help you achieve your goal weight and experience the many benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.
Weight loss treatments such as medication and surgery may be an option for individuals who have been unable to achieve their desired weight through diet and exercise. However, it’s important to note that these treatments should only be considered for those with severe weight issues and should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Even with these treatments, individuals must maintain healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle to achieve and maintain their desired weight.
Weight loss medications work by altering appetite and digestion. Weight loss procedures involve reducing the stomach size to limit the amount of food it can hold. Some surgeries, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, change how food is digested so that the body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients. Another type of procedure, such as bariatric surgery, alters the nerve signals between the brain and the stomach, reducing hunger and cravings.
Weight loss medications and surgery are intended for use by individuals who:
We urge you to be cautious when considering herbal weight loss supplements, as some may be unsafe. Before taking any herbal weight loss medicines, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional such as a doctor or pharmacist.
While proper diet and exercise are the primary methods to reach and maintain a healthy weight, genetics and environmental factors affect your appetite and the right balance of calorie intake and activity level.
Genetics plays a significant role in body weight and your ability to lose weight. Research has shown that genetic factors can influence our appetite, our metabolism, and how our bodies store and use fat.
Some people have a genetic predisposition to feel hungrier more often or have a stronger desire for high-calorie foods. This can make it challenging to control food intake and maintain a healthy weight.
Our metabolism is the process by which our bodies convert food into energy. You may have inherited a slow metabolism, meaning your body burns calories more slowly than someone with a faster metabolism. This can affect how many calories you need to consume to maintain a healthy weight.
Your genetic makeup can influence your body fat percentage compared to muscle mass. Because muscle weighs more than fat, those with a higher percentage of muscle mass have a higher upper limit for their healthy weight range. Your distribution of body fat can also be influenced by genetics. Some people have more fat stored around their abdomen, which is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases.
Your environment plays a significant role in the foods you eat and the activities you engage in. If you watch a lot of television, you’re likely exposed to commercials for unhealthy foods that make you more likely to crave and consume those foods. In addition, excessive television watching means you’re probably spending more time sedentary than moving and burning calories.
Not getting adequate sleep can also increase your appetite for higher-calorie foods with lower nutritional values, and it can make you lethargic and less likely to exercise. The increasing availability of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks in most environments also means it’s more important than ever to plan your meals and research your healthy choices.
Express Health Systems accepts walk-ins at our Tyler and Plano, Texas, clinics. You can also schedule a virtual appointment through our online platform to start your wellness journey from the comfort of your own home.
To get started, visit us at either location Monday through Saturday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Telemedicine PM visits available from 5 P.M. to 10 P.M.
or call us at 903-592-5670 today!