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Being overweight can significantly increase your risks for serious medical issues including heart disease and diabetes. As a leading nurse practitioner at Esprit Health Clinic in Sidney, MT, Michelle Trudell has extensive experience in medical weight loss programs customized for patients throughout Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota.
Medically supervised weight loss is a weight loss program overseen by a medical professional trained in the nutritional needs of people with specific risk factors and medical needs. Medical weight loss programs include both healthy eating plans (which may include supplements or meal replacements) and lifestyle changes aimed at losing excess pounds while also optimizing nutrition and improving overall health and wellness.
Being overweight or obese has been linked with increased risks for many serious medical issues, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, and some types of cancer. Plus, people who are overweight are more likely to have sleep problems, hormone-related issues, and mood disorders.
Medical weight loss begins with an in-depth medical history and physical exam, including lab work, to gain a complete picture of the patient’s health as well as any factors that may be contributing to weight gain or interfering with previous attempts to lose weight and keep it off. Patients will also be asked about eating habits, physical activity, and other lifestyle issues that can have a bearing on weight gain and health. Once all the data have been gathered, a custom plan will be created based on the patient’s specific needs, and follow-up appointments and assessments will ensure the patient stays on track to achieve their goals.
Medical weight loss begins with a careful evaluation of the patient’s health to determine the root causes of weight gain so the weight loss program can be customized for their needs, their risk factors and their goals. Plus, ongoing medical evaluations keep patients on track while also making sure the patient receives the nutrition necessary for optimal health and wellness. Commercial and DIY diet plans are based on a one-size-fits-all approach that can result in poor outcomes and contribute to “rebounding” – weight gain after an initial loss – which can be dangerous to health.
