Consistency and Support…Something Your Primary Care Provider Can Help You With!
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is rarely about a single change; little changes make big impacts.
Diet, activity, and other lifestyle changes are the building blocks, but medications and surgery can be a vital part of the treatment plan. As a Primary Care Provider and Obesity Specialist, I help my patients design an effective, manageable, and safe plan; something that studies show works better than doing it alone.
My goal isn’t just to help you lose weight. It is to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Here’s how it works:
Let’s start with weight loss medications, since they’re a hot topic. These medications are safe and effective for many patients, but they aren’t for everyone.
Your clinician should learn about YOUR goals to help determine the best options for you.
Weight loss medications can have side effects from the medications themselves or from reduced eating; therefore, weight loss shots and pills should only be used under the care of your primary care provider or another specialist.
They also shouldn’t be viewed as a magic solution.
Think of them as a support system for lifestyle changes. You’ll get the best results and improve overall health if you attack from all aspects.
When it comes to diet, there are some tips to keep in mind if you use weight loss drugs.
I recommend nutrient–dense, not calorie–dense, foods.
Lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans help maintain muscle and keep you full. High–fiber vegetables, fruits, and whole grains support digestion and help prevent some gastrointestinal side effects that may occur with certain medications.
Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil support heart health and energy, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps manage appetite and support metabolism.
Speaking of metabolism, don’t forget your activity!
Increased physical activity and strength training improve results from weight loss medications and make it easier to maintain results. You’ll build muscles and bone strength that reduce disease and increase longevity.
A combination of aerobic activity, strength training, and stretching is the best way to maintain a healthy body.
Remember, consistency is more important than intensity.
I focus on helping patients make gradual, realistic changes based on their lifestyle.
As primary care providers, we have many tools to help you maintain a healthy weight — and we do it with a focus on overall health.
Cyrilyn Walters, MD, MPH, is a primary care provider and medical director for ambulatory services at Regional One Health. Learn more at Regionalonehealth.org/primary-care. To make a primary care appointment, call 901.545.6969.
By Cyrilyn Walters, MD, MPH
