The Beginning
The development of excess body weight is due to an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Weight gain is therefore a result of excess intake, a lack of energy expenditure, or in most cases some of both. A successful weight loss program must include reducing intake and increasing physical activity,
as well as monitoring your eating behaviors.

For weight loss, the intensity of your physical activity is not nearly as important as the amount and duration. As you become more fit, you will find that increasing your exercise level will become easier.
Not only will we help you customize a reduced calorie diet in line with your individual weight loss goals and prescribe medications to help, we will help structure an activity goal for you, increasing the calories you expend. Together, these components will ensure long-lasting weight maintenance once you have achieved your goal weight. The initial 16 weeks of the program require weekly visits in order to ensure you are losing weight safely. We will closely monitor your progress at each visit, and make any changes necessary to your program.

Your Health
The health concerns associated with excess weight are numerous. Those we most hope to help you avoid include:

• High Blood Pressure
• Elevated cholesterol
• Type II Diabetes
• Orthopedic problems – especially those associated with weight bearing (hips, knees, ankles)
• Sleep apnea
• Fatty liver disease
• Increased cancer risk associated with excess weight
• Psychological consequences including low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety

Your Nutrition
An important part of your plan is changing your environment to help you succeed. Decreasing your exposure to high calorie/high fat foods will enable you to make better food choices when you are hungry.

Minimize or eliminate:

• Cookies, candies, sweet snacks with high calories
• Salty foods – chips, pretzels, nuts
• Sweet rolls and doughnuts
• White bread and rolls
• Crackers
• Ice cream
• Frozen food like pizza, fried foods
• Syrup, jam, jellies
• Fatty spreads, peanut butter and dips
• Sugared soda/drinks
• Alcohol

THE PROGRAM

STEP 1 – Acute Weight Loss

Physical Exam and Recommendations

• Initial blood work, BP
• EKG, BMI, Dexa Fat %, Measurements
• Nutrition and Exercise consultation
• Medications -- Fat metabolizers, special oils, injections to help with fat loss and to boost energy level, and appetite suppressants
• Pedometer / Portion Control Plate

Weekly Visits

• Weight, Waist Circumference
• BMI, Blood Pressure
• Nutrition and Exercise consultation
• Medication
• Your individual program will be evaluated each week and changes made according to your personal needs.
• This step lasts 16 weeks or until goal is met.

Medications

• Appetite Suppressants: Phendimetrazine, Phentermine, Sibutramine
• Supplemental Meds: Calcium Pyruvate, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, Antioxidants
• Supplemental Injections: Methionine, Inositol and Choline, Vitamins B6 and B12