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By Radhia Gleis PhD, C.C.N.
Recently the National Institute for Health conducted a survey
regarding consumer satisfaction with the weight loss industry.
Did you know that according to their discovery diet plans
do not work for 95% of all dieters?
Unfortunately, more than 58 million Americans are overweight.
And even more unfortunate, being overweight can lead to severe
health problems. In fact according to the American Heart Association,
being overweight is the “single most independent risk
for disease of the heart,” not to mention increasing
the risk of cancer, diabetes, and strokes.
Here are some startling facts.
- One in every 3 Americans has a substantial problem with their weight: that is, a body
weight 20% or more above recommended.
- Morbid obesity(more than 100% above normal) involves 3% of the population.
- Obesity and its associated problems are estimated
to cost $68 billion each year.
- 1 in 3 Americans are
dieting at any one time -- only 1 in 20 will attain their
desired weight.
Many persons have a chronic tendency for becoming
overweight that needs lifelong attention. Many persons attempting
to lose weight use methods such as caloric restriction, exercise,
behavior modification, drugs, or combinations thereof, with
or without medical supervision. Some attempts may be successful
in the short term, but too often the weight lost is regained.
Repeated weight gain and loss may have adverse psychological
and physical effects.
To lose weight and keep it off, you
should be aware of the different types of programs available
and the important parts of a good program. The three types
of weight-loss programs include: do-it-yourself programs,
non-clinical programs, and clinical programs.
Do-It-Yourself
Programs Individuals using a do-it-yourself program rely on
their own judgment, group support, and products such as diet
books for advice (Note: Not all diet books are reliable sources
of weightloss information). This type of diet plan has proved
to be the least successful for healthy, permanent weight loss.
Non-Clinical Programs
These programs may or may not be commercially
operated, such as through a privately-owned, weight-loss chain.
They often use books and pamphlets that are prepared by health-care
providers. These programs use counselors (who usually are
not health-care providers and may or may not have training)
to provide services to you. Some programs require participants
to use the program's food or supplements. This type of plan
may prove to be a little more successful, but I caution patients
who go to unqualified health-care providers. You may have
an unforeseen medical condition that is causing your weight
gain and/or these counselors are often trained in a turn-key,
one size-fits-all type program that does not provide properly
supervised counseling for your individual needs.
Clinical Programs
This type of program may or may not be commercially owned.
Services are provided in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital
or clinic, by licensed health professionals, such as physicians,
nurses, nutritionists, and/or psychologists. In some clinical
programs, a health professional works alone; in others, a
group of health professionals works together to provide services
to patients. Clinical programs may offer you services such
as nutrition education, medical care, behavior change therapy,
and physical activity.
It all seems so simple: eat less, exercise,
lose weight. Yet no matter what approach most people use to
diet, their weight loss is temporary. The weight they lose
almost always returns in the long run.
That's the conclusion of a 13-member panel of obesity, metabolic and other experts
convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) last spring.
The panel examined the nature and effectiveness of approaches
to voluntary weight loss and control.
Studies show as much as two thirds of the weight lost through dieting is regained
within one year, and almost all the weight is regained within
five years. Other weight loss techniques such as behavior
modification, exercise and drugs usually produce only short-term
results.
In 2003, a study published in J.A.M.A. included 400
overweight and obese patients. Half of the participants were
on a self-help plan and half of the participants were on a
clinically supervised weight loss plan. The study revealed
that a supervised, controlled diet was dramatically more successful
than the self-help plan. The study found a clear relationship
between pounds lost, kept off and follow up visits. When patients
are reporting in, knowing that they are being held accountable
and at the same time, being supported by an expert and someone
who cares about them, they get much better results.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Stanley Heshka is quoted as saying:
“Wanting is not enough. You need a structured program
that will help you adhere to the diet”. The study emphasized
the need for follow up:
- >75% of follow up visits = 12 lbs. off, 92% kept off.
- 51 – 75% of visits made = 10 lbs. off, 90% kept off
- <51% of follow up visits = 7 lbs. off, 72% kept off.
- Self monitored patients = 3 lbs. off, zero kept off.
The most important feature of a successful weight loss program is reduced weight and
the maintenance of stable weight. In formal programs, continued
regular contact with a supervising professional is the key
to maintain permanent weight loss.
This clearly shows the value and importance of Follow Up Care. We all need support
in the areas that we are not naturally strong in.
So what is the best solution to this problem? As a health care practitioner
dedicated to finding the healthiest and most effective solutions
for my patients health challenges, I have been evaluating
Weight Loss Programs for years. In the past year, I am excited
to say, I have found what is without a doubt the most effective
and healthiest solution I have ever come across. Additionally,
this program has a very substantial track record.
The Ultra-Lite Weight and Health Management System is the solution I have
found for my patients and they and I are very pleased with
the results. It is a complete system, structured for your
success. Ultra-Lite was developed over 10 years ago and has
been used by a growing number of health care professionals
for the last 6 years, mostly in Australia. It is only available
through licensed health care professionals who have been trained
and certified. There are 500 clinics in Austrlia, New Zealand
and the program was introduced in the US just over a year
ago. Over 500,000 patients have gone through the program and
there is a growing network of docs who are being trained and
certified.
For more information on Ultra Lite or any other health care
needs please contact our office.
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