When Should You Consider Weight Loss?
Anyone who is overweight or obese should consider weight loss and learn about the benefits it provides. Excess body weight may lead to physical health conditions, mental health issues and decreased physical ability. People experiencing obesity-related health issues are strongly encouraged to lose weight. People who are 100 pounds over their ideal body weight and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more may qualify for surgical weight loss.
What Health Conditions Does Obesity Cause?
Those who are obese are at higher risk for developing health conditions and chronic diseases including:
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory conditions
Nonsurgical Weight Loss
Nonsurgical weight loss helps patients lose weight through traditional methods of healthy eating and regular exercise. A variety of providers and other health professionals educate patients on healthy eating habits, mental health and exercise.
Surgical Weight Loss
Surgical weight loss is not a quick and easy fix for obesity; it is a lifelong process. There are three types of weight loss surgeries that UnityPoint Clinic providers perform: gastric bypass, lap band and gastric sleeve surgery. The weight loss team helps patients decide which surgery is the best fit for them based on their health conditions, eating habits and willingness to make lifestyle changes.
What Does a Weight Loss Team Do?
Weight loss teams are dedicated to helping you meet your weight loss goals through surgery or nonsurgical methods like healthy diet and exercise. Teams may vary depending on the method of weight loss.
Weight loss teams for both nonsurgical and surgical weight loss options might include:
- Dietitian: Food, diet and nutrition experts. Dietitians teach patients how to eat balanced meals, avoid overeating and form a healthy relationship with food.
- Psychiatric counselor: Provide mental health counseling for overweight and obese patients. Obesity and mental health often intertwine.
- Nurse coordinator: Make sure patients have all the resources they need for successful weight loss and reaching their goals.
- Physician assistant: Certified and licensed medical professional practicing medicine with a team of other medical professionals. Physician assistants detect, diagnose and treat patients for obesity-related diseases.
Benefits of UnityPoint Clinic Weight Loss
Our weight loss team at UnityPoint Clinic is committed to giving each patient the help he or she needs to achieve personal weight loss goals. We work together to provide coordinated care to serve all aspects of the weight loss process.