Realistic Goals

​

The goal of sustained medical weight loss and control is to reduce the patients' risk for early death and weight related diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancers, and heart disease.  Our treatment requires lifestyle changes, motivation, and a long-term relationship with us.  The goal of our treatment is not cosmetic (ie ripped abdominal muscles).  The goal is to live longer, healthier lives.

​

​

Myth: Normalize the weight according to BMI (body mass index).

​

​

​

BMI is a screening tool used to help identify those who MAY have risk of unhealthy weight.  The abdominal circumference confirms the risk.   Read more about the role of BMI and abdominal circumference here.  Once the diagnosis of unhealthy weight has been made, the minimum weight loss for medical benefit (reducing risk for early death and weight-related diseases) is 5 to 10 percent.  More weight loss is better.  There is no current medical data that supports "normalizing" the BMI or pursuing an "ideal" body weight results in better outcomes.  Patients often have goals beyond the minimum 5 to 10 percent and we will work to meet those goals.

​

Consult with your primary care physician or with us.  Remember, it's never just about the medications, just about nutrition, just about monitoring yourself, nor just about exercise.  All four principles of obesity medicine must be followed resulting in significant life-style changes and sustained weight loss.  If you're ready, bring the motivation; we bring the knowledge and training.

​