Q: What is Obesity?
A: Obesity used to be understood
in fairly simple terms, excess body weight resulting from eating
too much and exercising too little, due in large part to a lack
of willpower or self-restraint. Fortunately for the millions of
American adults who are overweight, obesity is now regarded as a
chronic medical disease with serious health implications caused
by a complex set of factors.
Obesity results from a complex interaction
of genetic, behavioral and environmental factors causing an imbalance
between energy intake and energy expenditure. According to the National
Institutes of Health, an increase in body weight of 20 percent or
more above desirable weight is the point at which excess weight
becomes an established health hazard. Lower levels of excess weight
can also constitute a health risk, particularly in the presence
of other disorders like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
Q: What is Bariatric Medicine?
A: Bariatrics
is the medical treatment of obesity and its associated conditions.
In 1985, the National Institutes of Health, at its Health Consensus
Development Conference on the Health Implications of Obesity, stated
that obesity is a specific disease entity that should be treated
and monitored medically by a trained physician.
Q: Do a lot of Americans have weight problems?
A: Obesity is believed to affect
more than 58 million people across the nation and its prevalence
is increasing. Approximately one-third of adults are estimated to
be obese and one-half are estimated to be overweight.
Q: What are the medical consequences of obesity?
A: In 1998 the American Heart
Association identified obesity as a major risk factor for cardiovascular
disease. Obesity has also been associated with hypertension, diabetes
mellitus, joint problems and some cancers in both men and women.
Q: Will I need prescription medication?
A: There
are a wide range of appetite curbing medication designed to take
the edge off your hunger. When medically indicated and as part of
a carefully monitored program, Dr Harbison will select the right
prescription for you.
Q: What if I want to be on a more natural
diet wihout medications?
A: Dr. Harbison offers a range
of choices, some include medication and others do not. We'll design
a program with your wishes in mind that will enchance your success.
Q: Should I supplement my diet program with
vitamins?
A: Dr.
Harbison may suggest a vitamin supplement program to fit your individual
needs. Swelling, water retention, moodiness, dry skin, anemia and
hormonal imbalances can be traced back to a vitamin deficiency.
Q: What will I do to maintain my weight
loss after reaching my goal?
A: You'll graduate to out-maintenance
programs that are designed especially for those who have reached
a goal and want to maintain success. Our programs include different
schedules and pricing packages and special benefits. Many patients
support maintenance with some of our meal replacements. We'll remain
as your support system as long as you need us.
Q: Where can I find more information on the
web?
American
Board of Bariatric Medicine
American Diabetes Association
American Dietetic Association
American Heart Association
American Medical Association
American Society for Bariatric
Surgery
Center for Nutrition Policy
and Promotion
Food and Drug Administration
HealthFinder
National Heart,
Lung and Blood Institute
National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH)
Obesity Meds and Research
News
Partnership for
Healthy Weight Management
Presidents Council
on Physical Fitness and Sports
Pharmaceutical
Information Network Obesity Information Center
Shape Up America!
Weight-control
Information Network
Western Consortium of Diabetes
Disease Management
American Obesity Association
