Frequently Asked Questions
- What is obesity?
- What is Bariatric Medicine?
- Do a lot of Americans have weight problems?
- What are the medical consequences of obesity?
- Will I need prescription medication?
- What if I want to be on a more natural diet wihout medications?
- Should I supplement my diet program with vitamins?
- What will I do to maintain my weight loss after reaching my goal?
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
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