The so-called standard American diet (SAD) and a lack of exercise have led to an obesity epidemic in the United States. More than 42% of adults are considered obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Obesity is a health risk for myriad chronic and acute diseases. The high-carb, low-nutrition, overly processed foods that most Americans eat don’t give their bodies the vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and antioxidants they need to thrive.
When you try to lose weight on your own, you restrict your calories or increase your amount of exercise. However, calorie restriction can cause your body to store fat, not burn it. And exercising too much raises your cortisol levels, which also prevents you from shedding pounds.
If you’ve been struggling to lose weight on your own or with a traditional diet support group, it’s time to change your tactics. Kimberly Bolling, MD, a caring and highly skilled internist, offers medically supervised weight loss that works with your body’s unique needs so you can lose weight while gaining health.
Human beings evolved to eat real food, not tasty treats that are packaged in brightly colored boxes. As one part of your weight loss and health-gain journey, Dr. Bolling helps you find more delicious, whole foods to add into your new eating plan.
Fresh foods she recommends include:
You may be surprised to find that high-fat foods, such as avocados, are actually good for you! In fact, you’ll probably discover many new tastes and textures in whole foods that beat out all of those intensely flavored, nutrition-poor fast foods and processed snacks.
Dr. Bolling also may prescribe nutrient-rich supplements to make up for nutritional deficiencies that can’t be overcome by a healthy diet alone. If you need help transitioning away from processed snacks, she can help with healthy alternatives there, too.
As part of your medically supervised weight loss plan, Dr. Bolling conducts a complete physical exam and blood panel to identify any illnesses that must first be resolved. Some illnesses may be directly or indirectly connected to your weight and eating patterns.
For instance, if you have Type 2 diabetes, switching to a whole-foods diet helps to balance your blood sugar levels, not just contribute to weight loss.
As part of your consultation, Dr. Bolling conducts a body-composition analysis, and checks your heart health with an electrocardiogram (EKG). Finally, she measures your wrist-waist circumference, which determines your frame size, so she can find your ideal, healthy goal weight.
If you’re struggling with your weight, you may think it’s because you lack self-control and have no willpower. Even if you’re consuming more calories than you can actually burn, the foods you eat could be triggering hunger that’s not real.
Transitioning to a whole-foods diet that cuts out unhealthy forms of sugar and carbohydrates — such as cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup — helps you listen to your body’s actual signals. You’ll find that when you fill up on healthy vegetables and healthy fats, you’re not as hungry anymore.
However, changing your diet and lifestyle isn’t easy. Dr. Bolling also understands that you may feel impatient, wanting to see results quickly so you’re sure the changes you’re making are worth the effort.
To help you burn more fat more quickly as you change your eating plan, Dr. Bolling may prescribe medications that accelerate your metabolism. As part of your healthy new lifestyle, she also recommends regular exercise. She works with you to find the types of movement you enjoy.
One of the most important aspects of medically supervised weight loss is that you’re not in it by yourself. When you have questions, concerns, or suffer a loss of confidence, you have someone to call.
You also come to Dr. Bolling each month so she can monitor your progress. During those visits, too, you might make adjustments to your current plan to increase your chances of long-term success.
If you’re ready for permanent, healthy weight loss, call our Bowie, Maryland, office today at 301-352-0090 or request an appointment online. You can also send a message to Dr. Bolling and the team here on our website.
