Losing Weight – and Keeping it Off

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tempting to look for quick weight loss plans that promise results with little effort. However, these shortcuts usually don’t lead to lasting change.

Long-term weight loss requires a plan that includes healthy eating, exercise, and mental habits. Weight loss specialists at AHN Saint Vincent Bariatric and Metabolic Institute are here to guide you through each step of your weight loss journey.

The challenges of weight loss

Losing weight takes more than counting calories or hitting the gym a few times a week.

Obesity is a complex condition with many causes, including some we can’t control, like:

• Metabolism, which slows down with age.
• Genetics, which can affect how the body stores fat.
• Mental health, which may affect eating habits.

Long-term weight loss depends on health conditions, body mass index (BMI), and your own personal goals. Since obesity affects everyone differently, a personalized plan is key to managing weight successfully.

Fuel your body

Eating well helps your body work properly. There are many ways to create a healthy diet for weight management, including:

• Mindful nutrition – Instead of calorie counting, focus on choosing fresh, whole foods over processed or canned options. Reading nutrition labels can help you get the most vitamins and minerals.
• Intermittent fasting – This method can help your body burn fat faster by limiting eating to certain hours. One common method involves eating three high-protein, low-carb meals over an 8-hour window, and then not eating or drinking anything but water for at least 16 hours a day.
• Avoiding emotional eating – Stress, anxiety, and other issues at home or at work can lead to overeating. AHN Saint Vincent offers support groups and psychological evaluations that help people manage emotional eating.

Exercise: A key part of the journey

Regular physical activity not only burns calories, reduces fat, and builds muscle – it also keeps bones strong and boosts your mood.

AHN Saint Vincent weight loss specialists recommend 150 minutes of exercise per week. You should build up to this over time. You can begin with as little as five minutes per day. Add five more minutes per week until you can stay active for 45 minutes each day.

Great exercise options include:

• Walking.
• Running.
• Strength training.
• Water aerobics.

Weight loss surgery and medications

Sometimes, lifestyle changes may not be enough to reach or maintain a healthy weight. This is when surgery or medication may be options.

Before recommending medication or surgery, weight loss specialists at AHN Saint Vincent look at a person’s medical history, lifestyle, and underlying conditions. Not everyone will be a good fit for these treatments, but in many cases, they can greatly improve a person’s overall health.

Surgery

Common safe weight loss surgeries are:

• Gastric sleeve surgery – A procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, tube-shaped organ called a sleeve. This reduces the amount of food a person can have, helping them feel full sooner.
• Gastric bypass surgery – A surgery that alters the digestive system to reduce food intake and calorie absorption.
• Bariatric revision surgery – A procedure performed to improve or correct the results of a previous weight loss surgery. 

Weight loss surgery gives many people, especially those with severe obesity, the treatment tools needed for greater weight loss success.

Weight loss surgery gives many people, especially those with severe obesity, the treatment tools needed for greater weight loss success.

Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix. People who undergo surgery must make lifestyle changes and may need other treatment methods, too.

Medication

Some medications help with weight loss by reducing appetite or balancing blood sugar levels. These can be effective for weight management when used properly under a doctor’s supervision.

While weight loss medications are becoming more readily available, many people are using them without an official diagnosis or clinical recommendation. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any weight loss treatment.

Find support today

Weight loss and maintenance requires patience and discipline, but with the right mindset and team, you can reach your goals. Schedule an appointment at AHN Saint Vincent to learn more about resources and treatments that might be right for you.