Losing weight can reduce your risk of certain conditions, such heart disease, type 2 diabetes and it can lower your blood pressure. Weight loss can also relieve symptoms and prevent injuries related to being overweight.
There are certain things everyone should know and consider before starting a weight loss journey. Below we have outlined some important facts and tips. Hopefully, they will help you start your own successful weight loss journey in the right way.
Firstly, it is really important to talk to your doctor before you start any weight loss journey. Don’t forget that even small changes can make a big difference to your health!
Things to know before starting a weight loss programme
There are three important numbers you will need to arm yourself with, that aid you in selecting the right weight loss programme or tool. The first is your current weight.
The second is your body mass index (BMI). This is the most widely used method to check whether someone is a healthy weight. The BMI checks whether someone is a healthy weight for their height. A BMI of between 25 and 30 is considered overweight. A BMI of more than 30 is considered obese. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of developing a weight-related illness. This includes type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Not sure what your BMI is? Don’t worry you can use our online calculator to work it out.
The third figure that is useful to know is your waist circumference. If body fat collects in your stomach area this can be more of a health risk than body fat that builds up in other areas of your body. For this reason, your waist circumference is a valuable numeric to have. How to workout your waist circumference? To begin, place one end of a tape measure on top of your hipbone. Wrap the other end around your stomach, making sure it’s straight. The tape shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Doctors consider greater than 94 cm or more to be unhealthy for men and then 80 cm or more to be unhealthy for women. If someone has the above measurements, then they are more likely to develop obesity related issues, such as type 2 diabetes.
Once you have your measurements, set safe and practical goals. Your doctor also can help. Your goals should be specific.
Medical conditions that contribute to obesity
For some people, weight gain can be related to genetics. Others may have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose weight. Examples of this include:
- Hormonal disorders
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Sleep disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Upper airway respiratory syndrome
Certain medicines also can interfere with your weight loss efforts. This includes:
- Antihistamines for allergies
- High blood pressure medication
- Insulin or sulfonylureas for diabetes
- Progestins for birth control
- Antidepressants for depression
- Valproate for epilepsy
Medical weight loss treatment options
Weight loss injections or surgery are both safe treatments for individuals who struggle to lose weight through diets and need help to control their calorie intake. However, both require support from a specialist clinical team, to ensure you have the right support to achieve your weight loss goal safely.
Weight loss injections such as Saxenda®, works by emulating the function of an appetite hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Just like this hormone, aids weight loss by suppressing your appetite, hunger and reduces cravings.
You might be eligible for Saxenda, if any of the following apply:
- You are aged 18 to 75 with either;
- A BMI of over 30
- Or a BMI of over 27 but have been diagnosed or at risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease increases
Whereas weight loss surgery is designed not just to restrict how much an individual can eat, but also to change the way the body responds to food. Patients feel less hunger, more easy satisfaction with food and their metabolism ‘speeds up’ to burn calories more easily.
There are several weight loss surgeries and procedures available, including:
- Gastric Band surgery
- Gastric Bypass surgery
- Gastric Sleeve surgery
To be eligible for weight loss surgery, a patient needs to have a BMI over 40 if they have no obesity related illnesses or over 35 if they do have obesity related illnesses. Occasionally patients with less weight will be considered for surgery.
Here at Streamline, we follow the latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on bariatric surgery-ensuring that those who pursue the weight loss surgery route are physically and mentally able to do so.
Regardless of which treatment an individual use, it is important that they take the time to follow the guidelines and remain committed to losing the weight they desire, through setting realistic goals and working with their healthcare professionals. These professionals are there to provide encouragement and advice about how to lose the weight and maintain any weight loss achieved.
Here at Streamline, we pride ourselves on our second-to-none aftercare, with our principle aim being to treat all patients with care, concern and compassion. We understand the procedure is only the start of your journey. The aftercare you receive is key and can make all the difference to your end result.
To enquire with Streamline about the weight loss procedures we offer, please call 0333 016 3030 or fill in the online enquiry form below.