Weight Management

Weight Management

Overweight and obesity are major contributors to many preventable causes of death. On average, higher body weights are associated with higher death rates.

Overweight and obesity substantially raise the risk of illness from type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep disturbances and problems breathing, and certain types of cancers. Obese individuals also may suffer from social stigmatization, discrimination, and lowered self-esteem.

Obesity is a result of a complex variety of social, behavioral, cultural, environmental, physiological, and genetic factors. Efforts to maintain a healthy weight should start early in childhood and continue throughout adulthood, as this is likely to be more successful than efforts to lose substantial amounts of weight and maintain weight loss once obesity is established.

A healthy diet and exercise are both important for maintaining a healthy weight. Over time, even a small decrease in calories eaten and a small increase in physical activity can help prevent weight gain or facilitate weight loss. It is recommended that severely obese individuals who are trying to lose substantial amounts of weight seek the guidance of their health care provider before starting any weight loss program, including Laser Therapy treatment.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of:

premature death
gallbladder disease
osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage and bone in joints)
sleep apnea
asthma
cancer (endometrial, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and postmenopausal breast cancer)
complications of pregnancy
menstrual irregularities
hirutism (presence of excess body and facial hair)
stress incontinence (urine leakage caused by weak pelvic-floor muscles)
increased surgical risk
psychological disorders due to social stigmatization

Overweight and obesity are the leading causes of death and disability for both men and women in the United States. Overweight people are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, than people who are not overweight. Very high blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats) can also lead to heart disease and often are linked to being overweight. Being overweight also contributes to angina (chest pain caused by decreased oxygen to the heart) and sudden death from heart disease or stroke without any signs or symptoms.

The good news is that losing a small amount of weight can reduce your chances of developing heart disease or a stroke. Reducing your weight by 10 percent can decrease your chance of developing heart disease by improving how your heart works, blood pressure, and levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides.

Non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) is the most common type of diabetes in the United States. Type 2 diabetes reduces your body’s ability to control your blood sugar. It is a major cause of early death, heart disease, kidney disease, strokes, and blindness. Overweight people are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as people who are not overweight. You can reduce your risk of developing this type of diabetes by losing weight and by increasing physical activity.

If you have type 2 diabetes, losing weight and becoming more physically active can help control your blood sugar levels. If you use medicine to control your blood sugar, weight loss and physical activity may make it possible for your doctor to decrease the amount of medication you need.

Several types of cancer are associated with being overweight. In women, these include cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, cervix, ovary, breast, and colon. Overweight men are at greater risk for developing cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate. For some types of cancer, such as colon or breast, it is not clear whether the increased risk is due to the extra weight or to a high-fat and high-calorie diet.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that is closely associated with being overweight. Sleep apnea can cause a person to stop breathing for short periods during sleep and to snore heavily. Sleep apnea may cause daytime sleepiness and even heart failure. The risk for sleep apnea increases with higher body weights. Weight loss usually improves sleep apnea.

Osteoarthritis is common joint disorders that most often affects the joints in your knees, hips and lower back. Extra weight appears to increase the risk of osteoarthritis by placing extra pressure on these joints and wearing away the cartilage (tissue that cushions the joints) that normally protects them. Weight loss can decrease stress on the knees, hips, and lower back and may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Gout is a joint disease caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid sometimes forms into solid stone or crystal masses that become deposited in the joints. Gout is more common in overweight people and the risk of developing the disorder increases with higher body weights.

Gallbladder disease and gallstones are more common if you are overweight. Your risk of disease increases as your weight increases. It is not clear how being overweight may cause gallbladder disease. Weight loss itself, particularly rapid weight loss or loss of a large amount of weight, can actually increase your chances of developing gallstones. Modest, slow weight loss of 1-2 pounds a week is less likely to cause gallstones.

How does Laser Treatment for weight loss work?

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser, soft laser or low intensity laser, is an effective treatment modality for overweight and obese people. Results can be quite dramatic where conventional weight loss methods have failed.

LLLT is a form of photo therapy or light therapy that involves the application of low power light to areas of the body in order to suppress the appetite and elevate metabolism. The device and treatment are FDA cleared, however clinical trials regarding the efficacy of Laser Treatment for weight loss have not been completed. Preliminary studies are very encouraging and show weight losses of 2-5 pounds weekly. Individual results vary, dependent on the amount of weight loss required, and whether dietary and exercise programs are included.

Laser Associates is a state of the art facility. Our clinic’s professionally certified staff and tranquil atmosphere, reflects an organization truly committed to helping people lose weight. Dr. Vincent Hope specializes in nutritional deficiencies and is available for nutritional analysis and consultation.

If you have tried other methods to lose weight and haven’t succeeded, call Laser Associates today for a free consultation and learn how “The Healing Power and Energy of Light,” can make a “Thinner, New, You!”