Weight Loss Specialist
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Essencia Family Practice and Immediate Care Clinic
Olusesan Olotu, MD
Family Medicine located in Carrollton, TX
Being obese or overweight is associated with a litany of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. At Essencia Family Practice and Immediate Care Clinic in Carrollton, Texas, doctors help patients achieve realistic weight loss goals through lifestyle coaching and medical management. For many, weight loss can be vital to improving self-confidence, not to mention a happier, healthier life. To begin your weight loss journey, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Weight Loss Q & A
How do I know if I need to lose weight?
One of the simplest ways to figure out if you’re overweight is by calculating your own body mass index (BMI). Your BMI is a number that uses your weight and height to estimate how much body fat you have.
You can use an online BMI calculator or figure the number on your own using this formula:
- Multiply your weight in pounds by 703
- Divide that number by your height in inches
- Divide that number by your height in inches one more time
If you have a BMI under 19, you're underweight and should talk to your doctor about gaining weight. A BMI in the range of 19-24 is healthy and ideal. Over 25 and up to 29 is considered overweight, while any BMI above 30 is considered obese.
Your waist size can also indicate that you have too much body fat. Women with a waist size of over 35 inches and men with a waist size of over 40 inches often have an increased likelihood of developing diseases associated with obesity.
Which health risks are linked to being overweight or obese?
Carrying excess weight can increase your risk of developing severe health problems, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Kidney disease
Being overweight or obese can also lead to pregnancy problems, such as having high blood sugar during pregnancy, increased risk of cesarean delivery (C-section), and other high-risk pregnancy issues.
What does a weight loss program involve?
For you to undertake a personalized weight loss program, you must talk to your doctor at Essencia Family Practice and Immediate Care Clinic about your willingness to commit to specific lifestyle changes. A key part of weight loss is setting realistic goals from the outset.
Your doctor at Essencia discusses your nutrition and exercise habits, as well as other tendencies you might have — such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption — before developing a comprehensive, attainable weight loss plan.
Your plan will involve lifestyle coaching, coupled with regular monitoring to make sure you’re sticking to the tenets of your plan — namely regular exercise and healthy dieting.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend FDA-approved weight loss medications to help produce even better weight loss outcomes.
If you’re ready to change your life and hit your weight loss goal, call or schedule an appointment online today.
