Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Body mass index (BMI), a measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight (pre-obese) when their BMI is between 25 and 30, and obese when it is greater than 30.
The most common reason a patient presents to a nutritionist for help is for weight loss. With a large percentage of those patients being obese, I think it is important to address my level of success in reversing this condition. Most of my patients have been to Weight Watchers or used a service like Jenny Craig or L.A. Weight Loss. The difference in treating with a Functional Medicine, Certified Clinical Nutritionist and one of those “one plan fits all” programs is dramatic.
There are hundreds of different approaches to losing weight. Not all people need the same weight loss plan and this can add to the confusion and frustration in attempting to lose the weight for good. There are over 3000 diets on public record and the information overload on the internet can make it even more confusing.
When you work with a functional metabolic specialist like a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, the reason that your metabolism is not properly functioning is addressed first. From there rapid and successful weight loss will usually occur. Are my results the same as “The Biggest Loser” TV show? Not unless you have 5 hours a day to exercise, have a personal trainer right there with you every day, a personal chef and physician on hand to regulate your system. My results are impressive though.
I do not use stimulants to promote weight loss. I am a Functional Medicine Health Specialist, meaning I am focused primarily on your health. If you are 200 lbs on our first visit and you are compliant to my plan, I have no expectations that yo will be 30 lbs lighter in 30 days. That is reserved for risky, immune adulterating, hormone shifting and metabolically compromising “one size fits all” fad diets.
One of my other primary focuses is on why there was weight gain. A good percentage of the time psychology is at the root of weight gain. Understanding and addressing the psychology of weight loss is one of the more powerful ways of succeeding with your weight loss goals. If you are a stress eater and consuming large quantities of food to combat the response to stress, those factors need to be understood and addressed.
It is important to note that when your medical history and health related goals are explored, your consultations are held directly with Dr. Shaw, not an untrained individual, a staff member, a questionnaire or a computer program. You will not be signing up for a “program” and paying money up front for services not yet rendered. Your health care journey in our office is unique to your specific needs.
I look forward to helping you find your way to healthy weight balance. — Dr. Conan Shaw Functional Medicine, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Pittsburgh PA