There is a range of weight management programs and diet plans available on the market, but it can be challenging to know which one is the best type for you to give you the results you want. When embarking on a weight management program, it is important to follow a diet plan that is safe, personalized to your individual requirements and doesn’t leave you feeling hungry and miserable.
Although most people can lose weight on almost any type of diet plan that restricts calories, certain types of diet plans cut out entire food groups, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health problems. They can also be difficult to stick to, particularly if they leave you feeling hungry or lethargic.
The goal of a good weight management program is to help you lose excess weight in a safe and controlled manner and to help you maintain your healthy weight permanently by teaching you how to:
- Make smarter food choices
- Be more physically active
- Make positive changes to your daily habits
- Manage any setbacks
Losing excess weight can help reduce your risk of weight-related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
Choosing the Diet That Is Right For You
Diet plans are an individual choice and what works for one person may not be right for another. The diet you choose needs to be safe and effective, and take into account different factors, such as your overall health and lifestyle.
Not all diet plans on the market are regulated, and some may even be unsafe, particularly those that lack the nutrition the body needs in order to keep healthy. When considering a weight management program, make sure you choose a diet that has been extensively studied for safety and that fits with your own values, preferences, and lifestyle. Before beginning a new diet, it is sensible to discuss it with your physician or a registered dietitian.
Which Diets Should I Avoid?
There are some things to consider to ensure you lose weight in a safe and healthy way. Some restrictive diets that cut out certain food groups can be unsuitable for some people. For example, low carbohydrate diets can be a poor choice if you have type 1 diabetes. The apple cider diet–believed by many to aid weight loss and better control blood sugar–may cause stomach irritation and tooth erosion due to its high acidity. Also, some diets that consist of meal replacement shakes can be highly processed and lack vital nutrients to keep you healthy.
Dieting in general or diets that involve cutting out certain food groups, is also not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can be harmful to both you and your baby. Always discuss any diet changes with your provider first.
While some diet plans may promise quick weight loss and may fulfill this in the short term, they can be unsafe, difficult to stick to, and can see you put the weight back on once you return to your normal eating habits.
How A Primary Care Provider Can Help With Weight Loss
If you are looking for a safe, effective, and healthy way to lose weight, your primary care physician can provide you with a weight management program that is personalized to your individual needs and goals.
Physician-led weight management programs are designed to help you lose weight, prevent you from regaining lost weight, and maintain your goal weight permanently. They set achievable goals and can be tailored to your health history and preferred eating style. They typically focus on following a healthy, nutritious diet and increasing physical activity in a manageable way. The program aims to help you make positive lifestyle changes and adopt new habits that you enjoy and that are sustainable.
In most cases, experts recommend losing 5 – 10% of your body weight within the first 6 months, so if you weigh 200 pounds, this means losing as little as 10 pounds. Weight management programs aim to achieve this in a safe and healthy way. Initially, the focus is on jump-starting weight loss with an enjoyable and effective meal plan and promoting healthy lifestyle habits. After this, the program moves on to sustaining weight loss and maintaining healthy habits to reach desired weight loss goals. The focus is on making good food choices, learning about portion size, menu planning, physical activity, a personalized exercise program, increasing motivation, and sticking to healthy habits to help maintain your target weight.
In some cases, a primary care provider-led weight management program may include other treatments, such as weight-loss medicines, weight-loss devices, treatment for underlying health issues, or weight-loss surgery.
Weight Management Near Me in Northern New Jersey
If you are looking to lose weight in a safe and healthy way, contact the compassionate, skilled providers at Hudson MD Group. Our expert primary care providers offer primary and specialty medical care to patients of all ages. We diagnose and treat a wide variety of medical conditions and offer our patients the very best medical attention and treatments wherever they are.
To find out more about our comprehensive medical services or to book a consultation to start your weight loss journey, call us at (973) 705-4914 or contact us at the location nearest to you. Alternatively, you can contact us online. We have care centers conveniently situated throughout northern New Jersey to ensure you have access to the high-quality healthcare you deserve.
