Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Centers

Q: What are physician-assisted weight loss programs and how can they help me?
A: Physician-assisted weight loss programs and medically supervised diets are those done under the advice and supervision of a doctor, nurses or other medical staff. Surgical weight loss systems are always medically supervised, but non-surgical weight loss plans may also be supervised and implemented by a physician or medical center.

Q: Do I need to exercise to lose weight?
A: No. Weight loss occurs when the number of calories spent exceeds the number of calories ingested. It is possible to cut your calorie intake and lose weight without exercising. However, most weight loss plans recommend increasing activity as a way to burn additional calories and increase your resting metabolic rate, which can speed up weight loss and tone your body for faster and more noticeable results. Low to medium impact exercise is also good for your heart and other body systems, so some exercise is good. There are studies that show that high impact exercise may actually be defeating for weight loss for some people. High impact and high intensity work outs may burn muscle before fat, leading to the need to eat more protein to build muscle. Some people are hungrier after high intensity workouts and overeat, adding to their calorie intake without creating the calorie deficit required for weight loss. Talk with your weight loss center or diet plan staff to understand their recommendations for exercise and calorie intake.

Q: What does BMI testing determine?
A: The body mass index, or BMI, is often used to determine whether adults are at a healthy weight, or if they’re underweight or overweight. BMI numbers do not measure body fat, however, so some people may have false readings. It’s also important to consider body fat distribution, skinfold tests, waist circumference, MRI testing, circumference ratios, and other ways of testing for excess body fat.

• BMI of 18.4 or less is considered underweight.
• BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight.
• BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
• BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

BMI readings can help show whether someone is at a healthy body weight, and can assist people in finding a healthy weight at which they may be able to cut their risk of certain diseases and early mortality. Talk with your health care provider and weight loss center for more details about your body weight and how they calculate a healthy body weight.

Q: What causes someone to be overweight or obese?
A: Obesity and excess body fat can be caused by many factors, including genetic, behavioral, health, environmental and other factors. Calorie consumption that is greater than calorie expenditure causes individuals to store extra body fat, which, over time, can lead to becoming overweight and obese. Diseases, medication, genetic and environmental reasons can contribute to an individual’s body weight. However, most people are overweight or obese due to behavioral reasons, including overeating, eating the wrong things for their bodies, and not getting enough exercise or activity.

Q: How does my resting metabolic rate impact my weight?
A: Resting metabolic rate, or the rate at which you burn calories while living your daily life, varies for each person. Resting metabolic rate is influenced by genetics, environment, nutrition and diet, exercise, age, and other factors. The higher your resting metabolic rate, the more calories your body will burn, which can contribute to being thinner or being able to eat more calories. Daily exercise is believed to increase resting metabolic rate. However, studies seem to show that low to moderate daily exercise is best for increasing resting metabolic rate.

Q: How can I control my body weight and lose weight?
A: Burning more calories than you consume is the key to losing weight; similarly, burning an equal number of calories as you consume will keep your body weight steady. Some people eat less, others exercise to burn more calories, and some use a combination to calorie control and exercise. Different methods work better for different people, so talk with your local weight loss program staff about your options and which diet and exercise program will work best for you.

Q: What types of weight loss programs are available?
A: Local weight loss programs vary, but most areas have available doctor assisted weight loss diets (also called physician assisted weight loss or medically-supervised diets), weight loss group meetings and diet support groups, weight loss meal delivery systems and diet meal delivery services, online diet programs, meal replacement diet programs, diet supplement programs, surgical weight loss solutions and non-surgical medical weight loss (such as bariatric surgery and stomach banding), specialty diet services (including paleo, low-carb, Dukan, Atkins, Zone, HCG, ultra low-fat, high-fat low-carb, South Beach, vegan and more).

Q: What long-term impact can being overweight or being obese have on my body?
A: Carrying extra weight is bad for your joints, your organs, and your other body systems. Here are some diseases and dangers that increase with being overweight and obese:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Heart attacks and heart failure
• Cancer—particularly cancers of the prostate, colon and digestive system
• Gallstones and gallbladder disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Gout
• Osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Hip, knee and ankle pain and damage
• Foot pain and bone problems

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