Experts and patients agree medically supervised weight loss is by far the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off.
KATY MAGAZINE l MARCH
By Kavita Shah Patel, MD
A National and Local Health Epidemic
The statistics are alarming. Nearly 70% of Americans over the age of 20 can be categorized as overweight or obese, which dramatically increases their risk for numerous chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and multiple cancers. According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity can shorten an average life expectancy by up to 14 years, and that’s why physicians continue to warn overweight and obese patients about the seriousness of losing weight.
Although many overweight people can sometimes lose 10, 25, or even 50 pounds using some of the national weight loss programs such as Jenny Craig or other pre-packaged meal plans where food is portioned out and you don’t have to think about what to do, failure rates can be very high in the long term.
High Failure Rates
Unfortunately, studies show after five years, 40% of dieters gain back even more weight than they lost with these types of dieting programs. In fact, long-term studies show that short-term dieters are more likely than non-dieters to become obese over time.
Long-term success with weight loss requires a comprehensive approach, often found in programs with medical supervision, individualized counseling, and education.
Here are the Top 10 Reasons why medically supervised programs are known to work best.
1. You’re more likely to keep the weight off for the long-term
Because you are medically-monitored, coached, and taught what your specific body needs to lose weight, the chances of you keeping your weight off for the long term are much greater than other weight loss programs. “I lost 60 pounds in 8 months. I have kept the weight off for almost 3 years now.” states Rhonda Chuter. “Through Physicians WEIGHTLOSS Center of Katy I learned how to eat for life.”
2. You are ‘cleared’ to start your weight loss.
Some people try to lose weight on their own but they have underlying medical or hormonal issues that prevent them from losing weight. Our medical staff examines each client to make sure they are cleared for the program so they are poised for success. Our doctor goes over the clients’ results face to face and may provide suggestions to help clients get the best results. There could be a thyroid issue or even a vitamin deficiency that could mean the difference between success or failure even on the perfect diet.
3. You are continuously monitored.
With continuous monitoring, we are able to see what is working or what needs altering. We can adapt the program and maximize your success. For this reason, programs with monitoring, like PWLC, will have better results than those that are a one size fits all type prorgram. PWLC’s program was very easy to follow because you have counselors there to keep you on track,” says Melanie Ellis, a Katy mom who lost 35 pounds. “I have recommended PWLC to several friends.“
4. Programs are customized for your specific needs.
Since each client has different caloric and dietary needs, PWLC will recommend and customize a program that works with your lifestyle and health issues. “I know what foods to avoid and how to balance my diet. I’ve learned to make better choices while eating out at restaurants and to avoid hidden sodium and fats,” explained Sherri Chack-On, PWLC client.
5. You learn how to lose the weight and keep it off forever.
Unlike fad diets or diets you find online, our programs have been specially designed to WORK for the long term. PWLC consistently teaches you how to incorporate these healthy food and lifestyle choices into your daily routine thereby improving your success rate. “PWLC has taught me so much about nutrition, my body, and most importantly how to combat cravings,” says PWLC client Abbie Huckleby who dropped 4 dress sizes and 60 pounds. “I recommend this program to anyone who is tired of trying to do this their way; thinking they know what’s best.”
6. You’re able to receive doctor approved HCG injections to help you.
Some of our diets without HCG are already lower in calories and very effective, yet HCG injections have been known to get rid of the most stubborn fat and weight loss plateaus with some of our clients. For those who have upcoming events like weddings, reunions, or vacations HCG can help. For example, six weeks on a meal replacement diet on average results in a 20 pound weight loss while the 6 week HCG diet with injections on average is a 37 pound weight loss. PWLC provides medical screening and can monitor the clients during regular check-ins to the center.
7. You won’t be starving so you won’t quit.
Sometimes fad diets or hard core workouts leave you feeling depleted to the point where you want to quit, but PWLC programs are designed to reduce hunger and increase energy, which increases our clients’ success rates.
8. You usually have more energy not less.
Medically supervised programs will incorporate any necessary supplements your body needs. “PWLC has the added benefit of vitamins and minerals and other supplements, including B-12 shots!” says Sherri Chack-On a client who lost 58 pounds at PWLC Katy. Another PWLC client agrees. “I have more energy and just feel great on a regular basis,” explained Abbie Huckleby. “The best part is I’m no longer on high blood pressure medicine.”
9. Counselors encourage you and help you stay on track.
With counselors to guide and encourage you, the chances of you staying with the program are much higher than if you go it alone. “The counselors at PWLC Katy are very encouraging and supportive, not to mention patient and understanding,” says Sherri Chack-On.
10. If you pay for it, you’re more likely to follow through and do it.
Paying for a weight loss program is a big motivator for making you do it. PWLC is known as an affordable and effective medical weight loss center in comparison to others which is why Katyites choose us. “I knew if I spent the money, then I would have to be fully committed to the program,” explains PWLC client Abbie Huckleby.
Getting Started – A Non-intimidating environment
Walking into the center for the first time can be an intimidating experience for most clients so that’s why PWLC offers a free initial no obligation consultation for anyone that’s even a little curious. “Walking through that door was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but the staff was super supportive and positive, says Tanya H., a PWLC client.
Joining Together
Often, husbands and wives, friends, or other family members will join together for added accountability and improved success. According to Dr. David Black of Purdue University, diet partners are 30% more successful than those that do these programs alone. That’s one of the reasons PWLC offers a 2 for 1 special for friends and family.* The support of others in the home or in the client’s life goes a long way toward their success. The chances are higher they will stick with the program as both continue to make good lifestyle choices.
Since Physicians WEIGHTLOSS Centers was opened in 1979, we’ve helped women and men lose over 52 million pounds and counting. PWLC would love to help you become one of our many success stories.
If you’d like more information about the affordable medically supervised weight loss programs at PWLC. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION here.
ABOUT KAVITA SHAH PATEL, MD
Dr Patel is trained and licensed in Internal Medicine and has been practicing in Houston for the past 18 years. She completed medical school and residency training at Baylor College of Medicine in 2000. Currently she has a solo outpatient practice in the medical center and also works as a emergency room physician at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. She has a particular interest in preventative medicine, to help protect, promote, and maintain health and well-being and to prevent disease and disability. She is excited to be working at the Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Centers of Katy assisting those seeking a healthier lifestyle.
*Two for One Offer Mentioned above is a Limited time offer. See PWLC for details.