Weight loss is typically achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and increased physical activity. For us at HP2 Wellness it’s a journey that goes beyond shedding pounds, focusing on overall well-being and a sustainable goal. Embarking on a weight loss journey alone can be overwhelming. Seeking professional guidance and building a support system significantly increases the chances of success. Book your appointment to start your journey today.
Losing weight is a highly individual approach. Each person’s body reacts differently to various changes and consulting with our experts helps tailor strategies to individual needs and preferences.
Weight loss is not merely a physical challenge; it’s equally a mental and emotional one. Overcoming psychological barriers, such as emotional eating or negative body image, requires the specialized support that we can provide for you.
Being overweight can be a precursor to many other chronic ailments and can cause difficulties in day to day life. Excess weight can lead to obesity, which is considered a chronic condition. The symptoms of obesity develop over time, with more and greater consequences as time goes on. A reduction in body weight can be helpful in reducing the risk of developing other diseases such as strain injuries to the joints, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
There are different ways to assess body weight, with two common methods being measurement of the waist circumference and calculation of BMI (body mass index). Waist circumference is measured using a measuring tape around the abdomen at the height of the navel. BMI is calculated using a ratio of body weight to height.
If you take in more energy than you use up, it is stored in the body as fat. If you constantly have an energy surplus, it leads to excess weight, which over time can lead to obesity. It may sound like obesity is something you choose and that excess weight can easily be remedied with a change in lifestyle. However, the reasons why some individuals may be more prone to obesity can be more complex than that. Some important factors to consider include:
Age. It is easier to gain weight with increasing age because the metabolism decreases. It is also common to gain weight during menopause, and especially common to gain more of the unhealthy fat around the waist. Social changes. In recent decades, our habits around diet and exercise have changed for the worse. We eat more and more unhealthily, and move less and less. Alcohol consumption has generally increased, and many have jobs that involve long periods of sitting. Overall, it leads to an energy surplus. Stress. Stress causes a change in the hormonal balance in the body which can contribute to overweight and obesity obesity. In stressful periods, it is also easy to eat less healthy food. Bad sleep. During sleep, hormones are released that regulate appetite. Sleeping too little can make you feel hungrier, which increases the risk of overeating. Mental illness. Your mental health affects both appetite and eating habits. Many mental illnesses can be linked to an increased risk of obesity obesity. Underlying diseases. Weight gain can be due to other underlying diseases, for example hormonal diseases that affect appetite or joint diseases that make it more difficult to move. Medications. Some drugs can increase appetite, leading to excess body weight. This is particularly common for steroid based medications and medications for depression and anxiety.
Obesity is a complex disease in which early intervention and careful follow-up is ideal in ensuring the best outcomes for patients. At HP2 Integrative Wellness we focus on a comprehensive lifestyle change and supportive measures that are individually adapted to create an environment conducive to weight loss and healthy living. Treatment may include adaptation of diet changes and advice for a more active lifestyle. Some medications have also proven to be helpful for our patients dealing with stubborn fat and excess body weight that persists despite their attempts at healthy lifestyle changes. Our providers are well versed in the realm of medical weight loss, including semaglutide GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide GLP-1 receptor agonists (Mounjaro, Zepbound), and blood sugar regulators (Metformin, Jardiance). These options can be discussed with your provider to find the best fit for you.
For most people, being severely overweight and obese is a multifaceted problem that has developed over a long period of time and that comes and goes. Many have tried and succeeded in losing weight repeatedly, but then gained it back. There may be a feeling of despondency. Time is an important factor, and it is important to make small, thoughtful changes over a longer period of time. Try to focus on a lifestyle change that includes healthy eating habits, movement and exercise, stress management, and sufficient sleep routines.
You are welcome to seek care if you are over what you believe to be a healthy weight, if your weight causes difficulties in your life, or if you are not losing weight despite attempting to make changes on your own.
Our team is focused on providing patients with quality healthcare catered to their unique needs to empower them to feel and be the best version of themselves.
