Weight management is more than a numbers game. It is central to maintaining overall health and well-being. However, achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight challenges many adults. The statistics are sobering: two in five people in the United States are obese. Thankfully, a qualified internist can help obese patients lose their excess weight for good.
Your internal medicine doctor can play a pivotal role in helping you achieve your best health. Let’s look at how the internist and you, the valuable patient, can partner in weight loss.
Why Is Weight Loss Important?
Weight loss is not just about improving your appearance. Rather, your ideal weight enhances your quality of life and longevity.
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing various chronic diseases. It improves cardiovascular health, enhances mobility, and positively impacts mental health and self-esteem.
Obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death. Losing even a modest amount of weight can reduce the risk of developing these conditions and improve overall wellness.
How Many People Suffer with Obesity?
Unfortunately, obesity is a growing epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports obesity affects over 40 percent of the adult population in the United States. This trend contributes to increased healthcare costs and diminished quality of life for millions of Americans.
In fact, the CDC reports that two in five people in the United States are classified as obese. This amounts to over 100 million people or more than 40 percent of the adult population in this country alone.
Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, can lead to a host of complications. Examples include musculoskeletal problems, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Obesity requires comprehensive strategies for management and prevention. Thankfully, your primary care physician in Dallas, TX, provides the needed resources to help people lose weight and live healthier life for the long term.
How Can My Internist Help Me with Weight Loss?
Your internist, or internal medicine doctor, is an invaluable resource in your weight loss journey. At Prime Internal Medicine Associates, our internal medicine physicians, Dr. Shalini Katikaneni and Dr. Della Mathew are committed to helping you achieve your health goals. Dr. Katikaneni, in particular, is an obesity expert with specialized experience in weight management.
She will assist you in managing your weight as well as other factors important to your overall health. Internists focus on preventive care, including:
- Cancer screening.
- Routine physicals to monitor for diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions.
- Keeping you up to date on vaccinations.
- Tracking your weight, BMI and vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and more.
- Treating acute illnesses and injuries.
Plus, because your internal medicine doctor knows you and your health needs well, they can coordinate and supervise any specialized medical care you may need.
Regarding weight loss, here is how your internal medicine doctor will assist you.
Customized Treatment Plans
Our approach to weight loss is individualized and comprehensive. Dr. Katikaneni and her team work closely with each patient as a whole and unique person. She will create a tailored plan that includes exercise and nutrition guidance.
In some cases, weight loss medications may be prescribed to increase metabolism and suppress appetite. For eligible patients, we also offer semaglutide (GLP-1) injections, treatments shown promising in weight loss and controlling diabetes.
A Comprehensive Support System
Weight loss is a journey, making a dedicated support system essential. Dr. Katikaneni and her staff provide continuous support throughout your weight loss efforts. They are there to encourage you, answer questions and adjust your plan as needed. This compassionate and holistic approach ensures you feel valued and assisted every step of the way.
Your Weight Loss Clinic in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
If you’re searching for a weight loss clinic or an internist to help you be your healthiest self, look no further than Prime Internal Medicine Associates in Dallas, TX. From managing chronic conditions like COPD and congestive heart failure to offering wellness programs focused on nutritional guidance and medicated weight loss, we’re here to support every aspect of your health journey.
To learn more about how our individualized and comprehensive weight loss programs can help you or to schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (972) 239-5445 or use our appointment request form.
We have assisted scores of people just like you in reclaiming their health and vitality. We look forward to seeing you in our Dallas, TX, office soon.
