A recent study found that one single element had a direct impact on the amount of weight an individual lost. They surveyed date from over 300 individuals who were classified as obese to determine how supportive their physician was in their weight loss efforts. For those who said their primary care doctor’s support was helpful, they found that that person lost twice as much as those who did not have good support from their physician. So what does “particularly helpful” mean, and how can you achieve the same support to accomplish your goals?
How to Increase Weight Loss
Just about everyone wants to lose weight in some way, but it’s common to struggle, with or without help. During this study 347 participants, that had a good relationship with their medical provider, started on a weight loss trial, but having a good relationship with the physician did not impact how successful the participants were. So what did make a difference? What did make a difference was when the physician was rated as “helpful” towards the goals of helping their patient lose weight.
The trial participants were 63% female with an average body mass index (BMI) of 36.3 (5′ 5″ individual weighing 218 lbs). They also had at least 1 out of 3 risk factors: diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
How important is the Role of the Physician?
According to those involved in the study, the role of the physician is crucial and sets a precedent for how we should be approaching weight loss. Researcher Wendy Bennett, M.D., M.P.H. concluded that, “many current weight loss programs are commercially run and patients often join these programs without their physician’s knowledge. Incorporating physicians into future programs might lead patients to more successful weight loss.” However, if you live in the Katy, TX area, that is not something that you have to wait to happen because it is common practice at Medical Fitness Pros (see case study below).
The Medical Fitness Pros Weight Loss Program
Our staff has been connecting with our personal training clients’ physicians for years. We have connected with over 100 of our clients’ physicians throughout the Houston and Katy area. We send an initial physician report and then follow it up with progress reports as you improve your health. And if you noticed in the study, the participants in the study had at least one of three condition (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes). I want to share a recent success story (that is still in the making). I can’t release his personal name and picture, but I can show you his progress.
Medical Fitness Pros Weight Loss Success Story
When our client first came in, his pre-workout blood pressure was 148/91. His physician set the following goal, “Within 3 months you will become an ex-diabetic“…yes, according to his physician, we expected him to become an ex-diabetic.)
Every time our clients with high blood pressure walk into our facility we have them check their blood pressure before and after their workout. He now averages 118/74 for a pre-workout blood pressure. His post-workout blood pressure had equally significant improvements. In 3 months we saw the following changes:
Pre-Workout Blood Pressure 148/91 to 118/74
Hemoglobin A1C: 9.9 to 5.4
Blood Glucose: 389 to
On top of that, he’s losing weight, of course! You can see the drop in weight and body fat and an increase in water hydration. He is truly on the right track following a sensible eating plan, strength training twice a week with us and once on his own, following through on his cardio, and sending his food log to us all throughout the day.
“Why my patient wanted to take a selfie with me this morning.”
He is a mid 40s guy who came in today to my office a newman. He works out 6 days a week, has a pristine diet that he loves, and even oozes with confidence.
3 months ago, he was overweight, and was a newly diagnosed diabetic. Not only was he a diabetic, his blood sugars were so high, many physicians would have put him on insulin (HbA1C was 9.9, blood sugar in office was 389). We discussed strategies for getting his blood sugars down. I was very adamant about him at least starting on some oral diabetic medications but he was completely against it. We spent an hour discussion strategies and he wanted some guidance on not just nutrition but also exercise. He enrolled in a program and worked diligently.
3 months and -30 lbs later, he is completely reversed his Type 2 Diabetes and wanted to take a selfie with me (HbA1C is 5.4). I was glad to oblige.
Our next goal for him is to bulk up a little for the ladies. Way to go brother!Posted by Dr. Cheng Ruan on Thursday, October 15, 2015
If this is something you want for yourself and you are ready to get started, contact us now. We are taking on a few clients that we would love to help achieve similar goals. If this is you, be one of the first to contact us for a complimentary consultation to discuss how we can help.