The word disease could have a big impact on the way doctors treat obesity in the United States. The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted a new policy that officially labels obesity as a disease “requiring a range of medical interventions to advance obesity treatment and prevention,” according to an AMA statement.
The U.S. obesity rate increased almost 50% between 1997 and 2012. Today, nearly 30% of American adults are considered obese, and the problem is almost as prevalent in kids. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years, the CDC says. Obesity for adults is defined as having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher. BMI is a way to measure body fat based on your weight and height. One word could have a big impact on the way doctors treat obesity in the United States.
Unfortunately western medicine does not have a whole lot to offer when it comes to weight loss. Most of the time an MD will recommend medication to reduce side effects of obesity e.g. high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes. Sometimes they will prescribe psychological medication to reduce depression or anxiety secondary to already existing obesity. The other option of course is surgery e.g. liposuction or different types of gastric surgeries.
Often time practitioners of alternative medicine can assist patients with dietary recommendations; appetite reducing strategies and implementation of an activity program suited to the person’s body.
Chinese Herbal Medicine has been proven to be a great method in making digestion more efficient, reducing hunger pains and anxiety. Acupuncture can help with general aches and pains, fatigue and depression, which very often accompany obesity.
Don’t get me wrong in the end all those methods are just crutches along the way to weight loss.
You will need to be committed to changing your life style.
(we will be your cheerleader and guide)
Use this great summer weather to start your personalized activity program and start loosing weight today. We work with an experienced group of weight loss experts including a nutritional counselor, a personal trainer and a practitioner of Chinese Medicine. Let us help you get better.
Please call Igor Zielinski, L.Ac at Avicenna Acupuncture Clinic.
See you soon,
Petra and Igor.