Weight Loss

Weight loss isn’t easy for many people, and keeping it off is harder, with 80%-95% of dieters regaining all the weight they lost, some experts say. You can increase your chances of long-lasting success with a weight-loss program managed by Melhem Dandan, MD, FACOG, FAAFP, and Eric Hettler, PA-C, MPAS, at Harlandale Clinic in San Antonio, Texas. They understand your challenges and create an individualized plan that supports your weight loss success. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online today!

How does weight loss improve my health?

Being overweight or obese places stress on your joints, making you four to five times likelier to develop osteoarthritis. Additionally, fat cells produce hormones and other substances that cause inflammation and increase your risk of developing:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Sleep apnea
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Losing weight goes a long way toward preventing these diseases. For example, dropping 5%-10% of your body weight lowers your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58%.

What are the benefits of a medically supervised weight loss program?

Choosing the weight loss program at Harlandale Clinic gives you a better chance of losing weight and keeping it off because you:

Gain a team

It’s easier to lose weight when you have the support of the team at Harlandale Clinic. They give you information, answer your questions, and hold you accountable.

They understand your challenges and realize it’s hard to lose weight. They help you reach your goal by offering encouragement when you hit a plateau or can’t stick with your plan.

Get medical care

Though weight loss comes down to the number of calories you consume compared to the amount that you burn, you can strictly watch calories and still struggle to lose weight. The reason comes down to hormonal imbalances and your overall health.

The team at Harlandale Clinic identifies and treats any problems they detect, such as nutritional deficiencies and hormonal problems that can sabotage your weight loss efforts. They also make sure your diet is compatible with any existing chronic health conditions.

What should I expect during my weight loss program?

During your first appointment, your provider learns about your medical and weight loss history and your typical eating habits.

After discussing your weight loss goals, they create a plan you can stick with. Your plan may include any of the following:

• Setting calorie goals
• Meal planning and food choices
• Nutritional counseling
• Exercise recommendations
• Behavioral modification
• Dietary supplements
• Prescription medications

They may prescribe weight loss medications to support your diet and exercise program. These medications help you lose weight by controlling food cravings, reducing your appetite, making you feel full with less food, or blocking fat absorption.

You can finally reach your goals with a customized weight loss program at Harlandale Clinic. Call the office or book an appointment online today.