AMARA Obesity Services
What is obesity?
Obesity means that you have too much body fat. This is measured using BMI (Body Mass Index). Calculate your BMI by entering your height and weight: https://www.calculator.net/bmi-calculator.html.
BMI of 25 to 29.9 means that you are overweight. BMI of > 30 means you are obese. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem, it is a health hazard too. Obese people are more likely to have chronic health problems, and are twice as likely to die prematurely compared to normal weight people.
Obese people tend to have high fasting blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. A cluster of these conditions occurring together is known as metabolic syndrome.
Obesity is linked to serious medical problems:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes type 2
- Dyslipidemia (elevated cholesterol and fats in the blood)
- Heart disease, Stroke
- Cancer
- Gall bladder disease and gall stones
- Osteoarthritis, Gout
- Breathing problems such as obstructive sleep apnea and asthma
Both obese and overweight people will benefit from assessment, especially if they have co-existing chronic health conditions. Significant health benefits are seen with weight loss. Even a modest weight reduction of 10 to 20 pounds can be associated with reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Your multidisciplinary assessment will include:
History | Doctor will review your medical problems, weight gain history, previous attempts to lose weight, barriers to weight loss. You will also be screened for depression and sleep apnea. | |
Physical Examination | Complete exam, including BMI, waist circumference and body fat assessment. | |
History | Doctor will review your medical problems, weight gain history, previous attempts to lose weight, barriers to weight loss. You will also be screened for depression and sleep apnea. | |
Blood Tests | This will depend on your co-existing health conditions, and may include lipid profile, liver function tests, thyroid test, fasting blood glucose and ultrasound of liver. | |
Diet | Eating pattern and appetite control will be assessed. You will be given a food diary to understand your daily eating pattern. | |
Physical Activity | Exercise history, limitations to exercise and your attitude towards exercise will be assessed. A fitness evaluation will also be performed. | |
The goal of obesity management is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. Our team of experts will work with you to set and achieve your goals.
| Steps to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight | ||
|---|---|---|
Goal Setting | Set achievable short-term and long-term goals* | |
Diet Plan | Dietician will work with you to create a weight-loss menu that will work for you. This will include choosing the right type of foods and eating the correct portions. | |
Exercise Plan | Our physical therapy team will help you create a weekly exercise plan that includes both aerobic, muscle-strengthening and flexibility exercises. They will help you feel comfortable with the routine. | |
Medications | In certain situations, weight loss medications may be prescribed. | |
Surgeries | Despite all efforts, if your desired weight is not achieved, you can be referred for weight loss surgery. | |
*Your treatment goals will depend on severity of your obesity and your individual goals. You will need to lose at least 5-10% of your total weight to see an improvement in your health.
What is done during assessment?
Your multidisciplinary assessment will include:
History
Doctor will review your medical problems, weight gain history, previous attempts to lose weight, barriers to weight loss. You will also be screened for depression and sleep apnea.
Physical Examination
Complete exam, including BMI, waist circumference and body fat assessment.
History
Doctor will review your medical problems, weight gain history, previous attempts to lose weight, barriers to weight loss. You will also be screened for depression and sleep apnea.
Blood Tests
This will depend on your co-existing health conditions, and may include lipid profile, liver function tests, thyroid test, fasting blood glucose and ultrasound of liver.
Diet
Eating pattern and appetite control will be assessed. You will be given a food diary to understand your daily eating pattern.
Physical Activity
Exercise history, limitations to exercise and your attitude towards exercise will be assessed. A fitness evaluation will also be performed.
What treatments are available?
The goal of obesity management is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. Our team of experts will work with you to set and achieve your goals.
Steps to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
Goal Setting
Set achievable short-term and long-term goals*
Diet Plan
Dietician will work with you to create a weight-loss menu that will work for you. This will include choosing the right type of foods and eating the correct portions.
Exercise Plan
Our physical therapy team will help you create a weekly exercise plan that includes both aerobic, muscle-strengthening and flexibility exercises. They will help you feel comfortable with the routine.
Medications
In certain situations, weight loss medications may be prescribed.
Surgeries
Despite all efforts, if your desired weight is not achieved, you can be referred for weight loss surgery.
*Your treatment goals will depend on severity of your obesity and your individual goals. You will need to lose at least 5-10% of your total weight to see an improvement in your health.
