Welcome to Canton Medical Weight Loss, a division of Canton Family Medicine and Wellness Center
Our philosophy of care involves a personalized approach to managing obesity. Obesity is currently the greatest health threat to the US. There is a virtual epidemic with more than half of all americans considered to be overweight or obese. Obesity is a leading contributor to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and musculoskeletal problems, especially knee, hip and lower back pain. The good thing is that it is treatable; if treated correctly and aggressively, all the above conditions will improve and some even may be cured. I congratulate you!!! You have taken the first step to losing weight by coming to our website. Please feel free to review all our content and call our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to seeing you and helping you achieve your weight loss goals!!!
FAQs
What is obesity?
Obesity is a disease. Yes, you read right. It is a disease. As such, it is treatable. We are here to treat it. We have the knowledge and training to help you become successful in your pursuit of attaining a healthy weight.
What is the difference between overweight and obesity?
They are both terms that are used to describe an abnormal accumulation of fat in our body. Overweight is essentially a milder form of obesity. We use Body Mass Index to differentiate the two. A BMI less than 30 is defined as overweight, while one great than 30 is obese.
What causes weight gain?
Weight gain and weight loss are basically the result of two major phenomena. The first is an altered balance of calories. The second is the types of foods that we consume (independent of their calorie content).
How fast can I lose the weight?
We can help you lose up to 2 lb per week. Losing at a faster rate can potentially hurt you.
Do over the counter weight loss aids work? And are they Safe?
Actually some can help. Unfortunately they are with risk due to serious side effects. We do not recommend any otc weight loss aids.
How effective is exercise?
Exercise is excellent for overall health, but is over rated for weight loss. We only recommend an increase in your regular routine. In other words, you do not have to spend 4 hours at the gym each day to lose weight. It is always best to combine exercise with a healthy balance in calories consumed. We can help you with that.
What can I do to control my hunger?
One way is by consuming the right foods. Many foods digest slowly and fill you more effectively. Another way is by prescribing an FDA approved appetite suppressant. We supply this in our office.
What medical conditions are caused by obesity?
Diabetes Mellitus. High Blood Pressure, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Arthritis of the hips, knees and ankles, Back Pain, Low Testosterone, Depression and many more.
Can I cure my diabetes with weight loss?
In some cases yes. Many of our patients have been able to reduce their dosages of certain medications. Your results will vary depending on the amount of weight loss you achieve with us and your particular situation.
What medical conditions can be improved by weight loss?
All the above mentioned can improve.
Once I have reached my goal, how can I maintain this?
By leading a healthy lifestyle of balanced calories and activity and with our continued guidance and supervision you will be able to maintain your goal weight. We will show you how.
Do I have to take an appetite suppressant for my hunger?
No, only if you feel you need extra help with appetite control.
I have heard that certain B12 shots are good for weight loss. Is this true?
You are referring to B12 with Lipo, also called Lipodissolve or MIC. There is a lot of anecdotal information about this on the internet. Unfortunately there are no significant studies that prove it's effectiveness either way. We do carry this product if you are interested. Most people appear to do well with it, but we are unsure if this is the reason for their success.
Foods to Eat
In general you want to increase you overall intake of lean protein and fiber. Foods rich in these substances will help you with feeling full longer because they are digested more slowly. Protein in general also will help prevent your body from consuming your own natural protein which is stored in your muscles. This will help maintain your lean body mass and your metabolism. Your metabolic rate is regulated in large part by your muscle mass. Also, a diet high in protein stimulates your metabolism. Fiber is also filling and has the added effect of slowing the absorption of sugars. Although fiber is a carbohydrate, it is not absorbed into your body, it goes right through you, so you cannot gain weight from it.
Foods rich in protein:
Lean cuts of beef, ham, lamb, pork and veal; (avoid ground beef, unless it’s from sirloin) Skinless chicken and turkey breasts Canned tuna in water Fish (salmon, tuna, cod) Nuts in moderation because they also have oil (walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios and pecans) Beans, lentils and chickpeas Dry cheeses (avoid processed cheeses)
Foods rich in fiber:
Whole wheat bread, pasta and crackers Whole grains bran) Fresh fruits (pears with peel, apples with peel, oranges, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, bananas) Fresh, non starchy vegetables (artichoke, spinach, lettuce, onions, green peppers, pickles, celery)
Foods to Avoid
In general, you should decrease your intake of carbohydrates and fats. You will obtain much faster results by doing this. Foods rich in fats (including oils) have double the calories compared to protein and carbohydrates. Simple math dictates a diet low in fat and oil. Carbohydrates are a different issue. There is actual science behind a low carb diet. Foods rich in carbohydrates prevent you from burning your own fat for fuel. Yes, when you eat foods that are rich in carbs, you actually burn carbs for fuel and not fat.
Food rich in Carbohydrates:
Breads, donuts and muffins Pastas and noodles Rice Starchy vegetables (potatoes, squash, carrots, peas, corn, cassava, plantains) Puddings Jellies and jams Fruit Juices
Foods rich in Fat:
Fried foods Butter and margarine Oil and shortening Cream Lunch meats (bologna, salami) Chicken skin Turkey skin Ground beef from chuck and round Sausages and hotdogs Ice cream