What is Obesity Nutrition Consultation: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition & Overview

Obesity is a serious medical problem characterized by the presence of excessive body fat. If left unchecked, it could result in a variety of health issues, including those that are life-threatening, such as diabetes and heart disease. Being obese is sometimes mistakenly confused with being overweight because both refer to a certain amount of weight that is considered disproportionate to a person’s height. The difference between the two lies in the fact that being overweight means being too heavy, not just from fat, but also from muscle, bone and water content in the body.

The best way to gauge whether a person is overweight or obese is by calculating his body mass index (BMI). The BMI is the person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in metres. A BMI value of 25.0 to 29.9 indicates that the person is overweight, and anything higher than 30.0 indicates obesity. However, the information that can be obtained from BMI is limited, and this does not include specific details about a person’s body fat. As such, a visit to a medical professional for a more detailed evaluation is necessary.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

The first step in treating obesity is to proceed with an obesity nutrition consultation with a general practitioner or an internist. People who have used the BMI calculator and gotten a result of 30.0 and higher are the prime candidates for this type of consultation. People who believe they are overweight and want to prevent themselves from hitting the obese mark must also take a pro-active stand and schedule an early consultation.

Though it is possible for an obese person to modify his diet on his own, it is still essential to have a professional design a nutritional program for it to be more effective.

The expected result of this consultation is for the patient to obtain a diagnosis and a customized treatment plan that is designed to help him achieve his ideal weight.

How Does the Procedure Work

An obesity nutrition consultation begins with a nurse or the doctor taking the patient’s health information for reference. This includes weight, height, previous and current illnesses, previous and current medications, exercise regimen, eating habits and family history.

This is often followed by a thorough physical examination. The patient’s vital signs will be taken and recorded including heart rate and blood pressure levels. The BMI will also be calculated and the waistline measured. These are indicators of obesity and mark the baseline for reference. Males who have a waistline of 40 inches and higher and females who have a waistline of at least 35 inches have a higher risk than those with smaller waistlines.

Blood, liver function and cholesterol tests may also be requested to get a more definite picture of the patient’s over-all health.

Once the doctor has a complete medical and physical profile, he can make a diagnosis. If it has been confirmed that the patient is obese, the doctor, together with a dietitian, will provide a customized treatment plan. The goal of any obesity treatment program is to lose weight and keep it off. Initially, the goal is to lose between 3% and 5% of the patient’s total weight. To achieve this, a nutritional program will be designed for the patient to develop healthy eating habits and lose weight through the process.

The nutritional program may include dietary changes like cutting calories and restriction of certain types of foods. Education is the key to helping the patient make healthier choices in food and meal replacements.

A nutritional program works together with an exercise program to boost healthy weight loss. Starting a new exercise program, even as simple as a 30-minute walk daily, can generate a modest weight loss and allows the patient to get started on a healthier lifestyle habit. The doctor may also elect to refer the patient to a fitness trainer, when and as needed.

In cases where the patient’s BMI is more than 30, prescription medications may be added to supplement a healthy diet and exercise program. In severe cases, the patient may also be informed about his surgical options. A bariatric surgery can be performed to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening medical conditions, which include some cancers and high blood pressure.

Possible Complications and Risks

The nutrition and weight loss program will be designed based solely on the medical information relayed to the doctor. If any details have been omitted, there is a risk that the health of the patient will be compromised or the treatment plan will not work as expected.

References:

• Fitch A, Everling L, Fox C, et al. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Prevention and management of obesity for adults. Updated May 2013. Available at: https://www.icsi.org/_asset/s935hy/ObesityAdults.pdf. Accessed August 17, 2014.

• Jensen MD. Obesity. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 227.

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## Obesity⁢ Nutrition Consultation: A Comprehensive Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results



**Question: What is Obesity Nutrition⁣ Consultation?**



**Answer:** ​Obesity nutrition consultation is a specialized‍ form of dietary counseling provided by a registered‍ dietitian ‌or a qualified healthcare professional to individuals with weight-related⁣ health concerns, assisting‍ them in achieving and maintaining a ⁤healthy weight.



**Question: What are the Key Components of an⁢ Obesity Nutrition Consultation?**



**Answer:** An obesity nutrition consultation typically ‌encompasses:



* ‌**Comprehensive Assessment:** Your healthcare provider evaluates your overall health, underlying health conditions,‍ lifestyle, and eating habits to determine your ⁣nutritional deficiencies, ​personal preferences, and weight loss objectives.



* **Personalized‌ Plan:**⁣ Based ⁤on the assessment, a personalized nutrition plan is designed that complies with your dietary needs, restrictions, and lifestyle. This plan considers your⁢ unique calorie and macronutrient requirements ⁢to facilitate safe and⁢ sustainable weight loss ‍while ensuring nutritional adequacy.



* **Education and Support:** You​ might receive nutrition education materials, recommendations on healthy recipes, and tips for incorporating physical activity into your daily life. Support and guidance continue throughout the program to keep you committed to your objectives.



**Question: What are the Benefits⁣ of Obesity Nutrition Consultation?**



**Answer:**

* **Weight Reduction:** Obesity nutrition consultation aims to help you lose weight in a safe ⁤and sustainable manner, helping you reach ⁢and maintain your ideal body weight.



* **Disease Risk Reduction:** Losing‌ excess weight can decrease your risk of developing obesity-related complications such as heart disease, stroke, type 2⁤ diabetes, ​sleep apnea, and several types of ‍cancer.



* **Improved Overall Health:** A balanced⁢ diet contributes to your‍ overall well-being, boosting your energy‍ levels, improving your mood, and enhancing your sleep ⁣quality.



* **Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem:** Achieving your⁢ health ‍and weight⁣ loss goals can positively impact your self-image and boost your confidence.



**Question: What ⁢are‍ the Expected Results of Obesity Nutrition Consultation?**



**Answer:**

* **Weight Loss:** You can ‌anticipate a gradual, sustainable weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week, which is considered safe and effective.



* **Improved Body Composition:** Nutrition consultation emphasizes nutrient-dense foods, leading to increased‍ muscle mass‌ and reduced body fat percentage.



* **Better Lifestyle Habits:** You can‌ expect to establish healthier eating ‍behaviors, portion control, and an active lifestyle,‍ supporting long-term weight management ⁢success.



* **Improved ⁣Metabolic Function:** A healthier diet and weight ⁢loss ⁣can enhance metabolic rate, supporting energy expenditure and promoting weight maintenance.



**Question:​ How Can I Find a Qualified ⁤Obesity Nutrition Consultant?**



**Answer:**

* ⁢**Consult Your Physician:** Your healthcare provider may recommend a registered dietitian or a⁢ qualified‍ nutrition⁢ consultant specializing in weight ⁢management.



* **Online‍ Research:** Search for⁣ Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNSs) who specialize ⁤in obesity management or weight loss counseling in your area.



* **Ask for Referrals:** Inquire with friends or family members who ‌have successfully achieved ⁤their weight goals through nutrition consultation for referrals to qualified healthcare providers.



Remember that obesity nutrition consultation is a collaborative effort between you and your ‌healthcare provider, requiring commitment,⁣ discipline, and lifestyle modification to achieve long-term weight loss success ‌and ‌sustainable‌ healthy habits.