Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program Leads to Major Health Benefits for Patients
January 10th, 2008
Losing weight is the number one New Year’s resolution. For people who are serious about losing a substantial amount, the HMR® Weight Management Program at Floyd Memorial can make a tremendous difference. As Endocrinologist Sri Mokshagundam, MD, explained, “At this point, the only effective ways to lose a great deal of weight are bariatric surgery, such as the gastric bypass or lap band, or an intensive lifestyle program of diet and exercise. It is possible to achieve a large amount of weight loss through a lifestyle program. The HMR program has been extremely successful in helping patients achieve their goals. And there is no risk – no procedures, no anesthesia, etc.”
When an individual is overweight, losing those excess pounds can make much more than a cosmetic difference. According to Dr. Mokshagundam, “It can prevent or ameliorate many disorders, including 60 percent of cases of diabetes. Weight loss can lead to a significant improvement in blood pressure. It can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and eliminate the need to take many medications. We’ve had people who have lost just 35 or 40 pounds and experienced tremendous health benefits.”
What makes the HMR (Health Management Resources) program so effective?
One advantage of the program is its flexibility. “You have options for those who need to lose a relatively small amount of weight as well as for those who need to lose 100 pounds or more,” said Dr. Mokshagundam. One of the program options is a very low calorie diet, and patients who use it are often on multiple medications for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. “We provide physician supervision and monitor these individuals very carefully,” he said.
Pre-packaged meal replacements are another important aspect of the program. According to Dr. Mokshagundam, “They take the guesswork out of the diet and make compliance much simpler. You can also be sure you are getting enough nutritional support, such as protein, vitamins and trace minerals.” He added that the accountability of being part of a formal program also helps many patients succeed.
Education and support are central to the program’s success. “Educating participants about the lifestyle changes it takes to lead a better, healthier life is a key component of the program,” explained Dr. Mokshagundam. “We give patients the behavioral tools to succeed. For example, we have them keep records of their diet and exercise so we can troubleshoot and help them if they run into a problem. We also teach them how to deal with a lapse, so they are able to forget it and get right back on track. Our goal is to help patients change their behavior and adopt healthy habits for life.”
Study Shows Dramatic Health Improvements a 100-Pound Weight Loss Can Make
A recent nine-year study of 118 obese patients who lost 100 lbs. or more on the HMR Program showed that they experienced a significant reduction in health risk factors and the need for medications.
- 73% were able to discontinue their diabetes medications
- 67% were able to discontinue their medication for high blood pressure
- 100% were able to discontinue taking medications for high cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels
Study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, August, 2007.