2/3 of all American adults
are overweight or obese
1/3 of American children are overweight or obese.
Excess weight leads to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, joint pain, back pain, irregular periods, infertility, heart disease, heartburn, fatigue, depression, headaches, sleep apnea and many other health problems. Excess weight increases your risk of many types of cancer and can seriously affect your quality of life. Getting closer to your ideal body weight can improve and even cure many of these health problems.
At Parkville Family Practice we feel helping our overweight patients with weight loss is essential to their overall health and well-being. Dr Holman has a special interest in helping her patients lose weight so they can achieve a happier, healthier life. We have developed a successful weight loss program which addresses diet, exercise and medications customized to your personal needs.
Insurance coverage
If you have medical conditions (see previous list) that could be improved with weight loss, your insurance usually covers weight loss appointments. Please call if you would like more information about how we can help you get to your weight and health goals.
New weight loss appointment
Your first weight loss appointment will be an in-depth interview. We will discuss your specific situation and medical issues which could be affecting your weight. Your medications will be reviewed and labwork will be done. It is best if you come in fasting for this appointment. Expect to spend an hour at this first appointment. Followup appointments are more focused and shorter.
A Weight Loss information form will need to be filled out PRIOR to your first appointment. Please stop by and pick up this form or give us a call and we will fax or mail it to you. Eventually we plan to have this form online for you to download.
Questions you will be asked include:
*How many calories do you eat per day on average?
*Why do you eat? (physical stomach-rumbling is one cause but there are many others)
*Do you snack all day (grazing) or do you eat 3 meals with little snacking?
*Do you tend to crave carbs? (pastas, bread, potatoes, sweets)
*Why do you want to lose weight?
*What are your realistic weight loss goals? (short term and long term)
* What diets have you been on in the past, how much did you lose, have you gained some or all of your weight back after stopping those diets?
If you take the time before your appointment to really think about these questions, Dr. Holman will be able to better customize your treatment plan.
An average treatment plan will include a diet strategy, an exercise plan and medication options.
Follow-up weight loss appointments
These will be the visits you will schedule after your initial weight loss visit. During these visits we will monitor your progress and discuss how you are doing with your treatment plan. Medications may be adjusted or changed. Additional tests may be needed. You will not routinely be asked to be fasting during these visits. At times you may be asked to schedule additional appointments for procedures such as treadmill exercise tests or pulmonary function breathing tests to prepare you for beginning an exercise program.
