According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a lifestyle filled with good nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and enough sleep supports a healthy weight. People who lose weight at a gradual, steady pace are more likely to keep the weight off than people who lose weight quickly. Finding a regimen that works can be tough. Health experts like Taylor Bellinger, Family Medicine and Weight Loss Management Physician Assistant at Arnot Health, a Member of Centralus Health, work with patients to find a sustainable weight loss plan.
“My goal is to make this a comfortable environment to talk about your whole life picture, because there are multiple factors related to obesity.”
Obesity is a complex disease that’s influenced by many factors, including health behaviors, stress, health conditions and medications, genes, and environment. Providers aim to get a better understanding of their individual risk factors.
“The goal as a provider is to help a patient to advance towards their own health and wellness goals and to create sustainable behavioral change,” says Elizabeth Marshall, Family Nurse Practitioner at Cayuga Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
To find out if they are at a healthy weight, people need to know their body mass index (BMI). This helps predict potential risks of health problems from being overweight.
“You qualify for the clinic if you have a BMI of 30 or greater or if you have a BMI between 27 and 29 with a comorbid weight-related condition,” says Taylor.
People who qualify for medical weight loss assistance should talk to their primary care provider.
“I would talk to your doctor about a referral if you have been diagnosed with obesity and are interested in talking about lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical options to help treat it.”
Aside from the usual exam practices, providers will ask about dietary habits, stress factors and other health concerns patients may have.
“An individualized care plan is developed collaboratively with the patient. The clinician works with the patient to identify both long term and short-term goals and then create a treatment plan accordingly,” says Elizabeth.
There are many ways to treat obesity. Providers have to factor in medications, health conditions, and mental or emotional barriers that may affect a person’s weight.
“One of the most common misconceptions about obesity is that it is both caused by and cured through behavior. While behavior is one component that contributes to obesity, it is a complex disorder. While lifestyle change is the cornerstone of treatment, adjuvant therapies play an important role,” says Elizabeth.
Setting a healthy weight goal is easy; reaching that goal is often what deters people from their weight loss plans. If there were an easy way to lose weight and keep it off, everyone would be doing it. Popular diet plans sell the idea of losing weight fast, but don’t account for habits that could cause someone to gain it all back. After trying and failing repeatedly, it’s easy to see why people give up. Taylor says she aims to set realistic, attainable goals.
“I hope people come here and feel comfortable talking about things related to weight without judgment. I want to work together to find a plan that works best for them.”
People who want to lose weight might be motivated by more than the idea of being thinner. By focusing on a goal that’s meaningful, patients are more likely to reach the outcome they’re looking for. When they do, Taylor can’t help but notice a change in their demeanor.
“This job is rewarding because we’re working on weight. When that gets better, people’s confidence improves, and their quality of life improves. That’s really exciting for patients.”
The Arnot Health bariatric care team works with patients to achieve a healthier lifestyle. The care team includes mental health professionals, dietitians, nurses, and exercise specialists who are dedicated to helping patients realize success. Arnot Health’s Weight Loss Clinic is located at the Southport office, 1138 Broadway Street, Elmira.
Safe weight loss requires a strong commitment from the patient and the team of medical experts. Cayuga Health is dedicated to providing proper educational resources, one-on-one counseling, complete medical exams and testing, and continued support throughout a patient’s weight loss journey. Cayuga Health’s Center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery is located at 310 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca.
