Losing weight is a challenge for many Americans. Making smart food choices and exercising each day may be the preferred method, but it is often challenging and sometimes not enough. Adding to the stress of weight loss, weight-related medical issues are serious and expensive. Successfully dropping pounds may be a matter of life and death. Those living in Illinois in need of medical support for their weight loss have a number of options.
Medication
Weight-loss medications are prescribed for patients who need extra support with an existing diet and fitness program. Medications include Phentermine, Didrex, Tenuate, Phendimetrazine, Meridia and Xenical, and patients are given a combination of each of these drugs. The drugs include appetite suppressants, fat blockers and serotonin enhancers, which create a feeling of fullness when eating. The Nutrition Clinic has five locations throughout Illinois and provides support and prescriptions for patients who think weight-loss medication is the right choice.
Nutraceuticals
The use of the nutraceuticals weight-loss program may be the least invasive of physician-supervised options. Nutraceuticals are foods that provide medical health benefits. There are three categories of nutraceuticals including dietary supplements, functional foods and medicinal foods. The New Therapeutic Lifestyle Program (TLC) at the Heal 'n' Care Center focuses on nutrition, eating habits, exercise, adequate sleep and stress reduction. The holistic program boosts energy, helps patients lose weight and lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Injections
Another way to jumpstart a weight-loss program is with HCG injections. HCG is human chorionic gonadotropin, a chemical produced during pregnancy. It stimulates progesterone, providing the fetus nutrition from its mother's fat stores. HCG injections were previously used in fertility treatments and as appetite suppressants. HCG shots provide a number of benefits. The shots protect structural fat between internal organs, they do not damage lean muscle during weight loss, and they target fat stores in the tummy, things, arms, buttocks and chest. HCG increases the metabolism, so more calories are burned when a dieter is resting. Complete Clinics, located in Chicago, provide HCG shots to both men and women with a desire to lose weight. The shots are used as part of a complete weight loss plan.
Surgery
Weight-loss surgery is one of the most drastic methods for losing extra pounds, but it is also one of the most effective. Surgery is only an option for certain patients, so unless you are severely overweight and have failed using other options, your doctor will likely not recommend surgery. Candidates for weight-loss surgery have three options. Gastric bypass surgery limits the amount a patient can eat by creating a small pouch in the stomach that connects to the GI tract. Gastric bypass enables a fast weight loss initially, but patients must consider risks like stomach and bowel cutting and stapling, lowered absorption of nutrients and the non-adjustable nature of the pouch. Those who want a flexible option can choose adjustable gastric banding like the LAP-BAND or REALIZE Band. Both band surgeries, as well as gastric bypass, are available at the Illinois Bariatric Center. If your doctor has recommended weight-loss surgery, consider the pros and cons of each procedure before making your decision.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a very effective weight loss treatment, especially for those who are not ready to try drugs or surgery. Those undergoing acupuncture treatment have thin needles inserted into specific points on the skin. The practice originated in China and is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. Many believe acupuncture treatment helps maintain and restore health and well-being. The acupuncture weight management program at the Sun Clinic in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, is touted to boost the metabolism, reduce fluid retention and provide relief from stress and diet challenges.
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