Being overweight or obese is a leading cause of chronic disease in the US, including heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Obesity not only impacts your physical health, but your mental and emotional health as well. It can affect your self-esteem and lead to depression. It can hold you back from doing the things you love, like playing with your kids or grandkids, going out with friends, or being intimate with your partner or spouse.
Whether you’ve struggled with your weight your whole life or it’s only recently become a problem, Dr. Iram Shaikh-Abbasi at Lifetime Family Health can help. As a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi has received specialized training and certification in providing treatment to individuals who are at an unhealthy weight and are interested in weight loss.
Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi can provide effective treatment options and guidance no matter how much weight you need to lose. If you’re looking for a quick fix, you won’t find any gimmicks here – only tried and true methods for long-term success.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your first visit, Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi will perform a physical exam and review your heath history to determine if there are any health issues that could affect your progress. She will order blood tests and calculate your body mass index (BMI) so she can advise you how much weight you need to lose to reach a healthy weight for your height. BMI is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates that you’re overweight, while a BMI of 30 and above indicates obesity.
Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi will also measure the circumference of your waist. Women with a waistline of greater than 35 inches and men with a waistline greater than 40 inches are at increased risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Together you will discuss your previous weight loss efforts, your typical diet, and your daily routine. Sometimes there is an emotional component of obesity, and Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi will address how your thoughts and feelings influence your relationship with food. She will educate you about healthy food choices, help you deal with any psychological factors (or refer you for counseling if necessary), and create an appropriate meal plan that is tailor-made for you.
She will also recommend an exercise program that is appropriate for your level of fitness or existing health concerns. The goal is to start with a safe routine and increase the amount of time you exercise or vary the activities as you lose weight and are capable of doing more.
Follow-Up Visits
After your initial visit, you will have regular follow-up visits with Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi until you reach your target weight and even beyond that. While you are losing weight, you will be recording your food intake in a food journal, which you will review with the doctor so you can make changes where needed. Each session will also include labs, weight, and BMI calculation.
Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi will evaluate whether you could benefit from medication to help with weight loss along with a healthy diet and exercise program.
The Benefits of Medical Weight Loss
By losing weight with the supervision and guidance of a physician, especially one who is board certified in obesity medicine like Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi, you are more likely to stick to the plan and maintain your target weight as you are held accountable for your food and lifestyle choices.
Our comprehensive weight loss program focuses on behavior, diet, and activity modifications; instilling lifelong healthy habits; and counseling and medications or supplements as necessary. As your partner on your weight loss journey, Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long term.
When you’re determined to lose weight and keep it off, you don’t have to do it on your own. Dr. Shaikh-Abbasi and the team at Lifetime Family Healthcare in Willowbrook, Illinois are here to support you every step of the way. Call (630) 468-2034 to get started today.
