If you're like almost half of all adults, you will have a New Year's resolution. 

The holiday season will make some of us gain weight and this makes losing weight as number one in our list of New Year's resolutions.

"Instead of losing weight, why not pledge, I am going to eat healthy?" said Dr. Kathrina Bundalian, consultant  from The Medical City (TMC) Wellness Center.

Dr. Bundalian said that some people set a weight loss goal but do not have a plan on how to achieve it.

"Without a detailed plan and advice from weight loss experts, you're likely to go back to previous eating habits and exercise patterns," added Dr. Bundalian.

She likewise cautioned that crash diets and starvation as a means to lose weight should be avoided, as she stressed that a person's approach to weight loss should be one that can be maintained over the long term.

The Wellness Center at TMC has a Weight Management Program that offers comprehensive and personalized solutions to help you achieve and maintain your ideal weight.

"We understand that it’s not just about what a person eats, but also why he eats. Through private consultations, behavioural modification programs, and a healthy lifestyle and eating plan, we identify the trigger points and thought patterns responsible for his weight problems.  With our comprehensive and personalized solutions, we help change lives for the better," said Dr. Bundalian.

The program begins with an evaluation of the client's endocrine metabolic risks, including evidence of pre-diabetes, diabetes mellitus, lipid problems, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Based on this assessment, a customized weight management and behavioural support plans will be prepared for the client.

The program also includes lifestyle and motivational consult, nutrition, and fitness. The team of experts behind the program believe that reaching one's goal begins with a healthy attitude and positive motivation which can be supported through personal consultations with trained experts. 

"Moreover, we actively engage the entire family in ensuring that the client's healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle habits are sustained," said Dr. Bundalian.

Making healthy food choices is always important in managing and maintaining one's weight. 

"Our team of specialists helps you achieve your nutrition goals by designing menus based on your specific nutritional needs and preferences," added Dr. Bundalian.

Comprehensive Weight Management Program for the Obese

While lifestyle modifications remain the mainstay for the treatment of mild to moderate obesity, for individuals with severe obesity especially those who are suffering from weight related medical conditions, other therapies such as intensive diets using meal replacements, drugs and weight-loss surgery also known as “bariatric” surgery may be indicated.

Dr. Raymund Joaquin Erese, bariatric surgeon and member of the Wellness Center's Weight Management Team, pointed out the need to consult doctors who are weight-loss specialists when considering the above serious regimens.

"For example, those who are thinking about starting extreme diets such as: Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCD) and the very popular Ketogenic diet should see a doctor as these may have adverse effects if not done with medical supervision,” he said.

An individualized formulation of the diet is highly advisable, based on a comprehensive interview with the patient, including dietary and weight history, current food intake and level of physical activity, propensity toward change, and the food behaviour.

On the other hand, weight loss medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be part of a comprehensive weight management program.

Dr. Erese said the rationale for use of medications is to help patients adhere to a lower-calorie diet more consistently when combined with increased physical activity. The available medications work through effects on appetite or fat absorption.

Research indicates that these drugs may enhance weight loss in some overweight and obese adults but they also have unacceptable side effects that should be monitored.

Bariatric surgery, which was first pioneered over 60 years ago, has become an increasingly popular tool in the battle against obesity due to its efficacy in terms of weight loss, and correction of metabolic disease, such Type 2 diabetes mellitus. This option provides weight loss that is sustained in most patients and the metabolic benefits following bariatric surgery are generally more pronounced than those achieved following lifestyle and medical treatment.

Bariatric surgery refers to a variety of surgical procedures performed on the gastrointestinal tract to induce weight loss or treat metabolic disorders particularly Type 2 diabetes. In general, all the procedures aim to reduce food intake by restricting the stomach’s capacity and or reduce food uptake by reducing the small intestines absorptive area.

These surgical options are indicated for severely obese individuals whose response to conventional treatment was ineffective as well as those with severe obesity associated with metabolic syndrome or uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes.

To learn more about the Weight Management Program of The Medical City, please call the TMC Wellness Center at 9881000 ext. 6576.