Obesity and the need
to lose weight are serious issues for 65% of U.S. adults.
For years, a diet that balances protein, fat, and carbohydrate
has been recommended. The reality is that this is
often very hard for many individuals to carry out, as portion
control, food choices, and lack of structure inevitably
derails most typical diet attempts.
The two most effective weight loss methods are bariatric
surgery with gastric by-pass and meal replacement programs.
Given the risk, practicality, and expense associated with
surgery for the average individual, we feel that meal replacement
programs offer the greatest advantages and benefits.
Clinical studies indicate that these programs provide the
best outcomes in terms of successful weight loss and reduction
of disease risk.
The Carolina Center uses the Medifast Meal Replacement Program.
Medifast is the oldest physician-supervised weight loss
program in the US and offers the widest choice of food options
including shakes, oatmeal, hot soups, chili, bars, and puddings.
This program consists of 5 meal replacements per day plus
one lean/green food meal to provide excellent support for
active weight loss and maintenance. Medifast products
are soy-based, but are fermented during processing so that
phytates and other known impurities are removed while retaining
the protein matrix and isoflavones.
The unique component of The Carolina Center Integrative
Medical Weight Loss Program is the accountability, which
is central to helping our patients achieve their goals and
keep the weight off. This support is provided by brief
office visits every two weeks during the active weight loss
phase so that problems are addressed quickly and success
is not compromised. Our goal is to be sure that the
health benefits are being achieved while limiting any risks
from the process.
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