Weight Management
OptIn’s approach to assisting with weight management combines science-based medicine with individualized treatment focusing on nutrition, behavior, pharmacotherapy, and physical activity. Advanced whole body composition measurements are used to accurately assess and meet fitness and weight loss goals.
Nutrition, exercise, & so much more.
Approximately 70% of the US population is overweight or obese. Obesity is a state of chronic inflammation associated with an increased risk of mortality, as well as several chronic disease states including heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes, insulin resistance, sleep apnea, arthritis, and depression.
Nutritional education has been shown to promote more effective weight control. Since nutrients and foods are not eaten in isolation, learning a healthy eating pattern is key to weight management. Healthy weight loss isn’t just about a “diet”. It’s about ongoing lifestyle changes involving healthy eating patterns.
Besides dietary modification, several other lifestyle factors can affect weight control. Stress results in sleep problems, inflammation, decreased immune system functioning, and increased cortisol and catecholamine production. Cortisol affects metabolism, body composition, and the accumulation of body fat. Chronically elevated cortisol can lead to insulin resistance, trigger inflammation, and increase fat storage. Catecholamines, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, are usually released in a “fight or flight” response and mobilize energy stores. However, with chronic release from stress, catecholamine resistance occurs. This results in a decreased response to these hormones and poor fat mobilization.
Weight management is also hindered in the context of sleep restriction. Sleep loss results in impaired glucose tolerance, decreased secretion of appetite-suppressing hormones, and increased secretion of appetite-inducing hormones.
Decreased energy expenditure, from lack of physical activity and sedentary behavior, is predictive of weight gain. Low levels of physical activity and recreation are strongly related to weight gain in both men and women. Physical activity also improves sleep onset, duration, and quality, as well as improves emotional regulation and reduces depressive symptoms and anxiety.
OptIn’s intensive lifestyle intervention program addresses all these factors. This whole-body focus has been shown to have superior results in weight loss, blood glucose levels, fitness, quality of life, physical function, and sleep than standard support and education groups.