Losing Weight Reduces Your Risk of These Chronic Conditions

A staggering 60% of American adults are either overweight or obese. When you carry excess weight, you’re at an increased risk for a number of serious health conditions. On Park Avenue in New York City, acclaimed family medicine doctor Richard Firshein, DO, is passionate about customizing a precision-based weight loss solution to help you reduce your risk of chronic disease.

What is considered overweight?

Dr. Firshein uses the body mass index (BMI) to gauge whether and to what extent you’re overweight. The BMI factors in your weight and height and breaks out like this:

• Obese — 30 and over
• Overweight — 25-29.9
• Normal weight — 18.5-24.9
• Underweight — Under 18.5

The BMI doesn’t tell the whole story because we still have to consider your muscle mass, waist circumference, and bone structure. At the Firshein Center, your custom weight loss program begins with a body mass analysis.

Health problems linked to excess weight

Obesity is considered a serious disease on its own, and it is a key factor in the development of many more detrimental diseases, including:

• Atherosclerosis
• Metabolic syndrome
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic inflammation
• Diabetes
• Osteoarthritis
• Fatty liver disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Stroke
• Certain cancers
• Respiratory issues
• Gallbladder disease
• Gout

As you can see, there’s no end to the troubling health issues that are linked to obesity. In addition, many overweight people suffer from depression, anxiety, and low quality of life.

How can weight loss help reduce my risk of chronic conditions?

Even a small amount of weight loss, say 5-10% of your total body weight, can bring your blood pressure down, stabilize your blood sugar, improve your blood cholesterol, and give you more energy. 

If you continue with your weight loss, the benefits steadily rack up. Studies overwhelmingly show that modifications that lead to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle can halt and reverse disease progression.

Supervised support to help you lose weight

Dr. Firshein leaves no stone unturned when it comes to understanding the hows and whys of your weight problem. Through extensive testing, a comprehensive physical exam, and a close look at your medical history and current condition, he creates a customized weight loss program for you, which may include some or all of the following:

• Supervision and accountability
• Nutritional analysis, supplements, and coaching
• Detoxification
• Curated dinners
• Fitness programs and coaches
• Exclusive access to a specialized food tracking app
• Weight loss medication
• Menu plans

To reduce your risk of chronic disease and optimize your health with supervised weight loss, call us at the Firshein Center or request an appointment through our online system.