Weight Loss Specialist

Firshein Center

Richard Firshein, D.O.

Integrative Medicine & Family Medicine located in Manhattan, Upper East Side, NY

More than two out three Americans are considered to be overweight, with one in three tipping the scales into obesity. These weight issues go far beyond a few extra pounds and can cause serious, even life-threatening, medical issues. To help patients on the Manhattan of Upper East Side lead happier, healthier lives, Dr. Richard Firshein at the Firshein Center offers personalized, medically supervised weight loss. To take charge of your health through a state-of-the-art approach to weight loss, call our office, or fill out the online form to set up a consultation.

212-860-0282

Weight Loss

What constitutes being overweight?

Every person’s body is different, and some people are designed to carry more weight than others. Still, when weight is measured as a percentage of body fat, it can help you figure out whether you’re carrying too much. The first step to figuring this out is called the body mass index (BMI) calculator. By inputting your height, age, gender, and weight, the BMI calculator produces a number that tells you what percentage of your weight is body fat. Here’s how the numbers break out:

Under 18.5: Underweight
Between 18.5 and 24.9: Normal weight
Between 25 and 29.9: Overweight
Over 30: Obese

These numbers are a good jumping off point to figuring out whether you may benefit from a weight loss program.

What health complications can arise from weight issues?

The health problems that come with being overweight or obese are too numerous to list. Indeed, weight problems can cause, or add to, a wide range of issues, including:

Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Arthritis
Certain cancers
Respiratory issues
Sleep apnea
Fatty liver disease
Kidney disease

This list is by no means comprehensive as there’s little that isn’t directly, or indirectly, affected by the amount of fat you carry.

How can I lose weight?

Dr. Firshein approaches weight loss from several different angles so that your chances for success increase exponentially. At the foundation of his weight loss program is an individualized treatment plan that takes every aspect of your life into consideration. And this starts with an all-important body mass analysis, because no two people are built alike.

Dr. Firshein then reviews your medical history and your nutritional and lifestyle habits. He may also perform a metabolic assessment to check for any underlying problems. Pulling all the pieces together, Dr. Firshein designs a plan that’s suited to your unique situation and goals, which includes:

Prescription weight loss medications
Lifestyle changes
Nutritional counseling
Exercise regimens
Nutritional supplements

Your weight loss program may start with a nutritional detox to flush everything out of your body so that you can start with a clean slate. From there, Dr. Firshein rebuilds your diet, allowing you to lose weight while still giving your body what it needs for healthy function. To that end, he created the HEAL app, which provides unique insights and direction into dieting supplements and fitness and even includes text feedback reminders, as well as personal tracker information.

To get started on your own weight loss journey, call the Firshein Center, or use the online scheduling tool to request an appointment.