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How prevalent is obesity?
Obesity is the most common disease in the US, affecting almost one in three adults. It causes 300,000 preventable deaths each year, secondary only to smoking. According to data from the latest government statistics, the number of Americans who are overweight is at the highest level ever recorded.
What are the latest government statistics on obesity in America?
According to the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,
65% (120 million people) are overweight,
31% (59 million adults) are obese, and
5% (10 million people) are extremely (morbidly) obese.
Also, 15% (9 million) of children are overweight.
Should I be concerned about my health just because I am overweight or obese?
Yes you should.
Being overweight or obese has been associated with increased risks of developing other medical conditions such as
heart disease,
diabetes,
high blood pressure,
high cholesterol,
liver and gallbladder disease,
some types of cancer,
and arthritis.
What should my weight be?
There is a rule of thumb formula used to determine one's Ideal Body Weight (IBW).
For women, IBW is equal to 100 lbs for the first 5 feet, plus 5 lbs for each additional inch.
For men, IBW is equal to 106 lbs for the first 5 feet, plus 6 lbs for each additional inch.
What is Body Mass Index or BMI?
Body Mass Index or BMI is a measure of a person's weight in relation to his or her height.
A rating of 27 or higher is considered overweight.
A rating of 30 or higher is considered obese.A rating of 40 or higher is considered morbidly (extremely) obese.
What is Bariatrics?
The name Bariatrics comes from the Greek words Baros, meaning weight, and Iatrike meaning treatment. Hence, Bariatrics means treatment of weight. Bariatric medicine is the field of medicine that deals with weight, treatment of obesity, and related medical conditions (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol).
Dr. Sharma recommends that you also ask the following questions when choosing a weight loss physician:
1) Will you be evaluated and treated by a doctor on every visit? The same doctor?
2) What is the doctor's policy on frequency of follow up visits?
3) Does your doctor prescribe medication for weight loss? Does he dispense it from the office?
4) Is your doctor educated in Nutrition? Does the doctor and his or her staff provide nutritional counseling to patients? Vitamins? Supplements?
Please do not hesitate to ask any of these questions. We are proud of the quality of care that we deliver. We have been serving the community for years.
Does your practice use the medication combination known as Fen/Phen?
No. We do not use the medication combination known as Phen/Fen.
Fenfluramine (also known as Pondimin) and Dexfenfluramine (Redux) are two different medications that were used by some doctors in the past for the treatment obesity. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned their use in 1997.
Do any of your medications contain Ephedrine & Caffeine, Ephedra, or Ma Huang?
No. None of our medications contain any of these substances. While some over the counter products may contain these, we consider these herbal products unsafe and do not endorse the use of any of these products for safe weight loss.
Is the medication that you use considered safe?
Yes. All the medications that Dr. Sharma dispenses to patents are FDA (government) approved and fully endorsed by the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and the American Board of Bariatric Medicine. Dr. Sharma has been ordering their medication supply from the same company for years. Moreover, the medication used has been on the market for over forty years. We use the top of the line, products, vitamins, and supplements. Our medication is a 100% pharmaceutical grade.
How do I know that weight loss medications are right for me?
Schedule a risk free consultation with Dr. Sharma, a weight loss physician. Dr Sharma’s decision is based on your weight and height, medical history, family history, and your lifestyle. If further workup is required She will discuss details with you prior to performing any tests on you or starting you on any medications.
