Queen Anne Medical Associates, PLLC, has served the greater Seattle area since 1989.
Our practice has long recognized the challenges of excess weight. And the problem is "expanding." Did you know that two-thirds of our population are now considered overweight or obese?
The health consequences of excess weight include:
- Heart disease
- Stoke
- High Cholesterol
- Musculo-skeletal problems such as Degenerative Joint Disease
- Reflux (heartburn)
- Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus (Type II Diabetes)
- Urinary Stress Incontinence
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Depression
- Decreased Self-Esteem
- Sleep Apnea
- Asthma
- AND ON!
Why would a Family Practice offer a Weight Management Program?
We believe we have reached a point in our society where it's irresponsible not to offer a program of some type. We've advocated WeightWatchers and Overeaters Anonymous for many years, and still recommend these programs without reservation.
For people who wish more structure in a program -- and less food-related decisions to make -- we think the OPTIFAST Program has great merit. It's referred to as a "Stimulus Narrowing Approach." That's where the Meal Replacement products come in: shakes, soups, and bars formulated to meet all daily nutritional requirements.
Naturally, the program must transition people back to "real food." By the end of the program, though, a person has learned to eat like a non-obese or overweight person! And, we have to "get it" by now that physical activity is required for steady weight maintenance.
After all, we're not in this for a prom dress anymore!
Please follow our blog as we explore a variety of weight and fitness issues.
We're all in this together.
Linda Gromko, MD
