Medical weight loss, when performed by a medical professional, is determined to be safe. However, rapid weight loss can create physical demands on the body. Possible serious risks include:

• Gallstones, which occur in up to a quarter of people losing large amounts of weight over several months
• Dehydration, which can be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids
• Malnutrition, generally from not eating enough protein
• Electrolyte imbalances, which rarely can be life-threatening Other side effects of rapid weight loss include:
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Menstrual irregularities
• Hair loss
• Muscle loss

The dangers of rapid weight loss increase with the duration of time on the diet. Eating a no-protein diet is particularly risky.

Your doctor can help identify the reasons for your excess weight and determine if they can be reversed. Certain medical conditions, such as an under-active thyroid, can lead to weight gain.

Your doctor can suggest diet and lifestyle changes and prescribe medications if needed. They should also be able to recognize if you are an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery. Surgery is usually only done for people who need significant weight loss. For example, those with a BMI of 35 or more with one obesity-related disease or a BMI of 40 or more with no risk factors are usually candidates for weight-loss surgery.

Here are a few things you should consider doing before you start. Commit to the weight-loss plan. Consider telling people close to you. They can help keep track of your progress and provide support. This can hold you accountable.

There are 3 important facts about weight loss. The first is your weight. The second is your body mass index (BMI). Your BMI is based on your weight and height. Healthcare professionals consider BMI to be the best measure of your health risk. In fact, the medical terms “overweight” and “obesity” are based on the BMI scale. A BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight while a BMI higher than 30 is considered obese. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of a weight-related illness. This includes type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Your doctor can help get your BMI, or you can use a BMI calculator. The BMI chart is the same for male and female adults.

The third fact of weight loss is waist circumference. Body fat often collects in your stomach area which is more of a health risk than fat that builds up in your thighs or buttocks. Your waist circumference is a valuable tool for this reason. To begin, place one end of a tape measure on the top of your hip bone. Making sure it’s straight, wrap the other end around your stomach. The tape shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.

Health care professionals consider greater than 40 inches to be unhealthy for men and greater than 35 inches to be unhealthy for women. A high waist circumference is known as abdominal obesity. It can be a sign of metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that increases your risk of a weight-related illness. It can lead to type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

If you or someone you know is having trouble sticking to a weight loss routine, or losing weight in general, come to Metabolic Medical Center, where we have trained professionals to help you attain your weight loss goals! Contact our office today to get in touch with a specialist. To book an appointment, call us or visit us online! We serve patients from Murrells Inlet SC, Garden City SC, Burgess SC, Socastee SC, and Pawleys Island SC.