October 2010 Newsletter

The Take Shape for Life Optimal Health Program, Another Look:

A Science and Research Based Meal Replacement Plan with Coaching!

Earlier this year we discussed the role of genetics in weight gain (January 2010), and later we reviewed research support for the Mediterranean Diet (June 2010) that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, and only some lean meat and fish. While these messages and prior counseling efforts have helped some of our patients find a healthier weight, unfortunately far too many of our patients and friends continue to struggle with reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Eight weeks ago the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) review of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2009 data was reported and the news for the nation generally—and Mississippians specifically—is bad and getting worse. Fully 34.9% of adult Mississippians were obese by 2009, and 7 in 10 Mississippians are either overweight or obese. Sadly, Mississippians lead the nation again in pediatric obesity and overweight (i.e., more than 4 in 10 children) as well. Mississippians ranked #2 in Type II Diabetes, and we ranked #1 in both inactivity and in high blood pressure. The health effects of this epidemic are potentially catastrophic, and threaten to reverse a century of gains in longevity and public health progress.

For years I disdained of the use of prepared meals or other weight loss products as a drain on the income of our patients. After all, isn’t there enough evidence now to convince us to eat less of even lean meat and fish, and more fruits and vegetables? Can’t we just get out and walk if we can’t afford a gym or trainer?

Even my master’s thesis research involved introducing obese 4th grade students in a local school to nutrition education based on the USDA My Food Pyramid for Kids, followed by either Fall youth soccer or waiting list control. Although the children playing soccer trended toward having a lower BMI, there was no association between BMI and knowledge about healthy food.

Maybe my thinking has been wrongL It may be that losing weight and keeping it off is like quitting smoking. Nowadays we all know that it’s bad for us to smoke. But even when we decide to quit, only a few of us can do it cold turkey without help. Some need aids. Still others benefit from aids and counseling or a support group. Unfortunately, we know that the average smoker who quits, fails at least 7 times before permanently succeeding.

Therefore, we are introducing a science and research based Meal Replacement Plan with Coaching, “Take Shape For Life,” into our practice. If you have an issue with weight loss and are seriously interested in trying a different weight loss approach, I want to recommend that you participate in this program.

Developed and studied by medical doctors at Johns Hopkins’ University, data reveals for example that even one and a half years into the research, subjects randomized to meal replacement were at least two times more likely to have achieved their target weight loss, than subjects randomized to a regular diet! Imagine if sustained weight loss was successful in our patients and friends with overweight or obesity! The medical, social, and cost benefits in terms of lowered health care costs, would be very important; the satisfaction for those that continue with lower weight? Priceless!

Give us a call today at 323-2371 to register for the first complimentary class. Tell your friends, so that those you care about can benefit as well!

Sincerely,

Dr. Rob Leach