You’ve likely heard of many of the fad diets out there – but there’s a reason they don't work for long-term weight loss success. They don’t offer a sustainable lifestyle change that meets the body’s nutritional requirements, and they often leave you hungry.
But is weight loss only about diet? Isn’t exercise important, too? If you’re tired of struggling with obesity and are finally ready to lose weight for good, Dr. Jeff Toll offers weight loss services as part of the membership program at his practice in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Toll is an internal medicine specialist who works with a nutritionist and other providers, if necessary, to help you optimize weight loss through simple lifestyle changes and, when needed, medications.
According to the National Library of Medicine, more than 70% of adults in the U.S. are obese or overweight. That’s almost ¾ of the adult population, which is a significant problem – but why?
The biggest concern for people who are overweight or obese is chronic medical problems. Excess weight is a risk factor for diseases like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and kidney disease.
Heart disease is another major issue that happens with obesity, which can lead to major cardiac problems and even death without the proper treatment.
Obesity can also cause certain cancers and chronic pain. Osteoarthritis and strain on the joints are extremely common in people who are overweight or obese.
Weight loss, even just a few pounds, takes significant strain off your internal organs and joints. It reduces the risk of chronic disease, increases energy levels, and improves sleep.
The age-old question has always been, “Which is more important for weight loss — diet or exercise?” The answer isn’t simple. The truth is, both are crucial for weight loss for different reasons.
Initially, diet is more important than exercise to create a calorie deficit – meaning you consume fewer calories than you burn throughout the day. That number is different for everyone based on age, gender, and activity level.
Eating less than you burn allows you to slowly lose weight, which is critical to keeping it off. As you begin to see results, it creates motivation to keep eating a healthy diet.
However, exercise is also a critical aspect of weight loss, because it allows you to burn more calories, which further increases the calorie deficit for continued weight loss. It can also help you move past plateaus and build muscle, which burns more calories than fat.
Your diet may be slightly more important than exercise, because you won’t lose weight without a calorie deficit – but they’re both necessary for weight loss success.
It's crucial to understand that the quality of the calories you take in is much more important than the quantity. If you eat 1,500 calories a day, you shouldn't make those calories up in sweets, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
Eating an unhealthy 1,500 calories won't allow you to lose weight, because those calories are empty. You need to eat a diet full of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Dr. Toll works with you to form an eating plan that suits your likes and dislikes as well as your nutritional requirements. A dietary plan we design specifically for you is something you’re more likely to stick to than a fad diet that cuts out major food groups.
He will ensure you’re also getting the vitamins and nutrients you need to speed up your metabolism and provide overall health while you lose weight. He also offers health and wellness coaching to start you on a physical activity program.
Looking to shed those extra pounds you’re carrying around in a healthful, successful way? Then call or message our office today to learn more about weight loss and how to keep it off for good.
