Obesity and Weight Loss

​Obesity is a prevalent disease in Western Society today. Over the past two decades, the incidence of obesity has increased and is reaching epidemic proportions. The results of the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination survey indicates that close to 60% of Americans are overweight with 25% being obese and as many as 1.6 million Americans have extreme obesity (BMI>40).

As our body fat increases, our life expectancy starts to decline. Over the next few decades the life expectancy for the average American could decline by as much as 5 years unless aggressive efforts are made to slow the rising rates of obesity. If the current trends continue close to 100% of the US population will be obese by the year 2230.

We now know that obesity and insulin resistance often go together. Insulin should be measured on traditional blood work, but it is most often overlooked by Physcians.   Patients who are being very careful about their carbohydrate intake might have insulin levels on their blood work of less than 2.0; this is actually very good and could be noted on the lab test results as being too low. A low number is indicative that the pancreas is not being overworked and that you are at a very low risk of developing diabetes. An insulin level above 5 should be considered elevated and you should consult with your Doctor. When writing blood work prescriptions for patients I will always make sure that I include fasting insulin levels in addition to many other markers often overlooked by conventional medicine.

Obesity is associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, coronary heart disease, arthritis and many other chronic disease of aging. If you want to live a long, healthy life, than optimal body composition is mandatory to achieve that goal.

My #1 recommended product to help patients lose weight is The VegeMeal Plus™ Lean Body Program by Designs For Health. This is designed to support healthy weight loss and successful weight maintenance by helping individuals lose fat while maintaining lean muscle. The program is easy to follow, which translates into high compliance and great outcomes. The simple steps to success are highlighted in the patient guidebook, which is included in every program kit. 

Let Dr. Banks help you achieve this by joining us in a Weight Loss Challenge during the month of February. Jump-start now to slim down from the winter and get ready for spring. Call our office today to learn more about the challenge! 631-271-0770

If you're interested in just ordering the program, click the image below to create an account and order your items! Fullscript offers HUNDREDS of items and FREE SHIPPING over $50!