WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
WHY SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system, and at Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center our endocrinologists specialize in treating conditions that originate from this system. With special tools and training, our doctors are able to diagnose specific illnesses and conditions related to Weight Management issues, whether they’re due to the thyroid gland, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. Seeing an endocrinologist can help you lose weight by first helping you regulate the hormones in your body, allowing your metabolism to absorb and expend energy more efficiently.
THE RISKS OF NOT GETTING YOUR CONDITION UNDER CONTROL
The endocrine system is a complex assortment of organs that have significant sway over the functions of the body, and allowing your condition to go unaddressed can be a safety risk.
One of the most common conditions related to untreated endocrine complications due to Weight Management is diabetes; without careful monitoring, treatment, and lifestyle changes, you can jeopardize your safety and risk your life in the process.
Diabetes is probably the most well-known condition related to the endocrine system, but it’s far from the only one. Don’t hold off on seeing the specialist you need; waiting can have significant negative consequences that may harm your body. Our endocrinologists are experts and can assist you in diagnosing and treating your condition, giving you the best chance to get your body under control.
WEIGHT LOSS TOPICS
• Slowing down technique.
• Place of eating technique.
• Physical activity in everyday lifestyle.
• Shopping and storing.
• Visual cues: modular food (liquid bars/shakes).
• Banking, plate, and utensil size.
• Bone disorders related to Female Athlete Triad.
• Restaurant eating.
• Cardinal rules of nutrition.
• Cognitive techniques.
• Alternate activities.
• Assertive techniques for sabotage.
DIAGNOSING OBESITY
Obesity is diagnosed using a formula based on height and weight called the body mass index (BMI). Higher BMIs are associated with greater risk of health problems. A normal BMI is 18.5 to 24.9. Adults with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. Measuring waist circumference can also be helpful in determining risk of obesity-related diseases.
While many people have a genetic predisposition to obesity, our team can identify other causes and monitor for complications in weight management. These secondary conditions, which frequently have endocrine causes, can be identified through a careful medical history, physical exam, blood tests, saliva tests and X-rays, if needed.
SECONDARY CAUSES OF OBESITY INCLUDE:
• Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
• Cushing syndrome/Cushing’s disease.
• Insulinoma.
• Brain trauma or brain tumors.
• Medications.
• Sleep disorders.
• Rare congenital obesity syndromes, including:
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Bardet-Biedl syndrome
LIPODYSTROPHY SYNDROMES (ABNORMAL DEPOSITS OF FAT TISSUE), INCLUDING:
• Congenital generalized (no fat on the body since birth).
• Familial partial (fat only in certain areas).
• Acquired generalized (diffuse loss of fat).
• Acquired partial (loss of fat only in certain areas).
• Acquired lipodystrophy in HIV-infected patients.
BENEFITS TO GETTING THE RIGHT TREATMENT
Endocrine specialists at Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center, work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans. This includes:
• Treating secondary causes of obesity, if present.
• Diagnosing and treating complications of obesity, such as diabetes.
• Prescribing diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes.
• Referring to other specialists, as needed, for obesity-related health problems (e.g., cardiologists, neurologists and sleep medicine physicians).
Individuals who are overweight or obese and are motivated to lose weight may arrange an appointment at one of our clinics.