Weight Loss Types and Benefits

Weight loss and wasting syndrome are two AIDS-related complications that, if not adequately treated, can be life threatening. Even though anti-HIV therapies have helped reduce the risk of weight loss and wasting syndrome, both problems still occur. According to a study reported in late 1997, as many as 25% of HIV-positive people receiving triple-drug anti-HIV therapy still experience some degree of weight loss and/or wasting.

Weight Loss Ingredients

When purchasing weight loss products check what type of ingredients are used. Check to see if any of the ingredients listed on the packaging match any of those the FDA has deemed unsafe to use. Warnings against certain types of weight loss drugs are listed on the FDA website and are accessible to anyone interested.

Types of weight loss

Clinical, Doctor-Supervised Weight Loss Program

This type of program is typically provided in a health-care setting, such as a hospital, by licensed health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, dietitians, and/or psychologists. Clinical weight loss programs may offer services such as nutrition education, medical care, behavior change therapy, with or without weight loss drug treatment. Best for people who are seriously overweight or obese.

Non-clinical program

What it is: A non-clinical program may be commercially operated, such as a privately owned weight-loss chain. You can follow a non-clinical program on your own by using a counselor, book, website, or weight-loss product. You can also join others in a support group, worksite program, or community-based program. Non-clinical weight-loss programs may require you to use the program’s foods or supplements.

Weight Loss Benefits

Health experts agree that you may gain health benefits from even a small weight loss if:

•You are obese based on your body mass index (BMI) (see BMI chart below).

•You are overweight based on your BMI and have weight-related health problems or a family history of such problems..

Here are some other ways losing weight will benefit your health:

•Increased energy level

•Lower your cholesterol levels

•Reduce your blood pressure

• Decreases your risk of sudden death from heart disease or stroke

• Prevention of Type 2 diabetes

• Improved blood sugar levels

Health Benefits of weight loss

Decreasing the Risk of Diabetes

Of all the major diseases, diabetes is the one most clearly linked to overweight. Of the 11 million Americans suffering from the disease, 90 percent have non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes–precisely the type most closely associated with excess weight.

Preventing Cancer

While there’s some debate over whether overweight is a factor in breast cancer, there is a distinct relationship between breast cancer and a high-fat diet, which generally leads to overweight as well. In Japan, where until recently fat intake was far lower than ours, the incidence of breast cancer was also far low.

Benefits of weight loss and physical fitness are numerous. Just a few of these benefits are better control of blood sugar levels, reduction of blood pressure, and increased “good cholesterol”.

DiabetesPlanner.com offers complete menus with recipes, grocery lists, and Nutrition Facts to support weight loss and glucose control. These menus are e-mailed to you weekly to help you stay focused on preventing or controlling Type 2 Diabetes.