Every December 31, millions of Americans make weight loss their New Year’s resolution. The start of the new year is a great time to make a change, but it can be difficult to maintain lasting results without a customized treatment plan.
At EatWellGuru, with offices in Sterling, Alexandria, Vienna, and Annandale, Virginia, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and board-certified obesity and weight management specialist, Maryam Dadkhah, PhD, RDN, CPT, and our team regularly prescribe evidence-based weight loss treatment programs to people of all ages. Here, we explain who qualifies and what to expect during treatment.
An evidence-based weight loss, or weight management, program combines a nutritionally balanced diet with regular exercise to help you shed pounds and keep them off. We monitor your progress at regular check-ups and make adjustments as needed to help you maintain lasting results.
This approach emphasizes healthy living, portion control, and good decision-making, rather than relying on fad diets and amphetamines (so-called ‘weight loss’ pills).
Anyone more than 10 pounds over their ideal weight can benefit from evidence-based weight loss. That’s especially true if you have any health problems exacerbated by excess weight, including:
Losing weight won’t necessarily fix these problems, but it can improve your health and reduce the risk of complications.
Dr. Dadkhah personalizes your weight loss program to your needs, but each regimen includes similar evidence-based aspects, including:
Poor diet is the leading cause of obesity, according to the World Health Organization. While things like genetics and lifestyle can also play a role, monitoring your food intake is one of the best ways to lose weight and keep it off.
Most Americans eat too much sugar, salt, and saturated fat. Unfortunately, a diet high in these ingredients increases the risk of chronic health problems, including obesity.
During evidence-based weight loss, Dr. Dadkhah teaches you how to replace these items with more nutritious substitutes. Although every plan is different, she typically emphasizes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean proteins.
In addition to teaching you about the importance of healthy foods, Dr. Dadkhah explains how to prepare nutritionally balanced meals and how to make better selections when grocery shopping.
Losing weight and maintaining your results requires you to burn more calories than you consume. Healthy portion sizes can help you stay under your calorie limit, but exercise is necessary to ensure lasting progress.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a gym membership or have physical limitations. Dr. Dadkhah provides exercise guidance that aligns with your fitness level and mobility. She might recommend walking, cycling, swimming, or weight lifting, depending on your needs.
Weight loss rarely occurs linearly. It’s normal to experience ups, downs, and even plateaus as you work toward your goal. Dr. Dadkhah monitors your progress at regular check-ups, making time to answer your questions and make adjustments when needed. She celebrates your successes and holds you accountable each step of the way.
Now is the perfect time to achieve your health and wellness goals. To schedule an evidence-based weight loss consultation, call the nearest EatWellGuru office, or click the online booking feature. We look forward to hearing from you!
