Weight Loss Strategies

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• QWhat are some things to keep in mind while I practice intermittent fasting?

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  A Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

  There are a number of things to keep in mind while you practice intermittent fasting, which is defined as cycles of eating alternating with cycles of not eating. Intermittent fasting can be done in a variety of different ways, with every other day fasting, whole day fasting or time specific fasting. Some things to keep in mind during intermittent fasting include the following:

  • It is important to stay well hydrated, even while fasting.
  • Smaller, more frequent meals are recommended over large infrequent meals (as may be the temptation in intermittent fasting).
  • If you are diabetic, it may not be safe to fast for extended periods of time and you may want to discuss duration of fast or need to check blood glucose levels with your doctor.
  • If you are pregnant and otherwise healthy, it may be safe to fast for 12 hours, but a discussion with your doctor would be highly recommended. 

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• QCan intermittent fasting (IF) help with weight loss?

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  A Dr. Daniel R. Spogen, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

  Intermittent fasting (IF) can certainly help with weight loss. Weight loss is dependent on a balance between calories burned and calories consumed. However, intermittent fasting in the abscence of a healthy baseline dietary and exercise regimen will achieve less than optimal results in regards to long term health.

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• QIs there a safe diet pill for weight loss?

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  A UCLA Health answered

  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for weight loss. The idea is that if you can lose about 5% to 10% of your weight, insulin sensitivity is improved, thus decreasing your risk for diabetes and improving your cardiovascular risk factors. These medications are approved for people with a BMI of ≥30, or ≥27 and some other obesity-related illness like high blood pressure or diabetes.
• QIs there a safe medication that can be used to lose weight?

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  A UCLA Health answered

  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of weight loss medications, including:

  • lorcaserin (Belviq)
  • phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia)
  • naltrexone /bupropion (Contrave)

  These medicines result in a pretty modest weight loss of around 5%. However, they can cause side effects, including headaches, nausea and some heart rhythm disturbances. An ingredient in Qsymia can make your heart speed up. Ask your doctor which weight loss drug is safe for you.
• QWhat kind of results can I expect from Vanquish fat reduction treatments?

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  A Dr. Howard D. Sobel, MD , Dermatology, answered on behalf of Castle Connolly Top Doctors

  

  After having Vanquish treatments, most people lose 1-4 inches of body fat in treated areas; it's non-invasive and includes body contouring. Watch dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, describe the results you can expect from this fat-melting treatment.
• QWhat should I know before I get Vanquish fat reduction treatments?

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  A Dr. Howard D. Sobel, MD , Dermatology, answered on behalf of Castle Connolly Top Doctors

  

  The FDA-approved Vanquish device works well on targeted areas of the body, but it's not recommended for obese patients. Watch dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, explain what your expectations should be before getting Vanquish fat reduction treatments. 
• QCan social support help me achieve weight loss?

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  A Penny Ragusano, NASM Elite Trainer , Fitness, answered

  Absolutely! Having a buddy that shares your same goals helps both of you stay accountable. We gain better results together and it's also much more enjoyable than taking the journey alone.  So get connected and stay connected through the ups and downs of the process. In addition to having a support system to lean on, know that you too will benefit from being able to lift your partner/group along the way as well.

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• QTo lose weight as part of weight management, what liquids can I drink?

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  A Riverside Health System answered

  To lose weight as part of weight management, you can drink a variety of liquids. Drink eight (8-ounce) cups of water every day. Follow your healthcare provider's advice if you must limit the amount of liquid you drink. Make sure that you have water and other low-calorie liquids available all the time. Limit fruit juices to one or two small glasses per day because they are high in calories, and limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Alcoholic drinks have extra calories and can make you hungrier than you would have been without them.

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• QHow does the Vanquish fat reduction device work to melt body fat?

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  A Dr. Howard D. Sobel, MD , Dermatology, answered on behalf of Castle Connolly Top Doctors

  

  The non-invasive Vanquish fat reduction device works to melt body fat by delivering heat to fat cells, which melts them; it also helps contour treated areas. In this video, dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, explains how the Vanquish device works.