Understanding Weight Management, Part 1
On a recent episode of The Miracle Moment, Dr. Orbeck discusses some of the frustrations that can occur throughout the weight loss and weight management process. This post is part 1 of 2, where we break down some of the considerations to make when beginning or continuing on the weight loss/management journey.
What is weight management?
Weight management is the process of maintaining a healthy body weight through a balance of nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle habits. It involves strategies for: losing weight (if overweight or obese), gaining weight (if underweight), and/or maintaining current weight (if within a healthy range).
Weight management strategies support long-term health goals, mental wellbeing, and physical performance, which vary from person to person. For the most impactful results, weight management programs require consistent, ongoing monitoring. Certain lifestyle choices such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, proper hydration, stress management, and quality sleep all contribute to managing weight over time.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index or BMI, is a numerical value that estimates whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height. It’s a calculation used widely in public health and medicine, which divides a person’s weight by height using one of the following equations: (weight in lbs. x 703)/(height in in.)2 or (weight in kg.)/(height in m)2. The result corresponds with BMI categories, ranging from Underweight to Category III Obesity.
What is the purpose of BMI and why is it used?
The main purpose of BMI is to provide a quick, standardized way to estimate body fat and assess weight-related health risks across large groups of people. It is widely used because it’s simple, fast, and inexpensive, but it should be noted that BMI does not directly measure health. Health practitioners typically use it along with other tools to get a more complete picture of an individual’s overall health.
What is a full body compositional analysis?
A full body composition analysis is a detailed assessment that measures what your body is made of, beyond just your weight. It breaks down your body into different components to give a clearer picture of your health and fitness. The scan measures components such as: Body Fat Mass, Lean Body Mass, Skeletal Muscle Mass, Bone Mineral Content, Body Water, and Visceral Fat.
What are the benefits of a full body compositional analysis?
A full body compositional analysis is more accurate than BMI for assessing true health status. This method is useful for setting and evaluating fitness goals based on the various factors listed above. It can track fat loss vs. muscle gain, which is important when the number on the scale doesn’t change. A full body compositional analysis can also tailor diet and exercise plans based on individual body makeup, for more effective wellness plans.
InBody Scanner at RMI
We are proud to offer the Inbody 970 Body Composition Analyzer at our office. This tool provides an accurate and detailed analysis of body composition including bone mass, body fat and muscle. Using results from the analysis, Dr. Orbeck and our in-house dietician develop individualized plans for patients to lose and/or manage weight.
To learn more about this service, visit our website or call our office to schedule a free consultation: 877-573-3737.
