Reducing Caloric Intake
The first law of thermodynamics states that change in weight equals caloric intake minus caloric output. Caloric intake is the number of calories you eat and drink each day, and caloric output is your resting metabolic rate plus any physical activity expenditure. If caloric intake exceeds caloric output, then the excess calories are deposited as fat in your body, and body weight increases. If caloric intake is less then caloric output, then your body fat stores supply the necessary calories and weight loss ensues. Reducing caloric intake has been shown to be more efficient than just simply increasing exercise to induce weight loss.
Simply handing a client a 1,200 or 1,500 calorie diet seldom works. We acknowledge that dietary choices are based on a variety of factors, such as religious and cultural beliefs, a person’s socioeconomic status, and the health of the individual, all of which are taken into account during the meal planning process. Conferences with the MWLS Weight Loss Professionals help each client finalize their individual choice of weight loss program based on their personal goals and preferences. Herb and Vitamin recommendations as well as our medical grade protein supplements offer a safe rate of weight loss and assurance that the majority of weight loss will come from fat stores and not from muscle mass. Clients are required to attend the center twice a week; therefore, individualized diet regimens can be modified in response to adherence, rate of weight loss, etc. Since protein has the advantage of being the most satiating macronutrient, most of the individual diets are high in protein, low in fat, and moderate to low in carbohydrate.
As an added measure to assist clients in compliance and adherence to the diet, nutrition and behavioral programs are available for education, advice and to answer questions. If a client thinks that they are adhering to the diet and losing insufficient weight, then their food diary is analyzed and discussed with the weight loss professional. Who can often see a food pattern that is not apparent to the client If a client is adhering to the recommended diet and does not lose the anticipated weight (rarely due to a genetically low metabolic rate), the caloric intake may then be lowered accordingly.
Physical Activity
Every study discussing "predictors" of successful weight loss shows that exercising for at least thirty minutes per day at a minimum of four days per week is essential. Engaging in regular physical activity is an even stronger predictor of successful long-term weight maintenance and has the added benefit of improving cardiovascular fitness. At the MWLS Program, clients are educated on the caloric expenditure of common daily tasks, various physical activities, and are taught how to calculate the energy expenditure of their current physical activity regimens. The MWLS Program also offers individual sessions with an exercise physiologist to assist the client with any personal limitations (i.e.: joint or lower back pain) and with their physical activity goals.
Behavior Modification
Studies show that diet alone, exercise alone, diet and exercise, or diets with appetite-suppressants usually result in minimal weight loss with rapid weight regain. When a behavior modification component is combined with any of these weight loss strategies, the results are far better. The term behavior modification might be a redundant term, since successful weight loss behavior modification aims at reducing caloric intake, increasing physical activity and expanding your nutrition knowledge and food choices indefinitely. Although some patients can accomplish this independently, most cannot and it is those individuals who will benefit from such a behavior program.
Behavior modification means just what it says: changing one or more of your behavioral patterns. This may mean choosing an egg white omelet with fresh fruit instead of bacon, eggs and buttered toast for breakfast. Behavior modification also includes executing environmental control, which may be to completely avoid a "trigger food" which you cannot stop eating, such as potato chips, nuts or ice cream. Learning the caloric value of various foods, planning eating strategies for vacations or during stressful periods in your life, etc. will contribute significantly to your weight loss and maintenance. Successful behavior modification requires time and patience and is a critical component to long-term success.
At the MWLS the main thrust of our cutting edge behavioral program is the educational component, advanced session on behavior modification are offered each week clients learn the fundamentals of successful long-term weight control through behavior modification; clients will also continue to learn techniques for stressful situations, holidays and other times where overeating is common. Clients also may attend a series of behavioral/nutrition-related lectures on such topics as: The Dynamics of change, Emotional Hunger vs. Physical Hunger, Elements of Addiction, Stress and Anger Management, Identify and Changing Behaviors to further build on their knowledge and success.
In summary, the bio-behavioral modification program offers a complete spectrum of proven techniques for successful weight loss and weight management. The behavioral program is continuously modified and is available to all MWLS participants. The MWLS Program provides you with the tools and strategies necessary to build a healthy life-style encouraging long-term weight management.
