Despite the hundreds of books on the market advocating specific diets for losing weight, dieting is one of the least effective long-term weight loss strategies. Several factors conspire against the success of diets.  First, diets often require avoiding certain types of foods, which can lead to nutrient and mineral deficiencies over time.  In addition, for most people, eliminating certain foods or groups of foods can lead to a feeling of deprivation, setting the stage for binge eating, or “falling off the wagon.” 
Next, many people treat diets as a temporary change in behavior designed to lead to a specific goal (i.e., someone is “on a diet” for a class reunion, a wedding, etc.). Once the goal is reached or the special date has passed, most people return to typical eating patterns and gain weight.
Diets can also lower metabolism, so that fewer calories are burned. In addition, drastic calorie reduction can increase hunger and boost the body’s natural fat storage mechanisms.
Finally, many people who are dieting do not map out a comprehensive lifestyle management program.  Regular exercise, realistic goal setting, meal planning, and maintenance strategies are all components of a lifelong strategy to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 
People who need help losing weight can benefit from the services of medical weight loss centers.  Medical weight loss centers include non-surgical weight management programs, surgical (bariatric) services, or a combination of both.
Non surgical weight management programs typically combine eating plans, exercise regimens, behavioral therapy, and (if necessary) medications. Non surgical weight management centers are often the best option for individuals who are mildly or moderately obese, who are uncomfortable with the potential risks of weight loss (bariatric) surgery, or who cannot undergo surgical procedures due to health conditions associated with obesity such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, or joint or bone diseases. 
The best nonsurgical medical weight loss centers have a multidisciplinary approach to helping patients lose weight. The combined expertise of physicians, psychologists, dieticians, exercise physiologists results in a comprehensive plan tailored to each individual.  
What to look for in a nonsurgical medical weight loss center:
The center should be directed by a physician with a specialization in weight loss.  Individual patients’ weight loss plans should also be supervised by a physician. 
A complete medical screening should be required before patients begin the program. 
Behavior modification therapy, emphasizing changes in lifestyle and habits, should be offered either in an individual or group format (or both). Therapy sessions should be led by a Licensed Psychologist or other mental health professional.
Individualized nutrition counseling led by a Registered Dietitian should be part of the program. 
Exercise or activity plans, designed by an Exercise Physiologist or similar professional, should be part of the program.
Patients should have the option of choosing from several different eating plans.  Some typical plans include very low calorie diets or the use of liquid meal replacements. Other patients may wish to use prepackaged foods, preplanned menus, or other ways of encouraging healthy eating.  
Each plan should have built in, concrete tracking mechanisms to chart progress. Weekly weigh-ins, regular screening of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, etc. are all concrete ways to monitor adherence to eating plans.
Patients should have the option of using weight loss medications to supplement weight loss efforts. These medications should be prescribed and monitored by the center’s physicians. 

LifeStyle Spectrum

6127 North La Cholla Blvd
Suite 101 Tucson Arizona, 85741
Tel: 520-547-2820

Weight Loss Center Tucson