SSM Weight-Loss Institute

Understanding How Obesity Affects Your Heart

You know that being overweight or obese is bad for your health. But when you take a closer look at the specific health risks that come with obesity, you may start seriously considering surgical or non-surgical weight-loss options. Weight-loss surgery and learning to live in a healthy, active way are the best ways to ensure your heart lasts as long as you want it to.

Increased Risk of Heart Conditions

Obesity is directly linked to heart disease, which can cause many problematic conditions that lead to hospitalization, life changes, or death. These conditions include heart attack, angina, sudden cardiac death, and irregular heart rhythm. The only way to decrease these risks is to consider your weight-loss options.

• Cholesterol and Triglycerides: Obesity raises the level of blood lipids in your body, which then raise your triglyceride levels. Higher triglyceride levels cause a vast increase in bad cholesterol and decrease in good cholesterol. This leads to blockage in your arteries and can cause several heart conditions.
• Blood Pressure: While high blood pressure isn’t directly caused by obesity, most overweight people’s hearts have to work harder, in turn raising blood pressure. High blood pressure can block arteries and give you conditions such as coronary artery disease, an enlarged left heart, and heart failure.
• Blood Circulation: When you’re obese, your heart has to work much harder to circulate blood throughout your cells. This overworks your heart and also means your circulation is worse than average-weight Americans. This can lead to numbness and pain in your limbs, and with diabetes, can lead to severe repercussions including amputation.

If you’re overweight or obese, it’s important to consider the many threats your condition creates for your heart’s health. The surgeons at SSM Weight-Loss Institute are here to talk about your heart-health concerns and explain your weight-loss options. We can help alleviate the stress on your heart through weight-loss surgery or a non-surgical weight-loss plan. Get started on your journey to a healthier you by calling us at (314) 909-0900.

Want To Know More About Your Weight Loss Process?

At SSM Weight-Loss Institute, we believe in creating the perfect surgical or non-surgical weight-loss plan for your budget and your body. We will work with you to learn why you’re overweight and how you can win the battle against obesity once and for all. To schedule a consultation with our friendly and understanding doctors, call us today at (314) 909-0900.

Get some helpful tips on choosing healthier snack foods in this article from the American Diabetes Association.

Find out more about the links between obesity and heart problems by reading this article from the American Heart Association.

Discover information on the risks of obesity and the benefits of surgical weight loss in this article from the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery.

Learn good methods to modify your snacking and exercise behaviors that will help you with your non-surgical weight loss in this article from the Obesity Action Coalition.

The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition offers these eight helpful goals to help you eat healthier throughout the day.

How to Snack Healthy

People’s bodies aren’t designed to eat just three meals a day. Frequent, low-calorie meals and snacks actually boost your metabolism, giving you the energy you need to get through the day and helping you keep off unwanted weight. If you’re interested in non-surgical weight loss, healthy snacking is an important part of your daily routine.

Fruits and Veggies: Fruits and vegetables are the best way to fill up your stomach without the calories. These healthy, natural snacks are packed with vitamins and minerals that are key to your weight-loss plan. Plus, they’re delicious and filling so you’ll feel satisfied after your daily snack. Try pairing fruit with yogurt or veggies with hummus to add some flavor and protein.

Portion Control: If you need to satisfy your cravings for snack foods like pretzels or low-calorie cookies, make sure you focus on portion control. Instead of bringing the whole bag or box to your desk or to the couch, count out a serving on a plate and put the rest away for another time. Without managing your portions, these healthy, low-calorie snacks can become a huge, unhealthy snacking binge. Remember that you can still stay on your weight-loss plan and eat the foods you love as long as you pay close attention to portion control.

Protein and Fiber: Empty calories in the form of simple carbohydrates and saturated fats are the worst for your body. Instead, choose foods that are packed full or protein and fiber. These two nutrients are great for your body, offer effective weight-loss options, and will keep you feeling fuller longer so you can feel comfortable until your next meal.

If you’re serious about non-surgical weight loss, smart snacking is one of the keys to success. Talk to the doctors at SSM Weight-Loss Institute about other ways you can incorporate good-for-you foods into your daily routine and cut down on the snacks that are making you gain weight. To learn more about your weight-loss options, call our friendly St. Louis office today at (314) 909-0900.

Walk for Health: The Best Medicine

You know walking is a good thing to do, but did you know that it actually has dozens of medical, psychological, and social benefits as well? Walking is a simple way to get yourself feeling healthy and happy.

In this video, doctors discuss the many advantages of walking for at least 30 minutes every day of the week. They explain why walking has more health benefits than any medication you can take and how you can conveniently fit walking into your everyday life.

If you are ready to explore your non-surgical weight-loss options, consider adding a daily walk into your routine. At SSM Weight-Loss Institute, our knowledgeable physicians will help you learn about how you achieve your weight-loss goals successfully. Call us at (314) 909-0900 to schedule an appointment.

Tips for Eating Healthy When Eating Out

No matter how hard you work on your diet at home, it can all disappear when you go out to eat at your favorite restaurant. But eating out doesn’t have to mean your diet falls to the wayside. There are many great ways you can make smart weight-loss options while you’re dining out. For success in your non-surgical weight-loss plan, it’s important to stick to your dietary rules all the time.

Portion Control: Restaurant meals are frequently too large, but there are many ways to control your portions and eat fewer calories. Ordering an appetizer, salad, or item off the kid’s menu allows you to choose smaller meals. If you want a full entrée, ask for a to-go box and put half of your meal in it before you start eating.

Skip Sauces and Dips: Toppings and sauces often contain hundreds of hidden calories that can hurt your weight-loss plan. When you order, ask for sauces, dressings, dips, and toppings to be left off your meal. If you still want to enjoy a smaller portion of these flavorful items, ask for them on the side and use them sparingly.

Go for Grilled Options: Needless to say, fried food is a terrible option for weight loss. Look for items on the menu that are grilled, broiled, or seared. Always avoid anything breaded or fried. If your meal comes with a fried side, you should always substitute it out for veggies, fruits, or salad.

Make Smart Drinking Decisions: With most restaurants offering free refills, drinks can be an easy way to add 500 or more calories to your meal. But for good weight-loss habits, always stick with water, one glass of red wine, unsweetened tea and coffee, or non-fat milk to accompany your meals.

If you know it’s time to begin a successful non-surgical weight-loss plan, talk to your doctor about how you can eat better at home and at restaurants. The staff at SSM Weight-Loss Institute is here to help you understand your weight-loss options and find success in your goals to reach a healthy size. Call (314) 909-0900 to start your weight-loss journey today.