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Ask the DoctorGet the skinny!Medical StaffRegister OnlineDo I Qualify?Contact Us!
"I lost eleven pounds the first week! It's the easiest diet I've ever done!"
Our Medical Staff
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William M. Blackshear, Jr., M.D. American Society of Bariatric Physicians American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Founding Member & Past President Florida Association for Nutritional Support |
Our country is clearly suffering from an obesity epidemic. The American Obesity Association estimates that at least 127 million adults in the US are overweight and 60 million of those, including 1 in 5 Floridians, are considered obese. According to the Communicable Disease Center, both sexes are significantly affected, with 71% of males and 62% of females considered overweight and 31% of men and 33% of women defined as obese. Patients who are overweight are at a significantly increased risk of developing a wide variety of medical problems when compared with patients of normal or low weight. These medical conditions include cardiovascular disease and stroke, osteoarthritis and joint disease, cancer, sleep disorders, lung disease and a variety of metabolic problems such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), gall bladder disease and elevated cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
A recent National Cancer Institute study demonstrated that adults in their 50.s classified as overweight were 20-40% more likely to die over the next decade. Deaths due to obesity may soon exceed those related to tobacco use. The psychological and emotional trauma resulting from low self esteem exacts an additional toll on overweight patients and may further exacerbate chronic illnesses.
Science has learned that fat cells, formerly thought to be inert energy storage depots, are quite active metabolically, producing at least 35 signaling compounds (hormones) that adversely affect numerous bodily organ systems. It logically follows then that eliminating excess fat might well improve overall health. In fact, a large study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that major weight loss in severely obese patients eliminated diabetes in 77% and sleep apnea in 80%, improved high blood pressure in 62% and lowered cholesterol in 70%.
How can an individual tell whether their weight is too high, thus representing a potential health risk? The National Institutes of Health has recommended Body Mass Index {BMI: (weight in kilograms) ÷ (height in meters)2}as a tool to identify individuals who are overweight.
Weight Category BMI
Normal .......................................................... <25
Overweight................................................. 25-30
Obese ........................................................... >30
Severely obese ............................................. >40
When compared to patients of normal weight, obese patients face an increased risk of Type II diabetes (>7X), high blood pressure (6.4X), elevated cholesterol (1.9X), asthma (2.7X) and arthritis (4.4X). Men with a BMI >30 face a 70% increase in their risk of death over five years and in women with a BMI >29 the increase in mortality risk is 50%.
Our Prescription Weight Loss Clinic program has proven highly successful in helping patients to lose excess weight. From the comprehensive initial evaluation and counseling session, through weekly followup visits during Step 1 Weight Reduction and into the Transition and Maintenance Steps, our patients can be assured that their condition is closely monitored by trained medical professionals who can deal with any issue that arises.
Close medical supervision is the hallmark of every aspect of our 3 Step program. During the first Weight Reduction Step patients are placed on a low calorie diet combined with an exercise program. Prescription appetite suppressant medication is dispensed weekly from the Prescription physician.s office in order to make patients comfortable while dieting. Weekly visits monitor steady progress toward the goal set by the patient and supplemental injections promote well-being and metabolism. This approach has been highly successful. Clinical records of Prescription patients regularly document weight losses of 5-10 pounds in the first week and more than 20 pounds in the first month in patients who are conscientious in complying with their prescribed program. When the goal weight is reached, patients are weaned off medication as dietary options are greatly expanded during the second Transition Step.
One of the most frustrating things about most diet and weight loss programs is regaining lost weight after the program is completed. Prescription makes a strong effort to prevent regaining through our unique and comprehensive Weight Maintenance program which teaches patients a straightforward, yet effective, method of maintaining their goal weight after the initial weight loss. Portion control, exercise and making proper food choices are emphasized in this Step 2 training. Continued periodic visits during Step 3 verify that weight loss is maintained. Again, our results document the success of this approach.
In addition to all of the social and psychological benefits derived from bringing a burgeoning weight problem back under control, patients realize a direct benefit to overall health, particularly cardiovascular health. It has been gratifying to see so many patients walk out of our offices weekly with the realization that their weight issues have become more manageable and their overall health and their outlook on life have been improved with the help of Prescription.s simple and effective plan. Whether you need to lose a major amount of weight or just trim up to get back into better shape, the Prescription Weight Loss Clinic program will work for you.
Dr. Blackshears Curriculum Vitae
 Marci
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 Kristi
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 Karen
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