To My Patients,

Many of you are aware that I offer Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs. More information on this program is available at the end of this E-News. I would like to take this opportunity to present to you an E-Newsletter on:

Update on Diets

          While there are many who find the low carbohydrate diet successful for weight loss and/or reduction in cholesterol, it is important to understand some basics facts:

1.      After one year of study, there was no difference in weight loss between Atkins diet and conventional diet.

2.      Satiety is the state of feeling full.  A diet high in protein meals is more likely to produce satiety that a diet of high fat or high carbohydrate meals.

3.      Weight loss is associated with calorie count rather than on carbohydrate content.

4.      Eating late is not a problem as long as the number of calories ingested per day is controlled.

5.      It is important to eat something for breakfast.  Most successful dieters have a light breakfast everyday.

6.      Soft drinks contain a high fructose corn syrup which prevents fat cells to release the hormone leptin; this hormone causes satiety.  Therefore, soft drink consumption is associated with obesity.

7.      A Mediterranean diet of soy protein and almonds can reduce lipid values.

8.      A study showed that two meal replacements per day resulted in greater weight loss than one per day.

What is a healthy diet?  As many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts, plants, fish, shellfish can be consumed with a reduction in refined carbohydrates, meat, chicken, whole milk, and diary products.  More lean protein and less fats and starches.  Meal replacements are effective, but the most important factor is the number of calories consumed daily along with cardiovascular exercise.

If weight loss is of interest to you can read our October 2003 E-News on Current Issues on the Overweight and Obese Patient by accessing my website.

Our office provides comprehensive, individualized weight loss management program, taking in consideration your genetic, psychological, physical, medical, social and environmental history, in order to develop the best weight loss plan. We also provide follow-up and maintenance.

You can read about these services by accessing my website at www.gynfo.com

If you are interested in participating in this program, please call our office for further details at 281-893-1246.

Randy Birken, MD
www.gynfo.com