Vitamin D
Vitamin D Vitamin D deficiency is common in Australia. It is estimated that over 30% of Australians have mild, moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption from the gut and helps to maintain normal calcium concentrations in the body. This is important for bone and muscle health. Vitamin D also plays […]
Managing Nausea – Medication Side Effects
Managing Nausea – Medication Side Effects Nausea is a common side effect experienced by many patients taking weight loss medications. While it can be uncomfortable, the good news is that nausea typically diminishes over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Here are some helpful tips to manage and reduce nausea while on weight […]
Waist Circumference
Waist Circumference Waist circumference in adults is a very good indicator of visceral fat and is a far better predictor than BMI (body mass index) for risk of a person developing metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2017-18 National Health Survey, 63% of Australian […]
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis Clinical studies have thoroughly documented the relationship between obesity and osteoarthritis (OA). Obesity is consistently identified as a risk factor for developing knee OA, with a 35% increase in risk for every 5-unit rise in BMI. This risk is notably higher in women compared to men. Knee OA can be highly debilitating due […]
Percentage Weight Loss Benefits
Percentage Weight Loss Benefits A 5% total body weight loss (TBWL) is generally accepted as a clinically meaningful amount. For a 100kg person this would mean a reduction and maintenance of just 5kgs can significantly reduce their risk of metabolic complications. Today we will explore how much % TBWL can improve health and reduce disease. […]
Hypertension
Hypertension Australian guidelines state that hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of greater than 140/90mmHg. Hypertension rarely presents with symptoms; it’s often diagnosed as part of a routine blood pressure check. Hypertension is very closely related to obesity. Studies show that 78% of new cases of essential hypertension in men and 65% of new […]
Bariatric Surgery Criteria
Bariatric Surgery Criteria The general medical guidelines for weight loss surgery have recently changed and are based on BMI (Body Mass Index). To be eligible for weight-loss surgery you must meet the following requirements: • Have a BMI of 35 or higherOr• Have a BMI between 30 and 35 and an obesity-related condition, such as […]
Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool that is used in healthcare to assess one of the components of your overall health and cardiovascular risk. It is measured using your weight and height and is expressed as a number in kg/m2. BMI alone is not a good measure of your health and […]
How the Brain Controls Weight
How the Brain Controls Weight The brain plays a central role in the regulation of weight. There are two systems within the brain that play a large role in the regulation of weight and maintenance of weight stability. These systems are:• The Hypothalamic “hunger” system [Homeostatic network]• The Mesolimbic “reward” system [Hedonic network] Let’s explore […]
The Pancreas
The Pancreas The pancreas is a small but very important organ. It lives in your abdominal cavity tucked behind your stomach in the nook of the first part of the small bowel. It has two main roles within the body; it is both an exocrine and endocrine organ. The exocrine role of the pancreas is […]
