Medical Weight Loss Diet
Your medical weight loss plan will comprise of a diet in addition to an exercise schedule and other necessary medical therapies. A medical weight loss diet is not a fad diet or quick weight loss eating plan. It is a healthy diet that will aid with your weight loss and prevent further weight gain. This is achieved by assessing your individual needs as well as your current health status and formulating an eating plan based on scientific weight management principles.
The three main components of any medical weight loss diet will be :
- Calorie reduction.
- Low glycemic index (GI).
- High to moderate protein.
Calorie Reduction
The average adult male should consume approximately 2,500 calories per day while the average adult female will require approximately 2,000 calories a day. These average daily calorie requirements may vary depending on your BMI (based on height and weight), level of daily activity and the extent of the weight loss required.
Your medical weight loss diet will firstly assess your current eating habits and estimate your approximate calorie intake. This estimate is derived both by your food journal which will be compiled prior to the commencement of your medical weight loss program. Your current calorie intake can also be estimated scientifically by using biodynamic equations. Your doctor and dietitian will the construct an eating plan to ensure that your calorie intake is gradually reduced until it reaches the average calorie intake for your weight and height.
Low Glycemic Index
Your medical weight loss diet will also consist of a list of low GI foods which can be consumed during the course of your weight management program. Your doctor and dietitian will also provide your with a list of high GI foods in order to make you aware of which foods are counterproductive to your weight loss program.
High Protein
Your doctor will assess your individual daily protein requirement. In order to speed up your weight loss, this daily protein requirement may be increased by up to 50% . This is not advisable if you suffer with high uric acid levels (hyeruricemia) or kidney disorders. Your doctor will take these factors into consideration before prescribing your required daily protein intake.