We all know people who “live on a diet” most of their lives. Every year new books come on the market promising us to lose weight effortlessly and becoming best sellers. If all these things worked, how is it possible that Spain is the European country with the most obese people?
Juana Mª González, Technical Director of the nutrition clinic Alimmenta -one of the first level centers that is part of Top Doctors-, tells us that the only way to lose weight is by changing habits. She argues that if we only make a break in our diet, when we go back to our usual behaviors, we will regain the lost kilos and, probably, some more as a result of the anxiety of being on a diet and the body’s own adaptation.
Not all cases are the same
While some people following a weight loss regimen are able to acquire new habits, there are others who need more support.
The dietician-nutritionist Júlia Farré, states that it is necessary to adjust the diet to the tastes of each person and that, in many cases, a multidisciplinary action is necessary. In Alimmenta they have the “Integral Treatment of Obesity” in which the patient is attended by an endocrinologist, a psychologist, a dietician, a personal trainer and a physiotherapist. With this treatment, aimed at obese people who have been on several unsuccessful diets, 90% of the patients have lost more than 20 kilos, maintaining their weight without significant variations.
How does the integral treatment of obesity work?
Initially, the patient goes through all the members of the team in a single day: endocrinologist, psychologist, dietician, personal trainer and physiotherapist. After a week, he receives a report from each professional and a report from the Medical Director with a weight and health objective and a detailed plan to achieve it.
Enric Llinares, Bachelor of Science in Physical Activity and Sport, emphasizes that it is vital to set short-term goals (3 months) and work with a defined plan to achieve them. This is the reason why the planning of the Integral Treatment of Obesity is carried out for a period of 3 months. Once this time has elapsed, the patient receives a new report from the entire medical and health team with the achievements obtained and with a new detailed planning for the following 3 months.
Diets no. Change of habits yes
The objective of the treatment is that the patient learns new social skills, acquires new habits and knows how to follow a healthy diet in all situations of their daily life. During the whole process the patient follows a natural and varied diet, without products, shakes or supplements. The medical supervision ensures the maximum guarantees and, as there is no surgical or invasive action, the patient does not lose at any time their professional obligations.