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Have you ever been on a diet? Or decided that you were going to get healthy so you bought healthy foods and determined a workout regimen?
Have you cut foods from your diet — gluten, dairy, carbs? Or maybe you joined a gym with the intention of going every morning before work.
If you have done any of these things you are like most Americans. And if you have done any of these things and not continued them — you are also like most Americans.
According to the the Boston Medical Center Americans spend 33 billion dollars each year on weight loss products.
Because let’s face it, losing weight is not easy. And if we can get a little help — why not, right?
So you try supplements, shakes, or even surgery. But the truth is that doesn’t always work, at least not in the long run. According to Pubmed.gov, 50% of patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery gain the weight back within 2 years.
Fast forward to 2020 — we endured a global pandemic where many of us were isolated, more sedentary, and turned to food for comfort. Queue the “COVID 15”, which is what people are calling the additional weight they gained during the lockdown. And per Healthine.com, “42% of Americans said they gained weight during the pandemic.”
So it’s no surprise that as summer and a sense of normalcy returns, many of us are trying to lose weight. After all, more people are going to see us in our shorts and swimming suits this summer!
So what is the best way to do that? Well, that’s really determined by your body. And the best way to figure that out is by talking with your Primary Care Physician (PCP).
You see, so many health conditions and/or medications can be linked to additional weight gain or weight loss. Figuring out your body can be the key to your healthy lifestyle.
So if you are looking for a healthy gameplan designed specifically around you, then Direct Primary Care is for you.
Here are 3 Ways Dimensions Direct Primary Care can help you with your weight loss goals.
1. Determine Underlying Causes
Do you have difficultly keeping off weight? Or have you gained weight and can’t seem to figure out why? Many of us — especially as we get older — can’t take the pounds off as easily as we used to.
We can workout, eat right, drink water, and we still have those stubborn extra pounds that just won’t come off. It’s so frustrating!
But did you know that certain medical conditions and medications can cause weight gain? Finding the root cause of the weight gain is more than half the battle. Some common medical conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can cause weight gain.
And diet and exercise — which you still need to do — may not give you the results you are aiming for.
A consultation and blood work can determine a lot about what is going on within your body. If other tests are needed, then you will discuss those and be referred to a facility that can administer those tests. Once they are back, you will talk with your PCP about the next steps.
A physician with this information can develop a plan specifically for YOU!
And if you plateau or something isn’t quite right, then you can talk with your PCP to determine whether it’s normal. And if it’s not, you can adjust the game plan.
Having your PCP involved in your health-related goals is a game changer. And in the Direct Primary Care Model you have access to your physician when you need them. You can talk to your PCP via phone or secure messages.
If another health concern comes up, you can discuss that with them too. They work directly with YOU.
They are there to help you with your goals in a safe and effective way. You have a doctor in your corner!
2. Accountability
When you set a goal, it’s said that if you tell someone you are more likely to achieve it. But that is hard to do when you have tried something and failed. Like in weight loss, when you have lost weight but later put it back on. Or if you tell someone and then you decide to quit your diet — again.
So what if you could tell someone that would cheer you on, give you medical advice, and keep track of your progress?
At Dimensions Direct Primary Care you can schedule an office visit once a month to keep you on track with your weight loss goals. You can discuss any changes with your body, what’s been working for you, and what has not. If you have questions or something comes up between monthly meetings, you can call or message to consult with Dr. Chen.
Excess weight leads to many different health conditions. Tracking those and realizing that you are getting healthier AND losing weight is very motivating!
YOU can determine your course of action with a medical professional who has your best interest at heart. This creates accountability and gives your PCP insight into what is happening — especially if other factors change throughout the year.
You can let Dr. Chen know your goals and have some accountability without feeling like you failed your friends or family if you go off-track for awhile.
3. Develop A Plan for YOU
Weight loss regimens found online or through a group are not created for you in particular. They are what works for some people. They do not take into account medical conditions, working conditions, or things happening in your personal life.
Stress can be a big trigger for weight gain. And if you have something going on in your life that is creating more stress than normal, having someone to talk with helps. At Dimensions Direct Primary Care, Dr. Chen focuses on the WHOLE person. She does not just focus on your physical well being. Dr. Chen helps your emotional well being, too.
Excess weight leads to many different health conditions. Tracking those while living a healthier lifestyle AND losing weight can be all the motivation you need.
Dimensions Direct Primary Care
As you can see, there are many benefits with Direct Primary Care. The best part is you can have all of these benefits without a huge price tag!
At Dimensions, DPC subscription fees range from $20—$80 per person, per month. You can sign up at any time and there are no contracts committing you to a certain time frame.
At Dimensions Direct Primary Care, Dr. Sheila Chen is a board certified internist. She works with her patients to achieve optimal physical and mental wellness.
With this subscription you receive access to her via office visits, a secure portal, and telephone calls.
If you are located in Virginia or Maryland and have more questions about Direct Primary Care, contactDimensions DPCtoday.