Can Eating More Fruits and Vegetables Help Me Lose Weight?

Planning of a dietIt is commonly thought that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables is beneficial while attempting to lose weight. However, a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that increased fruit and vegetable consumption does not reduce body weight. Interestingly, the study results also showed that increased servings do not increase weight either, but can in fact add essential vitamins and fiber to one’s diet.

In essence, energy reduction seems to be the most essential mechanism to weight loss; to reduce weight, you must reduce caloric intake. There are approximately 3,500 calories in a pound of stored body fat. Thus, in order to lose one pound of body weight, you must create a 3,500 calorie deficit. This is best achieved through diet and exercise. Sustained weight loss is difficult or impossible without increased regular exercise. For body fat loss, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 1200 calories a day for women and 1800 calories a day for men. However, check with your physician prior to starting any weight loss program.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is also a physician nutrition specialist. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the office at (813) 902-9559.

Qsymia- A New Medication For Weight Loss Management

qsymiaQsymia is an FDA approved combination medication of phentermine and topiramate (Topamax) indicated for chronic weight management. Although the precise mechanisms of action are not known, multiple mechanisms regulate hunger. Qsymia works on multiple pathways to help achieve and maintain weight loss. According to the CDC nearly 40% of adults in America are obese or extremely obese.

Qsymia is indicated as an adjunct to increased physical activity and reduced caloric intake in obese and overweight individuals.  Eligible patients should have a  body mass index (BMI) of 32 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with a weight -related comorbidity – such as high cholesterol, hypertension or type 2 diabetes.  Qsymia is prescribed for once daily dosing in the morning.  Physician follow-up is usually monthly.

Dr. Anne Hermann is double board certified in internal medicine and nutrition.  She offers many weight loss and nutritional treatment options to her patients, including Qsymia.  Office locations are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

Can Garcinia Cambogia Help Me Lose Weight?

Garcinia Cambogia is a small pumpkin-shaped fruit native to Indonesia and Southeast Asia.  It is often used in traditional Asian curries and chutneys.   Garcinia Cambogia  is often added to meals in an effort to make them more “filling”.  The active ingredient that functions as an appetite blocker is called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), and is found in the rind of the fruit.  HCA helps increase weight loss by acting as an appetite suppressant and blocking fat.  Garcinia Cambogia is available as a nutritional supplement – recommended dosage is 500-1000mg prior to each meal.  The average expected weight loss with one month of use is 2-4 pounds.

Dr. Anne Hermann is board-certified in internal medicine and nutrition. She offers many nutritional and weight loss options to her patients. These options include meal planning, nutritional counseling and the HCG diet. For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Tampa location of Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness, please call (813) 902-9559.

Sermorelin For Weight Loss

Sermorelin is a Synthetic Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH).  It stimulates the pituitary gland to release Growth Hormone (GH).  Thus, the body produces increased levels of Growth Hormone.  Patients who utilize Sermorelin as part of a dietary and life style change can expect the following results:  reduced body fat, increased muscle and lean body mass, increased energy, as well as improved skin elasticity and sleep patterns.

Although there are many favorable effects of Growth Hormone, too much GH can increase bone thickness, cause muscle weakness, and result in insulin resistance.  For these reasons, it is important to have your blood levels monitored regularly throughout therapy.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician. She offers numerous weight management options at her weight loss clinic, including Sermorelin. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Optifast Diet Program

Optifast is a clinically proven weight management program offered at our weight loss clinic. The Optifast program is a full liquid meal replacement diet, restricting food options for a limited time. This is known as stimuli narrowing and provides the scientific rationale for a full meal replacement diet. Typical caloric intake during the 12 weeks of the program is 800-1200 calories per day. The Optifast formulas provide 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamins and minerals. Because the program is medically guided, participants are monitored at least bi-weekly during the program. Two years after program completion, 1 out of 4 patients maintained 75% of their weight loss. Five years after program completion, 50% of patients maintained medically significant weight loss.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers the Optifast diet program to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

The HCG Diet

HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy called human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone suppresses hunger and triggers the body’s use of fat for fuel. During the HCG diet, Caloric intake is restricted to 500-1000 calories daily of whole, unprocessed foods. Typically, HCG is delivered via an injection in your physician’s office. A moderate exercise program is also recommended to enhance weight loss during the diet. At Dr. Anne Hermann’s office the HCG diet is just one of the weight loss programs offered. We typically recommend beginning a successful weight loss program with a 30 detox diet, which limits the craving for sweets. The detox diet eliminates processed foods and promotes the consumption of whole foods, lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. Hermann also offers the Optifast full liquid meal replacement diet for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight. Typically patients with diabetes and/or hypertension are able to stop their insulin and blood pressure medications with the weight loss achieved. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and thus is able to offer meal planning services to her patients. Office locations are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment. This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Is The Secret To Weight Loss In Your Gut?

Continued, regular intake of fried, fatty and refined foods can cause chronic systemic inflammation within the body.  Studies are currently under way to determine if this inflammation can also be linked to disruption in the delicate balance of our gut function – eventually leading to diabetes, weight gain and heart disease.  Inflammatory markers in the blood were measured as elevated up to five hours after consuming a meal high in sugar and fat in one study.   This new research has the potential to drastically change how obesity and related health conditions are approached and treated.

To decrease systemic inflammation:

  • Reduce your consumption of processed, fatty and refined foods.
  • Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  These foods assist the gut in decreasing inflammation.
  • If you do eat “junk food”, accompany it with fiber and vitamin rich whole foods (fruits and vegetables).  Add color to your diet!

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Natural Help For Weight Loss

According to the National Institutes of Health, 78 million Americans are considered obese.  Obesity has been linked to a number of health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.  Your weight is linked to a number of factors – genetics, your metabolism, your environment and your lifestyle choices.  Obesity does not happen overnight; it happens over time.   If the energy taken in by eating is not balanced with the energy burned from exercise, weight gain occurs.

A number of vitamins and minerals have been shown to be beneficial to help with weight loss.  Zinc helps regulate hormones that control appetite.  Vitamins D and K are essential for carbohydrate and sugar metabolism respectively.  Vitamins E, A, and calcium reduce the size of fat cells, as well as inhibit their formation.   Niacin and chromium both assist the body with building lean muscle mass.  Magnesium, biotin, glutamine and lipoic acid all improve glucose uptake into the muscles – which reduces fat mass and increases lean muscle mass.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin, but does not use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas; it plays a major role in metabolism. Insulin helps cells throughout the body absorb glucose and use it for energy. Many individuals who have insulin resistance do not know until they develop type 2 diabetes. It is believed that the major contributors to insulin resistance are excess weight and physical inactivity. Sleep apnea, family history of diabetes, being of a certain ethnicity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, having polycystic ovarian syndrome, being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and tobacco use have also been found to increase the risk of developing insulin resistance.

To determine if you have insulin resistance, your physician will order blood work. If you are found to be insulin resistant, your physician will recommend lifestyle changes including losing 5 to 7 percent body weight. Weight loss for most people can be achieved through increased exercise and decreased caloric intake. Physical activity and weight loss help the body utilize insulin more efficiently.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers a variety of weight loss programs to her patients. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition. Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

MIC B vs B12 Shots for Weight Loss in Tampa and St. Petersburg

Posted by Anne Hermann on Wed, Apr 04, 2012 @ 12:46 PM

Anne Hermann, MD

Why MIC B Shots are Better than B12 Shots for the Best Weight Loss

We are often asked if we do B 12 shots for weight loss.  To be accurate, there are better shots for weight loss than B12.  We recommend and use a MIC combo shot that provides a combination of amino acids and vitamins to aid in weight loss.

B12 shots (which we do offer for B12 deficiency) contain very high concentrations of B12, but do not have any other vitamins in them.  Before we give either shot, we usually check your blood level of B vitamins.   If you are low in B12, then you will feel better with the concentrated B12 shot.  If your B12 level is normal to high, adding more B12 will not make you feel any better or aid in weight loss.

So, for people with normal B12 concentrations, we recommend the MIC combo which has:

  • Methianine, Inositol and Choline: Amino acids that aid in the maintenance of muscle tissue
  • Vitamin C to boost immune system and skin health
  • Methylcobalamin, pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine, which are B vitamins that help prevent fatigue while you are on a calorie restricted diet.

Our formula also contains lidocaine to ensure that the injection is comfortable.  If you are receiving B shots for weight loss, please ask your provider if you are getting B12 or a B complex.  If it is just B12, be sure that the doctor monitors your blood levels so that you do not get too much.

For more information, we offer consults at (813) 902-9559 or (727) 278-3992.  Anne Hermann, MD is double board certified in Nutrition as well as Internal Medicine.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.