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.

 

 

 

What Is A Paleolithic Diet?

The Paleolithic or “Paleo” diet is based upon the consumption of foods that were available prior to the agricultural era. It consists of organic lean meats, fish, nuts, fruits and leafy vegetables. In addition, dairy, refined cereals, margarine, and refined oil/fats are avoided. The diet is low in sodium and extremely high in fiber, vitamins, proteins, folic acid, magnesium and potassium.

Studies have shown that the Paleo diet promotes antioxidant activity and healthy weight. Thus, the incidences of prevalent illnesses in Western societies such as: diabetes, stroke, heart disease and certain cancers may be reduced by following the principle components of the Paleo diet.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician who is also board certified in nutrition.
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.

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.

Can Vitamin E Help Protect Against Obesity Health Effects?

A recent study out of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has found that vitamin E may help alleviate symptoms of obesity dependent liver disease.  Approximately 63 million Americans are at risk for developing obesity-related liver disease.  During the study mice with nonalcoholic  steatohepatitis (NASH) responded favorably to vitamin E supplementation.  NASH is a common complication of obesity that causes fat accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.  It is a major cause of cirrhosis (liver tissue scarring) that can lead to liver failure and cancer.  The vitamin E supplementation averted the majority of NASH-related symptoms in the mice during the study, proving that simple dietary changes may benefit at risk individuals.

The majority of American adults do not consume the recommended amount of vitamin E as established by the National Institute of Medicine.  The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams daily.  Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, leafy greens and fortified breakfast cereals are all excellent sources of vitamin E.

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.