Category Archive: Medical Weight Loss

Five Teen Health Concerns

Teen Eating DisorderAs children move into their teenage years, there are many health concerns that may affect them.  Teens deal with peer pressure and stress, issues of weight and body image, problems of drug and alcohol use, and questions about puberty, sex, and relationships.  They may be hesitant to discuss these concerns with parents or their family doctor.  Open lines of communication may help teens work through some of these concerns.  Here are five common health concerns of teenagers.

Eating Disorders and Obesity – Obesity is a significant concern for children and adolescents.  According to a report in American Pediatrics, obesity puts them at risk for diabetes and heart disease.  Overweight children and teens are less likely to participate in a sport or get adequate exercise.  Changes in lifestyle and diet can help promote weight loss and improved health. 

Many eating disorders develop during adolescence and can have serious health implications.  Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia (binging and purging), and binge-eating disorder.  It is important to seek treatment early.

Lack of Physical Activity – As teenagers spend more time on their Smartphone, computer, or watching TV, they tend to be less physically active.  Sedentary lifestyles lead to an increase in health issues including obesity, diabetes and heart disease.  Teens may need to be encouraged to exercise more or participate in a sport.  Parents can set a good example by being physically active themselves.

Sexually Transmitted Disease and Pregnancy – Teens need to be aware of the risks and complications of STDs and how to protect themselves.  Parents should ensure their teen has had the HPV vaccine to protect against human papillomavirus.  This common virus can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and the back of the throat.  Teens who are sexually active should understand the use of contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Drug and Alcohol Use – Alcohol use by teenagers can lead to other risky behaviors including drunk driving and unsafe sex.  Marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines continue to be commonly abused drugs among teenagers.  In addition, abuse of prescription drugs, particularly painkillers, is on the rise.  Smoking among US adolescents has declined in recent years, just as it has in the general population.  Those who do smoke develop more respiratory illnesses.  Many teens are unaware that use of e-cigarettes or vaping is also unhealthy.

Suicide – The third leading cause of death for teenagers is suicide.  There are many contributing factors including family problems, loneliness, isolation, depression, and substance or alcohol abuse.  More males than females are likely to choose suicide, and many were reluctant to seek help.  Good family communication can help.

Can Your Diet Affect Your Mental Health?

Now that school has started again for the kids and our workload is likely to be picking up during the fall months, being alert, energetic and thinking clearly is more important than ever. Research is increasingly showing a correlation between a healthy diet and good mental health. The following information discusses how your diet affects overall mental health, possible foods that have a direct influence on mental functioning, and how to follow the healthiest diet possible for both physical and mental health.

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The Truth Behind Weight-Loss Shortcuts

There’s a saying in life: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Yet many consumers continue to hold fast to the dream of effortless and quick weight-loss solutions, despite their ongoing controversy.

Research behind weight loss and obesity is rigorous and full of debate, but for the most part, losing weight is a mathematical formula: fewer calories in, more calories out. Disease and genetic predisposition can of course complicate this formula, but there is no way to circumvent it altogether with quick fixes like diet pills and supplements.

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Fat Isn’t Funny

A new trend has come about in American culture, and many believe it has already become ingrained to a dangerous level. We are talking about the perception of “fatness” as humorous. Highlighted by films like The Nutty Professor and the Austin Powers movies, making entertainment out of obesity is widely accepted. Unlike popular movies and TV shows, our Gwinnett clinic in Lawrenceville focuses on helping overweight individuals achieve healthy lifestyle goals. Click here to read more »

Simple Weight Loss Tips

At the onset of a new year, one of the most common resolutions that people make is to lose weight. Unfortunately, it is also one of the first to be broken or abandoned as the year wears on. While shedding those extra pounds may not be an easy goal, it is certainly one worth pursuing. Below are small, practical and effective ways to help you fight the battle of the bulge – and win.

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Advantages of the Center for Medical Weight Loss Program

Have you been struggling to lose weight? Does it seem like every diet and weight loss program you have tried has fallen short on its promises? If so, you are not alone.

Millions of people in the United States suffer from problems caused by being overweight and a number have reached dangerous levels of obesity. This places a great burden on your body and automatically puts you in a higher-risk category for developing life-threatening illnesses and diseases, especially cardiovascular ones such as diabetes and heart disease. The Lawrenceville doctors at Rodriguez MD can help with the Center for Medical Weight Loss program.

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