Our weight loss program is based on the concept of eating foods that have a low energy density.  Energy Density is the number of calories contained within one gram of a particular food. Foods that are low in energy density provide fewer calories per gram of food volume. That simply means that you can consume more of these foods and gain fewer calories, because of the increase water and fiber content of these foods you will also develop a sense of fullness (satiety) and feel less hungry.

Low energy dense foods  consists of fruits and vegetable/lowfat or skim milk/ broth based soups/ whole grain breads/beans and legumes/lean cuts of turkey or beef just to name a few.

Our patients are instructed to refrain from eating foods that have a high energy density. These food contain large amounts of calories with small portions eaten, therefore you eat less and gain more weight and still remain hungry .Examples of such foods are processed foods (Mc Donalds, Burger King), crackers, chips, candy, cookies butter, sodas, salad dressing, white chocolate, alcohol.

What can you expect on your First visit:

You will be provided a four part medical questionnaire that ask questions about your general health, past medical history, allergies, medication you are currently taking

Part II will ask about your nutritional history and current diet habits

Part III will ask about your exercise tolerance and frequency and favorite activities

Part IV will ask about your emotional attachment to food or behaviors that may make eating an unpleasant experience

The patient will then be roomed and the doctor will clarify any questions and examine the patient taking  measurements of the patients waist, hips arm circumference etc

A review of your customized body fat analysis is discussed with the doctor and goals for weight loss are established

The weight loss program will be presented which consists of a 1200-1400 calorie food menu that is based on the best low energy dense foods to consume. The patient will be provided with a 4 week food menu (Sunday-Monday) that includes 3 meals and 3 snacks per day. The patient will be provided a supplemental list of the Best Low Density Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats, Protein that can be interchangeable with the food menu. This allows the patient to select those foods that they like and want to eat to ensure food menu compliance

The patient will also be counseled on the appropriate food serving size and adequate food portions per meal to limit overeating or double servings per meal.

Patients will be provided a supervised weight loss aerobic conditioning/strengthening exercise program with  the goal of increasing cardiovascular endurance and continued, steady weight loss. Since we are also a rehabilitation facility in certain situations the patients can work out at our facility 2-3 times a week for 45-60 minutes.

Included in the initial price of the weight-loss program the patient will be provided 4 weeks supply of the following supplements or weight loss medications.

For  the patient with BMI greater than 30 we will provide Phentermine (FDA approved)

PPMRC is also a supplier of Medifast low calorie,low fat and nutritionally balanced meal replacement  as part of our rehab program or the patient may want to exclusively commit to a purely medifast weight program. Our pricing for the medifast is discounted lower than the price offered on medifast website .

So what are you waiting for:  Register today to enjoy a fun, healthy and comprehensive weight loss that incorporates physical activity to ensure steady sustained healthy weight loss. Call today 407 291-3077 and begin living your best life.

Below is general information on obesity that may provide patients some insight into the full scope of the disease.

What is obesity?

Obesity is defined as the condition of being very overweight and having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher. The BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height. You can find your BMI from a chart.

Your waist size is also important. It is a measure of your abdominal fat. Your health risks increase as your BMI and waist size get larger. A waist measurement greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women indicates a significant increase in health risk.

What are the risks of obesity?

Nearly one third of adults are obese. Obesity increases as people age. It is a serious condition because it increases your risk of poor health and major illness, such as:

• high blood pressure
• breathing problems
• stroke
• heart disease
• diabetes
• hyperlipidemia, or increased fats in the body, often associated with higher cholesterol levels
• gallbladder disease
• gout
• some types of cancer
• osteoarthritis (stiffness and soreness of joints, especially the knees, that may occur with aging).

Obesity may make it harder for your health care provider to give you a good physical exam. Looking at the inside of your body with x-rays and other types of scans, as well as surgery, may also be more difficult.

How does it occur?

The causes of obesity are not clear. Overeating is not always the cause. The amount of energy (calories) your body needs when you are at rest may be important. You get energy from the food you eat. The energy you do not use is stored as fat. Obese people may use less energy when they are at rest than people who are not obese. Also, they may burn fewer calories than people who are not obese because it is harder to be physically active.

The genes you inherit from your parents can affect your weight. Children of obese parents are 10 times more likely to become obese than children whose parents are not obese. Unhealthy family eating habits may also be a reason several members of a family are obese.

Emotional problems, such as depression, anger, and anxiety can sometimes be a cause. Emotional problems can both contribute to obesity and result from it. Rarely, hormone imbalance causes obesity.

How is it diagnosed?

Your BMI can be determined by looking up your height and weight on a BMI chart. A BMI of at least 25 indicates overweight. A BMI of 30 or more indicates you are obese. Measure your waist at the point below your ribcage but above your navel. Use your BMI and waist size to determine your risk from the "Calculating Your Risk" table included with the BMI chart.

To tell whether your weight is a health risk, you can determine your BMI and health risk with the Body Mass Index chart.

Note that there are some limits to the usefulness of the BMI score. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build. It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass. Your health care provider can give you a good sense of whether you have an increased risk of health problems because of your weight. Your provider can also help you find a weight-loss program that works for you.

The BMI chart is not for use in pregnancy. If you are pregnant and want a guide to normal pregnancy weight gain, ask your provider for a chart.

How is it treated?

Eating fewer calories while being more active is the key to lowering and controlling your weight. Evaluation of your diet is an important first step. A dietitian may prescribe a diet for you. He or she will make sure your new diet provides fewer calories but is healthy and allows you to lose weight safely. Your diet should allow you to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. Do not fast, follow fad diets, or take drugs that curb your appetite.

You will be taught to change patterns of behavior. For example, some people eat as a way to cope with emotional problems. If you have serious emotional problems, your health care provider may refer you to a counselor for therapy. You will need to deal with psychological and emotional problems if your weight-loss program is to be successful.

Physical activity is a very important part of a successful weight-loss program. Once you reach a lower weight, exercise also helps you stay at that weight. Having a total of at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week will lower your blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Regular exercise also increases your metabolic rate, which means your body burns more calories.

Physical activity alone may be the first step in your weight-loss or weight-maintenance program if you are not yet ready to make changes in your diet. The sense of well-being that you will get from exercise may motivate you to choose healthier foods.

Physical activity may include walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobics, or a step aerobics program. Almost any activity that involves mild to moderate exertion is good. Ask your health care provider what kinds and amounts of exercise might be right for you. If you have a physical disability, your provider will help you find exercise alternatives.

Support from other people can help motivate you. Your main support group can be your family and friends. Look also for weight-loss support groups in your community.

How can I take care of myself?

To help yourself, follow these guidelines:

• Stick to your diet and don't get discouraged.
• Learn how to prepare healthy meals. Take classes or look for health-conscious cookbooks. Check your public library or local county extension program.
• Keep a daily record of the foods you eat and drink. Write everything down.
• Take vitamins and mineral supplements only if your health care provider recommends them. They may make you hungrier.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Join a weight-loss support group. Talk to people and stay in environments that keep you motivated.
• Read books and articles or watch TV shows that discuss losing weight.
• Get regular physical activity. To keep off the pounds you have lost, you may need to have moderate-intensity exercise 60 to 90 minutes most days of the week. Follow your health care provider's recommendations.
• Keep a daily record of your exercise.
• Find a friend to exercise with you.
• Keep your appointments with the dietitian or therapist.
• Learn to use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to help you deal with stress.
• Discuss your feelings, challenges, and successes at a support group or with your health care provider.

Many obese people have trouble keeping weight off. Often this is caused by emotional problems that occur when they are trying to lose weight. Weight loss can trigger severe depression or even psychosis if you were obese as a child or if you have been depressed because of your obesity. If you feel compelled to eat excessively or raid the refrigerator late at night, you may be suffering emotional distress. If you are already under stress, your provider may decide that you should not try to lose weight until your life becomes more stable.

Be aware that after you lose weight, the ways you relate to other people may change because of your improved self-image.

How can I avoid obesity?