The Overlooked Importance of Good Nutrition

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The health and wellness impact of being overweight can have profound effects on an individual, yet many doctors only receive a minimal education on the causes of obesity and effective strategies to address weight-related issues. A recent survey revealed med students received less than 12 hours of nutrition training.

Since poor eating patterns can be a major contributor to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the lack of training is concerning. Many of the doctors who are prescribing weight loss drugs may not fully discuss nutritional health simply due to this education gap.

According to Harvard Medical School, over 80% of U.S. medical schools offer less than 25 hours of nutrition education, with fewer than 20% providing a dedicated course on the subject. Lifestyle medicine focuses on whole food diets, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, and better stress management as primary therapeutic tools to support sustainable weight control. This is not to say that your healthcare provide isn't trustworth or knowledgeable. Rather, they may not have as much advanced training in nutrition as might be needed to approach weight loss from a very specific angle. Weight loss practitioners and clinics like the medical weight loss clinic in Savannah have specialized training and deep knowledge of nutrition and its impact on the body. Think of these offices as you would a specialist that your healthcare practitioner might recommend you to go to to learn more specific information about nutrition that your provider may not be able to provide.

Importance of Balanced Dietary Intake

A healthy diet is fundamental for good health and nutritional balance helps protect against health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Discussed below are whole food choices recommended for improving overall well-being when weight control is your goal, such as:

Whole Grains – Unless you have a health condition that restricts grain intake, whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, and barley are digested more slowly. They provide a steady source of energy, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help control weight gain, cholesterol and blood pressure. Oats are among the healthiest grains and are gluten-free.

Colorful Vegetables – Focusing on eating a variety of colors will increase your nutrient intake. This supports weight loss by allowing you to eat as many non-starchy vegetables as you want, without adding excess calories or fat. Eating plenty of leafy greens like kale, spinach and Swiss chard helps maintain energy levels by providing iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Whole Fruits – Whole fruits (not fruit juices) help enhance satiety due to their fiber content, which slows digestion and curbs hunger. For optimal weight loss, it's recommended to consume no more than two servings of fruit per day, or three if you're particularly active. One serving could be a handheld fruit like an apple or a cup of cut fruit like strawberries.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Incorporating nuts and seeds into your diet is easy and versatile. A small handful added to cereals, yogurt, salads, or whole grains like brown rice or quinoa can enhance your meals. Regularly eating nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and peanuts, as part of a balanced diet is associated with good weight maintenance.

Plant Oils – Contrary to popular belief, oil isn't the enemy and can have positive effects on the body. Plant-based oils are rich in essential fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are vital for overall health. They also offer metabolic benefits that reduce fat gain. These oils are often recommended by health professionals for those at risk of heart disease.

Integrating principles of lifestyle medicine into medical practice could significantly enhance healthcare delivery. It empowers providers to address the underlying causes of unintended weight gain through evidence-based, whole-person care. Plus, it emphasizes the importance of holistic solutions even when drug-based treatments are prescribed to kickstart a person’s weight loss journey.

Exercise Promotes Well-Being

Regular physical activity offers notable health benefits, even with minimal engagement. So, both healthy eating patterns and daily exercise are crucial for weight management, as unintended weight gain often occurs when caloric intake exceeds caloric expenditure. Living a healthy lifestyle not only helps with weight control but also enhances mental alertness, stamina, and cognitive function. Simple steps like choosing the stairs can improve your health and longevity.

The general public health recommendation is to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week — such as brisk walking. While exercise alone might not lead to significant weight loss due to the body's adaptive metabolic mechanisms, combining it with a healthy diet can enhance your overall weight-loss efforts. At MRC, we can help you avoid overeating by understanding true hunger cues and opting for better choices to meet your nutrition needs.

Around 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, famously said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” Today, pursuing a healthier lifestyle means acknowledging the significant impact of our dietary choices and routine exercise. To learn more about healthy living, visit the medical weight loss clinic in Savannah.