Adult Obesity

Obesity: Understanding the Health Risks

Obesity is a serious health condition that results from an excess of body fat.

Here are some effective lifestyle changes that can help manage childhood obesity in a sustainable and healthy way:

Healthy Eating Habits

Balanced Meals: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (chicken, fish, beans), and healthy fats (nuts, avocados).
Portion Control: Serve appropriate portions for the child’s age and needs. Using smaller plates can help.
Reduce Sugary Drinks: Encourage water, milk, or homemade smoothies instead of sodas or sugary juices.
Limit Processed Foods: Minimize fast food, chips, candies, and high-calorie snacks.
Healthy Snacking: Offer options like yogurt, nuts, cheese, or fruit instead of junk food.
Family Meals: Eating together as a family helps reinforce good eating habits.
Regular Physical Activity

Please refer to the low carb/low keto diet on our website.

Regular Physical Activity

Fun Exercise: Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This can include:

Biking
Swimming
Dancing
Jump rope
Playing sports (soccer, basketball, etc.)
Walking or hiking
Active video games (Just Dance, Wii Sports)
Limit Screen Time: Reduce TV, tablet, and video game time to less than 2 hours per day.
Make Movement Part of Daily Life: Encourage taking the stairs, walking instead of driving for short trips, and playing outside

Behavior & Mindset Shifts

Mindful Eating: Teach kids to eat slowly and recognize when they are full. Avoid eating in front of screens.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise efforts, not just results. Example: “I love how active you were today!”
Healthy Sleep Routine: Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. Aim for 9-12 hours of sleep depending on age.
Involvement in Cooking: Let kids help prepare meals—it makes them more likely to enjoy healthy foods.
Lead by Example: Parents modeling healthy habits can make a big difference.

Yes, there are medications that can be prescribed for childhood obesity, but they are typically used in specific cases where lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, behavior therapy) alone are not enough. The decision to use medication is made by a healthcare provider based on the child’s age, BMI, health conditions, and other factors.

FDA-Approved Medications for Childhood Obesity:

1. Wagovy is the most effective and approved by the FDA for ages 12 and up

Works by blocking fat absorption in the intestines.
Can cause digestive side effects like diarrhea and gas.

2. Liraglutide (Saxenda) – Approved for ages 12 and older

Originally used for diabetes but helps with weight loss by reducing appetite.
Given as a daily injection.

3. Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia) – Approved for ages 12 and older

Works by reducing appetite and increasing calorie burn.
Can have side effects like increased heart rate and mood changes.

4. Setmelanotide (Imcivree) – Approved for ages 6 and older with rare genetic obesity disorders

Helps regulate hunger and metabolism in children with specific genetic conditions. When Are Medications Considered?
BMI is in the severe obesity range (typically >120% of the 95th percentile for age/gender).
The child has weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes have not been effective.

Here’s a comparison of IV Ketamine, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), and Traditional Antidepressants to help you understand their differences:

Mechanism of Action • IV Ketamine: Works on the glutamate system (NMDA receptors), rapidly increasing brain plasticity and reducing depression symptoms. • TMS: Uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive brain areas associated with mood regulation. • Traditional Antidepressants: Increase serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine levels over time (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, etc.).
Speed of Effectiveness • IV Ketamine: Fast-acting (symptom relief in hours to days). • TMS: Takes 2-4 weeks for noticeable improvement. • Antidepressants: Usually take 4-6 weeks to show effects.
Conditions Treated
Treatment Process • IV Ketamine: 6 infusions over 2-3 weeks, then possible maintenance doses. • TMS: Daily sessions (5 days/week) for 4-6 weeks (~30-36 sessions). • Antidepressants: Daily pills for long-term use. 6. Cost & Insurance Coverage • IV Ketamine: Expensive (~$400–$800 per session); often not covered by insurance. • TMS: Expensive (~$6,000–$12,000 per course); sometimes covered by insurance for depression. • Antidepressants: Affordable ($10–$100/month); usually covered by insurance.

Conditions Treated with TMS

TMS is FDA-approved and commonly used for:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Especially for treatment-resistant depression.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Used when standard treatments fail.
Anxiety Disorders – Some evidence supports its effectiveness in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and PTSD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Helps regulate the brain’s response to trauma.
Smoking Addiction – FDA-approved for helping with nicotine addiction.
Neurological Conditions (Off-label uses): • Chronic pain (e.g., fibromyalgia) • Migraines • Stroke rehabilitation • Parkinson’s disease

Effectiveness of TMS

Depression: About 50-60% of people with treatment-resistant depression see improvement, and 30-40% achieve full remission.
OCD: Studies show about a 30% reduction in symptoms for many patients.
Other Conditions: Effectiveness varies, and research is ongoing.

Pros & Cons of TMS

✅ Pros:
• Non-invasive, no surgery or anesthesia needed.
• Few side effects (some may experience mild headaches or scalp discomfort).
• No significant memory or cognitive issues (unlike electroconvulsive therapy, ECT).
• Can be an alternative for those who don’t respond to medication.
❌ Cons:
• Requires multiple sessions (typically 4-6 weeks of daily treatments)

Alternative Psychiatry and Psychology

TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is primarily used to treat mental health and neurological conditions, particularly when other treatments like medications or therapy have not been effective.

How TMS Works

A magnetic coil is placed against the scalp, delivering repetitive magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain.
These pulses stimulate neurons, helping to regulate brain activity linked to mood and cognitive function.
The treatment is painless and does not require anesthesia.