Welcome to The Australian Bariatric Institute! We understand that embarking on a weight loss journey can be overwhelming, so we are here to help you every step of the way
If you have more questions that we have not answered here, feel free to message us below.
Faq
Can supplements lead to rapid weight loss?
While supplements can support weight loss, they are not a magic solution for rapid results. Sustainable weight loss still requires a combination of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and a consistent lifestyle change. Supplements can be a valuable tool in this process but should be part of a holistic approach to long-term weight management.
What types of supplements are commonly used for weight loss?
Common weight loss supplements include those containing ingredients like green tea extract, caffeine, protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The choice of supplement depends on your specific weight loss goals and needs.
Are supplements safe for weight loss?
When used as directed and purchased from reputable sources, supplements are generally safe. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications
How can supplements help me lose weight?
Supplements can aid in weight loss by providing essential nutrients, filling nutritional gaps, and supporting various aspects of your health and metabolism. For example, some supplements can boost your metabolism, control cravings, and enhance energy levels.
Are supplements a replacement for a balanced diet and exercise?
No, supplements should complement a balanced diet and regular exercise, not replace them. They can enhance your weight loss efforts by providing specific nutrients that may be lacking in your diet or supporting your body's natural processes.
What is an effective way to lose weight?
A good start would be to look at your current lifestyle and can you make a few changes to get you started. An effective way to lose weight is to combine a healthy, balanced diet with regular physical activity. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Additionally, reducing portion size or limiting intake of particular foods may help. Regular physical activity is also important for maintaining weight loss as well as overall health; aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise (such as walking or swimming) or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (such as running). However, this is only a part of the solution, we need to remember that genetics, metabolism, hormones can also play a major role in weight loss and this needs to be factored in to your plan. However, this is a good start.
Should I be taking dietary supplements during a weight loss program?
Supplements do have a place in weight loss, but like anything, taken incorrectly or without first finding out what you are missing can be harmful. However, taking a multivitamin can provide beneficial nutrients that may be lacking in a weight loss diet due to changes in food intake. Additionally, particular supplements such as green tea extract or caffeine may have some beneficial effects on weight loss when combined with the right diet and exercise program. It is best to speak to our medical team before starting any new supplement routine as we would first do a series of blood work to find out if you are lacking in any area.
How quickly can I expect to see results from a weight loss program?
Results from a weight loss program can vary depending on the individual, their diet and exercise habits, and other factors like genetics, metabolism and hormones. Generally speaking, it is recommended to aim for a slow and steady rate of weight loss of 500g to 1kg per week. Consistent diet and exercise practices that are tailored to the individual normally yield the best results in terms of health and sustainability. However, an individual may experience faster results at the start of a new weight loss program due to lowered water weight or by reducing their calorie intake drastically; this type of extreme measure is generally not recommended. In saying that, go at your own pace, know that weight loss is like a rollercoaster, some weeks you will go up, some weeks you will go down and at times you will plateau for how ever long it take for your body to adjust.
Help!! I'm failing, others are losing faster than me?
It is natural to feel frustrated when you are not seeing the same results as others and my best advice is to run your own race. Everyone's body is different, our genetic make up is different and we all respond to diet and exercise in different ways. It is important to focus on your own progress, celebrate small wins and stay consistent with your own plan. Remember that it may take some time to see drastic results, so don't be discouraged if you don't drop a significant amount of weight right away. Keep at it, be patient, trust the process, and you will eventually achieve your goals!
Genetics, Hormones, Metabolism and Lifestyle
I can't state this strong enough, on how genetics can play a major part in how our bodies function, in many cases it's not your fault on how much weight you carry. We can do all the right things and still our body can fight us, so understand that, stop beating yourself up, there is more going on in your body than you know.
There are many factors that can influence an individual's weight, such as genetics, hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle. Genetics can affect body type and the ease with which someone loses or gains weight. Hormones such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin can also play a role in weight gain or loss. Metabolism is the process by which your body turns food into energy, which affects how quickly calories are burned off. Lastly, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise habits have a huge impact on achieving healthy weight goals. Therefore, it is important to take all of these factors into account when considering a weight loss program. There is not a magic solution or a quick fix answer, but when you look at all the factors and incorporate them into a program you have the best chance of success.
What are some tips for staying motivated while losing weight?
Losing weight can be a challenging and difficult process, but staying motivated is key to success. Here are some tips for staying motivated:
- Set realistic goals and break them down into smaller, achievable tasks.
- Find an accountability buddy or join a support group for extra motivation.
- Keep track of progress by keeping a food diary or journal to note your successes and frustrations.
- Reward yourself with non-food items for each milestone you reach.
- Have support from your dietitian and medical professionals who can provide guidance and advice when needed.
What is a weight loss plateau?
A weight loss plateau is when you stop losing weight even though you are still following a diet and exercise program. There are several potential explanations for why this can happen, such as:
- Your body might have adjusted to your current diet/exercise plan and no longer sees the need to burn more calories.
- You may not be getting enough nutrients or calories in general, causing your metabolism to slow down.
- You may be overeating due to stress or emotional eating.
- You may not be getting enough sleep, which can interfere with weight loss efforts.
- Your hormones could be impacting how the body processes food and burns calories.
To break through a plateau, it's often helpful to switch up your exercise routine or focus on eating whole foods rather than processed items. Additionally, ensuring that you are getting adequate rest each night and managing stress levels can also be beneficial. .
Can weight loss cure sleep apnea?
While weight loss can help to reduce sleep apnea symptoms, it is not necessarily a cure for the condition. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night, resulting in poor quality sleep. Weight loss can help improve symptoms by reducing fat deposits from the throat area, allowing air to flow more freely. Additionally, losing excess weight can reduce inflammation and improve overall health which may also reduce symptoms of sleep apnea.
If you are struggling with sleep apnea, lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and eating a nutritious diet may help you lose weight and reduce your symptoms. It is also important to seek medical advice from a doctor or specialist as they may recommend other treatments such as CPAP therapy or surgery to help manage the condition.
what weight loss medication is on PBS?
There is a number of weight loss medications that are available in Australia, and must be prescribed by a medical professional. Some can be accessed through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) but not all. The exact medications available through the PBS can vary from state to state, and it is important to speak with a medical professional to determine which one may be best for you.
It is important to note that due to regulations set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), we cannot mention any specific weight loss medications here. Your medical team will be able to give more information about the different types of medication available and their potential side effects and benefits.
Are the medications oral or injectable?
The exact method of administering weight loss medication will depend on the type of medication prescribed by your doctor or healthcare team. Medication for weight loss may be taken orally in pill form or injected. It is important to follow your medical teams instructions carefully and to speak with them if you have any questions or concerns regarding the administration of the medication.
With the injectable medication there is several injectable medications on the market that are administered via a pen. Depending on which one our medical team believe will work best for you it could be either a once a week injection or daily or a combination of injectable and oral.
If I am prescribed an injectable medication will the needles hurt?
For many people, the fear of needles can make the thought of having an injection daunting. However, it is important to note that most people who have received injections report hardly feeling them due to the small size of the needle used. If you are concerned about discomfort, products such as topical numbing creams or sprays can be purchased from chemists that may help reduce any pain associated with receiving an injection.
How does the injectable medication work?
The most prescribed treatment is a breakthrough medication approved in Australia specifically designed to aid in weight loss. This treatment contains a molecule that works like the glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, an appetite hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate hunger. The medication mimics the effects of GLP-1, suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. This makes it easier for the body to maintain a lower weight, reducing the effort necessary to keep off excess kgs.
What are the side effects of the injectable medication?
Though all medications can cause side effects, those experienced while using injectable medication typically have a short duration and may be kept in check with lifestyle adjustments. The most prevalent of these is nausea, which affects around 40% of users. Other more commonly experienced side effects include reflux, headaches, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and tenderness at the injection site. Though not preferable, such symptoms are often part of the process for patients taking this type of medication.