New Year's Resolutions — Making Pacts You Can Keep

with Doug McManus, M.D., Internal Medicine, Advanced Healthcare

Posted: Dec. 1, 2004

You made it to New Year's with your sanity intact, your scale giving the good news that you gained only a few pounds from all the holiday partying. It's time to concentrate on you — your health and your future. This usually begins with New Year's resolutions.

Some are highly personal, but many revolve around the "big three" health conditions — losing weight, getting more exercise and giving up smoking. Dr. Doug McManus, an internist with Advanced Healthcare, often sees patients working on these resolutions.

Doug McManus, M.D., Internal Medicine, Advanced Healthcare "In general with New Year's resolutions, pick things you are actually committed to, things that are reasonable and that you can actually accomplish."

It's not really a diet
If you're contemplating shedding a few pounds after the new year, Dr. McManus’ first advice to is to consider the sort of diet that works for you. "You can't think of it as a diet but a lifestyle change, something for the long term so you don't lose the weight, then put it all back on plus five more pounds," he said.

Get with a program
"Groups like Weight Watchers are very helpful, or pick any program you can live with for the long term," Dr. McManus said. Many people have far better success sticking with a program with the benefit of group support. For those who don't want to join a local group, there are online support groups and even online "diet coaches."

One thing you might notice with a more healthy diet is an increase in energy levels and a greater sense of well-being. Concentrate on this more than you do on the scale, where if you're following a sensible, slow, weight loss program, you'll be apt to see an occasional weight increase and those frustrating plateaus.

"Try to worry more about changing your lifestyle, such as eating sensibly and exercising, rather than the amount of weight you've lost," Dr. McManus advised.

Take it slow
About a pound a week is optimal. This may not sound like much but consider the long run. You'll be 6 pounds lighter by Valentine's Day, and a noticeable 15 pounds slimmer by Easter. "For those who need to lose 50 pounds, meds are a possibility," Dr. McManus said.

Dr. McManus said he sometimes prescribes weight loss drugs such as Xenical and Meridia, but patients need to be aware that the estimated $75 to $100 cost is rarely covered by insurance. Xenical, which keeps your body from absorbing fat, has unpleasant side effects such as greasy stools and bloating. Meridia is an appetite suppressant, but a person on it needs to be monitored carefully, especially if there is high blood pressure.

For the seriously overweight, (100 pounds or more) bariatric surgery is an option, Dr. McManus said. "There are some newer procedures that have reasonable results with side effects that are livable," Dr. McManus said. "But my advice on weight loss is the same. Just look at a longer horizon to achieve results."

Incorporate exercise into your weight loss program
"It's pretty hard to lose weight without exercise," he said. This is particularly true if you've been on a healthy eating program for awhile. Exercise is the way to rev up your metabolism and get your weight loss on target. This also may be a good time to consider quitting smoking.

Health classes and seminars
Advanced Healthcare professionals offer classes on health topics related to diet, weight management, exercise, stress reduction, smoking cessation and diabetes management. To check on programs that may already be scheduled or to request a speaker for your business, women's club or other organization, call the Advanced HealthLine at 262-512-2880 (toll-free metro area at 1-888-709-2080) or contact the Advanced Healthcare Marketing Department at 262-532-6887.

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