Category Archives: Obesity

National Childhood Obesity Month

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September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a month dedicated to raising awareness about preventing childhood obesity.  

Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge that affects one in three children in the United States. Children with obesity face an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also impact children beyond physical issues. It affects their emotional and social well-being as well, which leads to challenges like bullying and lower self-esteem. 

Many factors impact childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity can be influenced by the following: 

  • Too much time spent being inactive 
  • Lack of sleep 
  • Lack of places to go in the community to be physically active 
  • Easy access to inexpensive, high-calorie foods and sugary beverages 
  • Lack of access to affordable healthier foods 

Here are some tips on how parents can help prevent their child from experiencing obesity: 

  • Monitor growth 
  • Provide nutritious foods 
  • Promote drinking water 
  • Encourage physical activity 
  • Model healthy behaviors 
  • Create a healthy sleep environment 

Childhood obesity can be prevented by working together to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve their overall well-being, and build a foundation for a healthier future. 

If you would like to speak with a pediatrician and learn more about childhood obesity at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Improving Your Physical Health

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Physical health and wellness are key to our overall well-being. Physical health is the condition of your body and how well it functions, from the strength of your heart and lungs to your ability to fight infection and move without pain.

Physical wellness is a proactive approach that emphasizes lifestyle choices that sustain energy, resilience, and functional capacity over a lifetime.

The tenets of physical health and wellness are important for keeping your body functioning properly. They include:

  • Watching what you put into your body
  • How much physical activity you get
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

These tenets are positive health habits that can help you decrease your stress, lower your risk of disease, and increase your energy.

Here are some strategies to help you improve your physical health:

  • Increase your physical activity
    • Set specific goals for your physical activity
    • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
    • Take a walk on your lunch break
    • Set an alarm to go off every hour as a reminder to move around for a minute or two
    • Keep moving while watching TV
    • Take an online exercise class
  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
    • Eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, lean meat, seafood, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese
    • Limit foods that are low in vitamins and minerals
    • Cut down on sugar by choosing foods with little or no added sugar
    • Get more fiber
    • Replace saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats, such as olive, canola, or other vegetable oils instead of butter, meat fats, or shortening
    • Avoid foods high in salt, such as canned, smoked, or processed foods. Choose fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat instead
    • Choose more complex carbs such as starches and fiber, which can be found in whole-grain breads, cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes
  • Reach your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy weight
    • Weigh yourself
    • Calculate how many calories you need for your healthy goals
    • Record your daily food intake and physical activity
    • Set specific goals
    • Choose healthy meals and physical activities you enjoy
    • Plan activities with friends or family
    • Be patient
  • Build healthy habits
    • Plan and identify unhealthy patterns, and set realistic goals
    • Change your surroundings and find ways to make healthier choices by removing temptations
    • Ask for support by finding family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or support groups
    • Speak with a mental health professional if you are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or burnout
  • Build muscle safely
    • Start slowly, especially if you haven’t been active for a while
    • Pay attention to your body when you experience exhaustion, sore joints, or muscle pains, which is a sign you are overdoing it
    • Use small amounts of weight to start and add more weight slowly over time, while focusing on your form
    • Use smooth, steady movements to lift weights into position, and don’t jerk or thrust weights
    • Avoid locking your arm and leg joints in a straight position
    • Don’t hold your breath during strength exercises
    • Ask for help by looking for a group class at a local gym, recreation center, or find a trainer
  • Combat age-related changes
    • Commit to a healthy diet
    • Drink plenty of fluids
    • Move more
    • Get plenty of sleep
    • Limit alcohol use
    • Avoid tobacco products
    • Visit the doctor regularly

If you would like to improve your physical health, or experience medical problems while doing so, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

How Heart Disease is Different in Women Than it is in Men

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Heart disease can be deadly for anyone, as it is the most common cause of death for both women and men in the U.S.  

Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. There are three types of heart disease:  

  • Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.   
  • Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.   
  • Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating. 

While heart disease can occur in everyone, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones, such as estrogen. Estrogen protects the heart in the premenopausal years as it relaxes the arteries and promotes good cholesterol. This changes when a woman begins menopause and estrogen levels decline, increasing the chance of cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol and hypertension.  

Other heart disease risk factors include: 

  • Obesity 
  • Smoking 
  • Emotional stress and depression  
  • Diabetes 
  • Lack of physical activity 
  • Pregnancy complications 
  • Family history of early heart disease 
  • Other health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions 

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease, and it can affect them at any age. However, the prevalence of heart disease in women starts going up around the age of 65, which is about ten years later than men, presumably due to the lasting positive effects of estrogen. 

Women are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure. Although some women may not show any symptoms, others may experience:  

  • Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache  
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat  
  • Pain in the upper abdomen or back  

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including:  

  • Nausea  
  • Vomiting  
  • Tiredness that won’t go away or feels excessive  

In some women, the first signs and symptoms of heart disease can be:  

  • A heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked 
  • Palpitations  

Treatment for heart disease is similar for women and men, and can include medicines, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery.  

However, there are differences in heart disease treatment for women and men, including: 

  • Women are less likely to be treated with aspirin and statins to prevent future heart attacks than men are 
  • Women are less likely to have coronary artery bypass surgery than men. This may be because women have less obstructive disease or smaller arteries with more small vessel disease 
  • Cardiac rehabilitation can improve health and aid recovery from heart disease. However, women are less likely to be sent to cardiac rehabilitation than men are. 

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are some ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle: 

  • Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol  
  • Eating a healthy diet 
  • Exercising and keeping a healthy weight 
  • Managing stress 
  • Getting quality sleep 
  • Quitting smoking or stopping the use of tobacco products 
  • Limiting alcohol consumption 

If you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

The Risk of Taking Compound GLP-1s

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Over the past few years, GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have become a popular way to help people lose weight.

However, some patients and healthcare providers have turned to compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide called compounded GLP-1 antagonists.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 antagonists are a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. In 2024, nearly one in three Americans taking a GLP-1 drug said they were getting it from a compounding pharmacy.

Compounded GLP-1 antagonists are custom-mixed weight loss medications made by certain pharmacies, not drug companies, and use the same active ingredients as the brand names, but they don’t have approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness, and some compounded GLP-1 drugs have additional ingredients or alternate chemical forms of the active drugs.

This is why the FDA has warned against taking compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, as they don’t undergo regulatory testing for safety, quality, or effectiveness. They also issued a warning about a spike in overdoses and adverse side effects largely attributed to dosing errors with these drugs, due to them coming with syringes for people to draw the medications themselves, unlike brand-name GLP-1 injections that come in prefilled pens.

In 2024, the FDA raised concerns about the increased risk of dosing errors, improper storage, and fraudulently labeled GLP-1s from compounding pharmacies. Consequently, hundreds of people reported serious problems, including dangerous dosing mistakes, where patients got five to twenty times more than the proper dose.

By April of 2025, the FDA had logged over 520 reports linked to compounded semaglutide and 480 for compounded tirzepatide.

Additionally, U.S. poison centers have seen a nearly 1,500% increase in calls related to overdose or side effects of injectable weight-loss drugs since 2019. What’s more, as of April 30th, 2025, poison centers have managed 3,633 GLP-1 agonist-related exposure cases and 22,966 cases from 2019-2025.

The common side effects of GLP-1 antagonist poisoning include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  •  Constipation and diarrhea
  •  Abdominal pain

Other symptoms and side effects to watch out for include:

  • Signs of severe dehydration such as fainting and confusion or not urinating for eight hours.
  • Pancreatitis, which usually feels like sharp pain in your upper abdomen and back.
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms that don’t improve when you eat smaller meals or take anti-nausea medications.
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms that grow worse rather than easing the longer you’re on the drug.

However, there are instances when it might be appropriate for a person to take a compounded drug, such as when a patient’s medical need can’t be met by an FDA-approved drug, or the FDA-approved drug is not commercially available.

If taking a compounded GLP-1 is your only option, it is important to confirm if it is coming from a 503B-registered outsourcing facility, rather than an unregistered seller, and that you remain under close medical supervision while using it.

Other clues that your compounded prescription may not be legitimate:

  • It does not require a prescription.
  • The pharmacy is not located within the U.S.
  • The medication arrives in packaging that is damaged, open, labeled in a foreign language, or has no expiration date.
  • Unusual delivery methods. Delivery methods other than injections and oral pills, such as sublingual drops and dissolving tablets, have not been tested in clinical trials.
  • Vague or proprietary ingredient lists. Products marketed as “personalized” blends with added vitamins or other ingredients, without a clear clinical rationale, are often designed to promote those additions to sidestep regulations rather than to benefit the patient.

If you need help locating a licensed online pharmacy, you can use the FDA’s BeSafeRx program. For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Staying Physicall Active

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Life can move fast, and we may not have enough time to exercise as much as we would like to. Most people spend half of their day sedentary. The more you sit, the more your large muscles aren’t using glucose, the body’s main source of energy. Sitting for long periods of time can cause blood sugar levels to rise, triggering the body to release insulin.  

Over time, sedentary habits cause the body to become less sensitive to insulin, resulting in insulin resistance. 

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. What’s more, any kind of exercise can reduce fatigue and improve sleep, decrease anxiety and depression, improve weight management, and promote brain health. It can also help prevent and reduce the risk of long-term health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.  

Additionally, regularly moving your body lowers your risk for some types of cancers, fatty liver disease, chronic pain, arthritis, and even dementia.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Moderate-intensity physical activity can be any activity that gets you to breathe harder and your heart beating faster, such as: 

  • Brisk walking  
  • Dancing  
  • Swimming 
  • Roller skating 
  • Jogging 
  • Riding a bike 
  • Playing a sport  

Moving your body doesn’t always have to involve working out in a gym. You can also climb the stairs, garden, or play with your children or pets.  

Whether you are just starting or haven’t been physically active for a while, there are ways to get started. Here are some tips to help you add more physical activity to your daily life: 

  • Look for ways to make physical activity a part of your daily routine, such as walking the dog or walking in place during commercial breaks while watching TV 
  • Start with activities, locations, and times you enjoy 
  • Find a place near your home or work to be physically active 
  • Try activities with friends or family that you enjoy together 

If you lack the time, space, energy, skill, or if something else is preventing you from being more physically active, such as a fear of injuring yourself, here are ways to overcome these obstacles: 

  • Add physical activity to your daily routine, such as parking farther away from your destination or taking the stairs instead of the elevator 
  • Schedule physical activity for times in the day or week when you will feel more energetic 
  • Invite a friend or family member to exercise with you regularly 
  • Choose activities you can do safely, and increase the amount you do gradually as your confidence and abilities grow 
  • Be sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury 

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Everyone can experience the health benefits of physical activity, as it gets your body moving and your heart beating faster.  

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

GLP-1 Microdosing

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Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 antagonists are, however, a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have become popular over the past few years to help people lose weight. 

Recently, however, some people have been microdosing GLP-1 medications as their preferred way to take these medications. Microdosing means taking much smaller doses than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  

People may microdose GLP-1 medications for many reasons, including: 

  • They have hit their target weight goal 
  • They have concerns about the cost of the medications 
  • They are sensitive to the side effects of the medications 
  • They want to just suppress their appetite 
  • They are worried about the supply of the medications 

Microdosing GLP-1 medications can come with real risks, including: 

  • Inaccurate doses 
  • Reduced effectiveness 
  • Unpredictable outcomes 
  • Possibility of regaining weight 
  • No data on the long-term effects of microdosing 
  • Minimal oversight  

Large clinical trials have confirmed that the standard GLP-1 doses work well when helping people lose weight and manage Type 2 diabetes. What’s more, precise doses have proven benefits for heart, liver, and kidney health. Taking very low doses may not provide the same results.  

Additionally, smaller GLP-1 doses may help reduce symptoms such as nausea or an upset stomach. However, microdosing may prevent you from reaching the effective dose needed to make significant changes in your body weight or blood sugar levels. In many cases, the side effects of GLP-1 treatment are temporary. GLP-1 dosage schedules are intended to increase doses gradually to help balance their benefits and potential side effects. 

GLP-1 medications affect people differently. Some people may see substantial benefits even at lower doses. However, other people may not see their benefits at full doses. 

Before you consider microdosing GLP-1 medications, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about these treatments. Here are some things to consider: 

  • If the GLP-1 medication is off-label, it is an unproven treatment 
  • The health benefits for those who don’t have Type 2 diabetes or a high body mass index (BMI) are unproven 
  • Taking smaller doses doesn’t make them risk-free 

As an alternative to taking GLP-1 medications, here are some proven ways to support metabolic and overall health naturally: 

  • Exercising regularly 
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet 
  • Managing stress 
  • Getting enough restful sleep 
  • Eating certain foods and taking supplements 

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908. 

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Metabolic Syndrome and How it Can Lead to Heart Disease

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Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.  

The number of people with metabolic syndrome is increasing, as up to one-third of adults in the U.S. have it. 

When a person is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, they have three or more risk factors, such as: 

  • High blood pressure 
  • High blood sugar  
  • Low levels of HDL, or good cholesterol  
  • High triglyceride levels in the blood 
  • A large waist circumference or an apple-shaped body 

Although each of these conditions is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, when a person has three or more of them and is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, the chances of them developing a serious cardiovascular condition increase.  

There are several underlying causes of metabolic syndrome, such as: 

  • Being overweight and being obese 
  • Having an insulin resistance 
  • Being physically inactive 
  • Genetic factors 
  • Increasing age 

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition; however, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing it, such as: 

  • Being more physically active 
  • Losing weight 
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet that is rich in: 
  • Whole grains 
  • Fruits and vegetables 
  • Fish  

Another way to reduce your risk of developing metabolic syndrome is working with your healthcare team to monitor and manage your blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of metabolic syndrome, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do After Bariatric Surgery

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Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure. Following your doctor’s post-operation instructions and making healthy lifestyle changes are essential to avoiding complications and achieving long-term weight loss success. 

Patients should expect to have a new lifestyle that combines healthy eating, exercise, and attending regular visits with their healthcare providers. They should also consider these dos and don’ts after bariatric surgery: 

  • What you should do after bariatric surgery: 
    • Eat slowly and chew food well 
    • Aim to drink 64oz of fluids daily, taking small sips 
    • Eat 60g or more of protein daily, starting every meal with it 
    • Make fruits and vegetables the priority of your diet 
    • Start walking for five minutes every hour after surgery 
    • Aim for a goal of 30 minutes of exercise daily after it is allowed to do so 
    • Take all medications and supplements as prescribed, they will need to be taken for the rest of your lifetime 
  • What you shouldn’t do after bariatric surgery: 
    • Skip any meals 
    • Eat red meat early in recovery 
    • Engage in any strenuous activities 
    • Lift any objects over 10 lbs. for the first four to six weeks after surgery 
    • Eat fast food 
    • Eat or drink anything with natural sugar 
    • Drink liquids within 30 minutes after eating 
    • Eat bread, rice, pasta, bagels, or dumplings 
    • Allow yourself to get too hungry 
    • Take a bath or go swimming for two weeks after surgery 
    • Smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol 
    • Eat snacks loaded with empty calories 
    • Get pregnant for 12 to 18 months after surgery 
    • Stop taking medications as directed by your healthcare provider 

Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing and life-altering event for those who are trying to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Making diet changes, modifying exercise routine, and following the guidelines set by your healthcare provider and surgical team can lead you to long-term success. 

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Losing Muscle As We Age

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As we age, we start to lose muscle mass gradually. This is called sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, a type of atrophy, is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass, function, and strength.

Everyone loses muscle mass over time; however, people who have sarcopenia lose it more quickly. Sarcopenia usually begins around the age of 35 and accelerates between the ages of 65 and 80. Rates of this acceleration vary; however, as much as 8% of muscle mass is lost each decade.

The natural aging process is usually the main cause of sarcopenia as the body doesn’t produce the same number of proteins the muscles need to grow, which causes them to get smaller. However, researchers have discovered other possible risk factors of the condition, including:

· Physical inactivity

· Obesity

· Chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and HIV

· Rheumatoid arthritis

· Insulin resistance

· Malnutrition or inadequate protein intake

· Reduction in hormone levels

· Decrease in the ability to convert protein to energy

· Decline in the number of nerve cells that send messages from the brain to the muscles telling them to move

Sarcopenia affects the musculoskeletal system and is a major factor in increased frailty, falls, and fractures. These conditions can lead to hospitalizations and surgeries, which increase the risk of complications, including death.

This condition can also affect people with a high body mass index (BMI), which is called sarcopenic obesity. People suffering from obesity and sarcopenia have a greater risk of complications than those with obesity or sarcopenia alone.

The most common symptom of sarcopenia is muscle weakness. Other symptoms may include:

· Decrease in muscle size

· Difficulty performing daily activities

· Poor balance and falls

· Loss of stamina

· Trouble climbing stairs

· Walking slowly

A healthcare provider may diagnose sarcopenia after they perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They may also ask you to complete a questionnaire based on your self-reported symptoms called the SARC-F, which stands for:

· Strength

· Assistance with walking

· Rising from a chair

· Climbing stairs

· Falls

You score each factor with a number between 0 and 2, with the highest maximum and total SARC-F being 10. A SARC-F score of 4 or more warrants more testing.

There is no single test that can diagnose sarcopenia. A healthcare provider may recommend several tests to help diagnose and then determine the severity of sarcopenia. These tests include:

· Muscle tests:

  •  Handgrip test
  • Chair stand test
  • Walking speed test
  • Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
  • Timed-up and go test (TUG)

· Imaging tests for measurement of muscle mass

  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA)
  • Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)

The treatment for sarcopenia usually includes lifestyle changes, as they can treat and help reverse the condition. These lifestyle changes include:

· Physical activity, which includes resistance-based strength training

· A healthy diet

Sarcopenia is not fully preventable. However, there are steps you can take to slow the progression of the disease, including:

· Making healthy food choices

· Exercising regularly

· Attending routine physicals

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sarcopenia, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

How to Set Healthy Weight Loss Goals

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Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a difficult and sometimes daunting experience. There are many factors that can affect a person’s weight management, such as medical conditions, certain medicines, stress, age, genes, hormones, and environment.  

However, maintaining a lifestyle that consists of a good nutritional diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and proper sleep can support a healthy weight. Additionally, people who lose weight gradually, which is about one to two pounds a week, are more likely to keep the weight off than those who lose weight more quickly.  

If a person is not at a healthy weight, moderate weight loss can help improve their cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Just a 5% to 10% reduction of their current weight may lower their risk for some chronic diseases, such as heart disease, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Other benefits of moderate weight loss include: 

  • More energy  
  • Better mobility  
  • A boost in self-confidence 
  • Improved fitness 

Starting a weight loss journey can be challenging. However, having and following a plan can help make the journey easier. Here are five steps that can help guide you to a healthier weight: 

  • Consider the reasons why you want to lose weight. Writing down your reasons and posting them where you can see them can help remind you why you are making this change and keep you focused on your weight loss goals 
  • Keep track of where you are as you begin your weight loss journey. You can keep a journal of your nutrition to help you keep track of what you eat and drink in a day. Make note of your physical activity by including the time of day you exercised, what activities you did, and for how long. Maintain a chart of your sleep schedule, including what time you went to sleep and woke up, and the number of hours you slept. Monitor your stress levels and the healthy ways you are reducing your stress. You can also track how you felt during your meals, when you exercise, and any lifestyle challenges that have affected your progress 
  • Set specific and realistic goals. Creating short-term goals with rewards can help prevent you from feeling frustrated when there is a setback. When setting short-term goals, focus on two or three goals at a time 
  • Find a good support system. Surround yourself with family or friends who are supportive of your weight loss goals. If they have similar goals, they may share resources that have helped them on their weight loss journey 
  • Stay up to date with your progress throughout your weight loss journey. Regularly evaluate your progress by revisiting the goals you set. Determine what has been working well and what hasn’t been, and use this information to make any changes to your goals and weight loss plan. If you are consistently meeting a particular goal, you can reward yourself for achieving your goals. It is important to recognize and be proud of your progress as you meet your goals. Rewarding yourself helps to keep you motivated and on the right path 

Please note that before you start your weight loss journey, speak with your healthcare provider so you can decide whether or not it’s a good time to set a weight loss goal. 

And if you do go on a weight loss journey, don’t get discouraged if you aren’t losing weight as quickly as you had hoped. Remember that sustainable weight loss takes time.  

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908. 

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.