Adventist Health Bakersfield | You + Us | Winter 2018

Inspiring Health Information in YOU + US comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Questions or comments? Email sjchmarketing@ah.org . 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Sharlet Briggs President and CEO | Jimmy Phillips Executive Editor | Danay Jones Visual Production Coordinator | Megan Simpson Editor and Writer | Teresa Adamo Writer | Jennifer Williams, Willis Design Studio Photographer YOU + US : Together i nsp i red ™ So much to GAIN through LOSING Not sure which weight-loss approach is best for you? Excess weight can take a toll on your well-being and health—raising the risk of serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Whether you need to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, the Weight Management Program at Adventist Health Bakersfield is committed to helping you achieve your weight-loss goals. Rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach, we’ll create a customized plan to help give you a life free of weight-related health concerns. Our Weight Management Program features Weight management: Answers you need Amira Ayad, MD Medical Director Weight Management Program When it comes to weight, there’s a lot of infor- mation out there. Cut through the confusion with expert answers from Amira Ayad, MD. Q Why is weight management so important? A It plays a vital role in a person’s overall health. Working toward and maintaining a healthy weight can improve many medical problems and prevent others. When you manage your weight, it’s really preventive medicine. Q How does a person’s weight affect their risk for chronic disease? A Being overweight or obese raises a person’s risk for heart disease and heart attack. That’s especially true when you look at belly circumference. The larger a person’s waistline, the greater the risk. Q Is there a point where an overweight person is more at risk for heart disease? A People with the highest risk are those with a body mass index (BMI) over 30. The risk continues to increase as BMI goes up. Anyone with a BMI over 25 may have increased risk also, especially if they have other risk factors for heart disease, such as if they smoke or have high blood pressure. A high BMI is also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Q Who should seek weight management treatment? A Anyone with a BMI over 25 can have a consultation. Having a BMI of 25 or greater can set the stage for diabetes. We want to help prevent diabetes before it starts or causes harm. •  Surgical and non-surgical approaches •  Board-certified physicians and bariatric surgeons •  Medically supervised meal replacement plans •  Detailed lab analysis •  Weight-loss medication prescriptions •  Ongoing counseling and support groups