by Chito Nwana MD on July 11, 2013
Isabella, a wife and a mother of an active 2 year old, was 5 ft tall weighing 84.5kg (185 lbs). For many years she battled with her weight that kept fluctuating. She loved fast foods and ate her native food of pounded yam and soup everyday. She had no major medical problems but in the past, experienced an episode of severe palpitations that appeared life threatening. She barely could walk a mile or climb the stairs without panting. She had a stressful job that demanded long hours and her joints constantly hurt especially at the end of the day. The greatest challenge was her ability to maintain a balance between managing her family and still being very productive at work. She describes herself as an emotional eater with significant cravings for sweets when she is very stressed. To keep her energy level up, she drank a lot of sodas and several cups a coffee a day. One day she woke up and felt a heavy weight on her chest and panicked, then came to see me.
When I first saw Isabella, it was evident that her symptoms were related to her weight. We did a thorough evaluation and carried out several tests to know her health status. Aside from her high cholesterol level we did not find any other life threatening condition. I also found that her weight had more than a physical impact on her but also affected her mental and emotional state. She had low self-esteem and self-confidence and had periods where she would describe herself as being depressed. She hated trying on clothes because when she did and they could not fit her, she became quite emotional. Although she has signed up for the gym in the past, she was never motivated and hardly could find time to go to the gym beyond 1 week of her membership. She described the gym as “boring”. Several of my patients that I’ve counseled about their weight have shared similar sentiments.
So after her initial visit, I knew that the best plan was to start her on a weight loss program. The challenge for me as a physician was to come up with a weight loss program that will be effective, motivating, and sustainable. I knew that a successful program would be such that will focus on the overall health of my patient and allow her to adopt healthy habits (healthy lifestyle). This type of program will keep the weight off by teaching her how to develop healthier eating habits and to increase her physical activity. It will also include ongoing feedback, monitoring and support.
To create such a program, collaboration with other experts were needed, so a team that included the physician, a fitness expert, nutritionist, and a mental health consultant was formed. And through that team, the BodyShaper Boot Camp and Aqua Fit (BBA) Weight Loss Program was birthed. The program also included prepared low calorie meals from one of the best health restaurants in Abuja.
Isabella has been on the program now for 3 months and has lost 20lbs under supervision and support from the team. Her self-esteem and self-confidence has improved significantly and she is feeling good in her clothes and getting compliments every day. Now we are trying to make sure she does not turn into a diva! The great thing is that not only has she adopted a healthier lifestyle, she has also encouraged her family and friends to do the same. So, based on popular demand we have decided to launch the program in August in collaboration with one of the best health clubs in town.
If Isabella’s story sounds like yours or if you just want to get in shape, then call us for enquiries on how you can be part of this great program. +2347059819996/+2348188059381, info@tabithahealth.org
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