Weight loss by taking medical approach

(FOX Providence) - The most popular new year's resolution is to lose weight and get in shape. But, with so many weight loss programs and methods out there, how do you know which ones are safe and effective?

Dr. Fred Brosco and Dr. Michael Rocchio from Medi-Weightloss Clinics joined The Rhode Show to talk about about a medical approach to losing weight.

"Sixty-seven percent of Americans are either overweight or obese. Being overweight is dangerous because it contributes to many different health issues such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart and respiratory problems. It can also cause depression and psychological problems," said Dr. Rocchio.

So what exactly is the Medi-Weightloss Clinics® program?

"Our program is a physician-supervised three-phase program. Our program was developed based on the 5 keys to wellness: Medicine, Nutrition, Exercise, Education, and Motivation. Your Initial Consultation includes a full medical exam to evaluate your current health status. We do a comprehensive blood panel, blood pressure reading, EKG, weight and body fat index, and review your health history and personal health concerns. We then assess your weight loss goals and review your weight loss plan," said Dr. Brosco.

" After your initial consultation, our team of medical professionals will meet with you on a weekly basis to help you reach your goal weight as quickly and as safely as possible. We provide resources to help our patients learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and keep the weight of for life. Unfortunately a lot of programs don’t educate their patients on how to keep the weight off and that’s something we really focus on," added Dr. Rocchio.

Many people who have lost weight sometimes gain it right back. But, Medi-Weightloss Clinics® has some tools to help people reach their goal weight.

"Each patient receives a starter kit that includes vitamins and a guide to the program. We have a specially designed supplement line that includes products for all three phases. At each weekly visit, patients will be able to see how much body fat and total pounds they have lost. They will also receive vitamin based injections that boost energy levels and if medically appropriate, will receive appetite suppressants," said Dr. Brosco.

"The weekly visits hold the patient accountable and the support, education, and motivation received at these visits is crucial to weight loss success," added Dr. Rocchio.

Here's what patients can experience when going through with the program for weight loss:

"Our average weight loss is 7 pounds in the first week, but I’ve seen patients who have lost up to 10 pounds! After week one, on average each patient loses 2 to 3 pounds per week for the first month," said Dr. Rocchio.

And here's a tip to lose weight and get healthy in 2010 from Dr. Rocchio.

"I think one of the most important aspects of both losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle is to be aware of what you are eating. Our patients keep a food journal so they really see what types of foods they are missing and what they need to cut down on. Try recording what you eat for 1 week and then identify your weakness. Need more vegetables? Need to cut down on sugar? Make a goal for next week."

There are over 70 clinics nationwide. You can visit www.mediweightlossclinics.com or call 1-877-MED-LOSS for more information.