Excess weight is one of the major public health challenges in Brazil, affecting millions of people physically, mentally and metabolically. On average, six out of ten Brazilians (59%) are overweight, according to the “My Weight, My Journey” study. Despite this, only 11% sought formal diagnosis of the problem, according to a survey conducted by Datafolha Institute in collaboration with pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and shared with Veja magazine.
In this context, medicine can provide effective, safe and individualized solutions. This is what Dr. Fabiana Roloff, a nutritionist working at Pato Blanco, emphasizes, with a personalized plan that combines bioimpedance, clear goals, regular reassessment, and comprehensive care for body composition.
“An effective and sustainable long-term medical weight loss model must be based on a multidisciplinary, individualized approach that considers not only weight loss but also the patient’s physical, mental and behavioral health,” the doctor explains, highlighting the following pillars:
- Medical assessment and individualization – Each person has a unique metabolism, genetics, and hormonal profile. Weight loss plans must be adapted to the patient’s specific needs. Additionally, the entire weight loss process must be monitored by a doctor who specializes in the field.
- healthy and sustainable diet – Re-educate your diet: Focus on whole foods rich in fiber, lean protein, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid restrictive diets that can be harmful and difficult to maintain long-term. Dietary flexibility: Allow controlled indulgences to avoid overeating and promote adherence to the plan. This gives patients freedom and quality of life, even within a weight loss diet plan.
- regular physical activity – Walking, weight training, and other activities help burn calories and maintain muscle mass. Adaptation to the patient’s profile: The type and intensity of exercise should take into account the physical condition and personal preferences. The patient must practice exercises that give him pleasure so that they become lifelong habits.
- quality sleep – Sleeping well helps balance hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which control hunger and satiety. Sleep Routine: Establishing a regular schedule and environment conducive to rest is essential.
- emotional and behavioral health – Managing emotions: Stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger can cause emotional and compulsive eating. Behavioral therapy: Techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychological support can help.
Bioimpedance monitoring and periodic reassessment
Dr. Fabiana Roloff emphasizes that monitoring and regular reassessment of bioimpedance is essential to make the process of body change safer, more effective, and individualized, such as weight loss, muscle mass gain, and improved health.
Bioimpedance provides detailed data about body composition (fat percentage, lean body mass, body water, etc.) and the distribution of muscle mass and fat across body regions (arms, legs, torso). “With this information, it will be possible to adjust your training and diet according to your body’s actual needs and avoid generic approaches,” emphasizes the doctor.
Regular reassessment allows you to see whether the weight you’ve lost is fat or lean mass, detect plateaus or regressions, understand the cause, and validate your plan.
Maintaining lean body mass is essential during weight loss
Nutritionists say maintaining lean body mass during weight loss is essential to maintaining metabolic health. “This is important not only to help with the so-called ‘plateau effect’ but also to maintain basal metabolism, muscle strength and functionality, hormonal regulation and insulin sensitivity,” he says.
To maintain lean body mass, doctors recommend adequate protein intake (1.6-2.2 g/kg body weight/day), strength/resistance training (bodybuilding, functional, calisthenics), and bioimpedance monitoring to adjust diet and training as you progress. “Avoid restrictive diets that lead to loss of lean body mass,” he emphasizes.
According to the international study “Dukan and After?” published by the GShow portal, 7 out of 10 people (75%) who are already on a restrictive diet regain the weight they lost, on average.
A structured approach contributes to treatment adherence
Dr. Fabiana Roloff emphasizes that neurology contributes to hormonal balance, inflammation control, and energy increase, and works holistically to promote hormonal balance, inflammation control, and energy increase, contributing to general health and quality of life.
“A more structured, integrated and individualized approach to patients improves adherence to treatment and delivers durable results. All these aspects contribute to patients achieving their best and, above all, gaining much better health and longevity,” he concludes.
About The Author
