Therapeutic Weight Loss Programs For Cardiovascular Disease And Diabetes

Obesity is a risk factor for several chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. If you already have one or both of these conditions, then excess weight can exacerbate them. Because of this, your healthcare provider may recommend enrolling in a therapeutic weight loss program specifically targeted to treat diabetes and heart disease. Here are some ways therapeutic weight loss programs can help you manage your medical conditions and lower your risk for complications such as heart attack, stroke, and renal failure. 

Diabetic Diet

A diabetic diet, also known as the diabetic exchange diet incorporates healthy carbohydrates and proteins into the weight loss program while limiting foods high in sugar content and junk foods. Your weight loss counselor can help you choose the healthiest nutrient-packed complex and simple carbohydrates and other foods to promote healthy weight loss while keeping your blood sugars within normal limits  Nutrient-packed complex carbohydrates can help prevent postprandial, or after-meal rises in blood glucose levels. Your counselor will also recommend nutritious snacks for you to eat between meals to help prevent hypoglycemic events. 

Your diabetic weight loss program will also incorporate an exercise routine, based upon your general state of health and physical fitness level. If your weight loss counselor or nutritionist has determined that your weight falls into the obesity or morbid obesity category, they will recommend that you only participate in mild exercise when starting your weight loss program. A leisurely walk after meals is considered mild exercise, however, once you have built up your strength and stamina and have lost weight, the exercise component of your weight loss plan will be increased as tolerated.

Heart-Healthy Diet

Another therapeutic weight loss program incorporates low sodium and low-fat foods in the diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins such as chicken breast and low-fat dairy products.

Your physician or weight loss counselor may recommend a heart-healthy weight loss plan if you have cardiovascular disease or if you are at risk for developing it because of risk factors such as family history and hypertension. The heart-healthy weight loss program not promotes healthy weight loss, but can also help lower your blood pressure and keep your cholesterol levels within healthy normal limits.

If you are struggling with obesity or if you have diabetes or heart disease, consider enrolling in a therapeutic weight loss program. Doing so will help promote healthy glucose and lipid profiles and help you reach your weight loss goals so that you can anticipate a healthier life filled with more energy and better mobility.  


Share