Improper diets and excess weight have probably contributed more to musculature/skeletal problems than any other cause — at least in the patients we see in our practice.

To address this critical issue, approximately two years ago, we adopted a “total wellness” or “whole person” approach to weight management through a rehabilitation process that focuses on utilizing sound nutritional practices and structured exercise programming.

By applying three interventions — nutritional programming, strength training and cardiovascular exercise — into our “whole person” rehabilitative efforts, we have helped our patients establish new behaviors and lead healthy lifestyles.

everyone benefits

In our “total patient” approach we:

• Provide nutritional programming.
Despite the advocacy of some of the gimmicky diets, both macro-nutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat) as well as micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) are essential components of a well-balanced nutritional program and are needed in various amounts. These nutrients are best ingested through fresh wholesome foods, preferably without preservatives and additives.

Problem: Nutrients work best as a team, and all — carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water — must be taken in for them to work synergistically to create the energy needed to sustain life. However, excessive consumption of macro-nutrients causes obesity.

Solution: A nutritional program, developed to help promote a total-wellness approach to rehabilitating the “whole person,” must take into consideration the functions of all nutrients to provide a science-based foundation for the proper nutritional recommendations.

As we work with patients, we aim to increase their knowledge concerning healthier foods, as well as to provide healthy appetizing meals that utilize a calorie level appropriate for their con-dition and weight-management goals.

Specifically, we provide meal plans that use easily-prepared meals, using real foods and moderately restricting caloric intake progressively over a six-, 12- or 18-week period, incorporating nutrient-dense foods and developing patient discipline with regard to timing of meals and food

selection.

• Initiate strength training.
A program designed to rehabilitate the whole patient must also focus on preserving and/or increasing lean muscle tissue.

Strength training or resistance training exercise improves muscle strength and endurance, elicits a positive change in body composition by developing active, lean tissue, aids in postural improvements and assists in preventing injuries.

Problem: After age 25, inactive muscle tissue is metabolized at a rate of about one-half pound each year. As a result, the body’s metabolism slows down and fewer calories are burned at rest. Solution: Strength training helps patients — even older patients — regain active, calorie-burning muscle tissue. This is critical for weight maintenance as well as weight loss.

The strength training in our total-wellness approach focuses on resistance training three times a week, and progressively increases in resistance load during the six-week period.

• Expand to cardiovascular exercise.
Cardiovascular exercise, unlike strength training, involves using oxygen over a continuous and sustained period of time.

Problem: Patients who are overweight tend not to perform cardiovascular exercises, resulting in an increase propensity for cardiovascular disease and adverse changes in body composition.

Solution: Use a program of regular cardiovascular exercises, designed to fit the capabilities of the individual. A regular routine increases daily caloric expenditure and helps lose weight and decrease body fat.

Incorporating all three components into a total weight management system or total wellness program works to the benefit of our patients. Because the program is built around “real” food and a progressive — not excessive — exercise program, we help our patients establish new behaviors and experiences that lead to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Paul Peters has been in private practice for 13 years. As part of his practice he is the sports chiropractor for the local high school and treats high school and collegiate athletes. He started A.D.I.O. Fitness Center in 2001 and implemented the Biometrics Nutrition and Fitness program as part of his practice. He can be reached at 515-460-4668.