At IHL we offer a medically supervised weight loss program based on an extensive initial evaluation. This allows us to formulate a weight loss program for you that will let you lose body fat while preserving your muscle mass. Each of us has different weight loss goals, with different time frames in which we wish to achieve those goals. That is why our program is highly individualized and tailored to your specific needs.
The evaluation process includes:
- Laboratory testing including metabolic profile, blood count, lipid profile, thyroid function tests, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, and insulin levels
- DEXA Body Composition Scan
- Nutritional Evaluation/Diet Plan
- Resting Metabolic Rate measurement
- VO2max testing
- Physician Evaluation
The purpose of this detailed testing is to establish a baseline for assessing progress. In addition, optimization of thyroid function is essential to the program since your basal metabolic rate needs to be normalized. Other parameters are necessary for determining the appropriate nutrition and exercise program for you.
The IHL Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program consists of:
- A low glycemic diet plan
- Meal replacement snacks and shakes if needed
- Nutraceutical supplements
- Weekly lipotropic injections
- Exercise prescription
We use your resting metabolic rate, your percentage of body fat (from DEXA), your fasting insulin levels, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and other measurements (weight, height, body type, lifestyle) to determine a specific diet plan for you. Depending on how fast you want to lose the excess weight, the amount of daily calories will be determined. Your VO2max will be used to establish an appropriate exercise regimen for you.
Medical Foods and Supplements:
Nutraceuticals (pharmaceutical grade vitamins and supplements) are needed to accompany your balanced diet. We will provide you with a preparation formulated specifically for your weight loss needs (IHL Slim Pack). We also provide medical foods and snack bars which make it easier for you to follow a low glycemic diet when you’re in a rush, or when the right food isn’t available. They also help you to lose the weight faster.
Exercise:
This is an essential component of the IHL weight loss program. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the benefit of high intensity interval training (HIIT) for improvement in cardiovascular fitness and weight loss. Your VO2 max is used as a guide to establishing your HIIT targets. Improvement in lean muscle mass is beneficial since basal metabolic rate will be higher as the muscle mass increases. This translates into a higher caloric need to maintain a certain weight. We therefore recommend weight training as an essential component of the exercise program in men. In women, the program can be limited to low weights with a shift in emphasis towards general toning and increase in endurance.