New year—new you? This is the time of year for changes, for beginnings and endings. And if those aspirations include not only losing pounds but also maximizing health, energy and well-being, HealthPointe 2.0™, offering “weight loss and wellness made simple,” could be just the partner you need to help you make the changes you want to make.

According to the American Obesity Association, approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million are obese and nine million are severely obese. What this means is that 64.5 percent of American adults, age 20 years and older, are overweight and 30.5 percent are obese. Severe obesity prevalence is now 4.7 percent. An equally sobering statistic is that approximately 90 percent of all dieters regain any weight lost within a year. And the British Journal of Public Health found that obesity is associated with higher rates of chronic medication conditions than are lifetime smoking and alcohol abuse.

Headquartered in Atlanta and founded by Dr. Ted Beutow, a physician with 30 years of experience in bariatric medicine (the field of obesity and metabolism), HealthPointe™ has helped over 25,000 people throughout the world achieve a better way of living. The program combines personal attention, educational tools including the latest information and research on health and wellness, skills development, and encouragement and support in making the right choices on the way to optimal health.

For Bill Wahl, who now serves as a weight management and wellness consultant, the introduction to HealthPointe™ came five years ago when he was facing up to the results of some bad health choices. With high blood pressure, high cholesterol and painful arthritis, he knew that if he wanted to be able to enjoy his grandchildren, he was going to have to make some changes in his life. He said, “I lost 70 pounds on this program and have kept it off for four and a half years. But, to me, the weight loss is a byproduct of all the other changes I’ve made. My blood pressure is normal, my cholesterol has been significantly reduced, I have eliminated much of the joint pain I had been experiencing, and I have more energy and feel great! I began working with HealthPointe™ because I want to help others achieve those same results.”

He added, “HealthPointe™ offers very personalized programs. I,  or another consultant, will meet with the individual and talk about expectations, previous experiences with weight loss and/or exercise programs and how our program works. Everyone takes an online assessment which is completely confidential. Based on that assessment, a very specific list of dietary supplements is recommended. These are available to purchase either through HealthPointe™ or at local retailers. Together, we establish an exercise program. We recommend gentle exercise, usually walking, which is something almost anyone can do without having to join a health club or buy expensive equipment. We all have pedometers and aim for 10,000 steps a day.”

It is also possible to arrange for genetic testing through HealthPointe™ which can inform decisions about diet and exercise.

For Bea Treleaven, quitting smoking was a wise choice, but gaining weight wasn’t something she had counted on. She joined HealthPointe™ in 2004 and has lost (and kept off) over 40 pounds. Now working as a consultant, she said, “I was educated as a microbiologist, and the fact that this program is good science is what convinced me that it was going to work. Activating weight loss hormones, increasing the metabolic rate—it’s scientifically sound. It’s a structured program, but, at the same time, it’s flexible enough to meet individual needs. I find that the meal plan keeps me from being hungry, and the weight loss and exercise program keeps me energetic and active. And it’s benefited not only me, but also my husband. He’s diabetic, but is on much less insulin since he started the program.”

Quitting smoking also precipitated a weight gain for Barb Szedlak who lost 50 pounds and has kept it off for five years. Now a consultant, Barb said, “I found that I was able to lose weight safely and quickly with HealthPointe™. Along with other changes in my lifestyle, I am at the point where I look and feel better than I have in years. It’s not just a person’s appearance that improves—it’s their whole life. You come in expecting to lose weight. That happens, yes, but HealthPointe™ gives so much more.”

Wahl explained the process,:“After spending time talking one on one, doing the online assessment and sharing the program materials, we recommend one to three days of prep time--keeping a log of food intake and movement, getting used to using a pedometer and learning from the written materials and CDs. After that comes another one- to three-day period of an all-protein diet and beginning the use of dietary supplements. Next is a 28- day food plan which includes not only meals but also frequent snacks to maintain the blood sugar level and keep from feeling hungry. Every day, it’s important to document food intake and exercise. Within limits, you can design your own plan.”

Szedlak added, “The program is flexible and forgiving, but you have to stick to it. I’ve found that keeping the food and exercise log is essential for me; it helps me to stay on track and maintain consistency.”

After the first month, if the client has met his or her goal, foods are added to develop a lifetime maintenance plan. If not, the 28-day cycle is repeated until the target weight is reached.

Weight loss is slow but steady, and personalized attention is key. In-person and phone conversations, occasional group meetings, newsletters and websites help as the pounds come off and behaviors change.

The initial fee of $75 covers consultations, user guide, CDs and written materials, access to the website, a pedometer and the online assessment. Purchasing dietary supplements from HealthPointe™ is optional.

Making the right choices for a healthy, energetic life while losing weight at the same time with a personalized, scientifically based program—“new year; new you” may be just around the corner!

Author: Jane Whittington
Photography: Terri Shaver