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Want To Lose Weight. Diagnosed With Spina Bifida. Any Suggestion?

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Posted on Mon, 29 Apr 2013
Question: Im wanting to lose weight and...I was needing some help..i have Spina Bifida (im not sure if you know what it is so ill explain) its where part of the spine doesnt close all the way when in the womb..but anyways ive tried losing weight before and wasnt able to but a few
pounds..im 5'1 and a female and 19 years old and am sedentary as i cant walk so only kind of exercise i ever do i
wheeling around in wheelchair..so if i can get help thatll be great!..thanks so much in advance!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Hi, thanks of using healthcare magic

Losing weight can be challenging for anyone. Weight loss requires an energy deficit where the energy entering the body ( food or drink) is less than the energy the body puts out (in exercise and activity).

It is actually easier to lose weight by modifying your energy intake than energy output. This is because an energy deficit (output more than input) of 500 calories requires , in most cases, an hour or more of exercise whereas small dietary changes can also produce this deficit.
Exercise and activity plays a role in general fitness, heart strength and keeping the weight off once it has been lost. In terms of exercises you may need to purchase weights and stretch bands that would allow for upper body exercises. The bands would also helps with lower body exercises.



So to lose weight, you would need to look at what you eat or drink and modify it.
The two main types of diets are the low fat/low calorie diet and the low carbohydrate diet.

Both diets require that you eliminate any sodas and fruit juices because these are high in calories. Water should be used instead.
In the low fat /low calorie diet you would use low fat products instead of high fat. This would mean low fat milk/cheeses/dressings and mayonaise, avoid frying, use a healthy oil if necessary, increase the use of fruits and vegetables so that they are at least half of the plate of each main meal and a part of any snack used between main meals.

In the low carb diet the premise is that carbohydrates stimulate the body to produce insulin . Insulin , in addition to reducing the blood sugar, also stops fat from breaking down. So by reducing the amount of insulin released, it would result in an increase in fat breakdown and weight loss.


The low carb diet requires the elimination of rice/pasta/bread/biscuits/breakfast cereals/high carbohydrate fruits and vegetables.
Persons are allowed to use milk, eggs, hard cheeses such as cheddar (4 ounces a day), soft cheeses such as ricotta (2 oz a day), 2 salads a day, one set of low carbohydrate vegetables a day, unlimited protein.

Both diets can be successful though the low carb tends to cause faster initial weight loss.
You can choose which would better suit your lifestyle.

A exercise therapist may have information on the types of exercise that is appropriate.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Want To Lose Weight. Diagnosed With Spina Bifida. Any Suggestion?

Hi, thanks of using healthcare magic

Losing weight can be challenging for anyone. Weight loss requires an energy deficit where the energy entering the body ( food or drink) is less than the energy the body puts out (in exercise and activity).

It is actually easier to lose weight by modifying your energy intake than energy output. This is because an energy deficit (output more than input) of 500 calories requires , in most cases, an hour or more of exercise whereas small dietary changes can also produce this deficit.
Exercise and activity plays a role in general fitness, heart strength and keeping the weight off once it has been lost. In terms of exercises you may need to purchase weights and stretch bands that would allow for upper body exercises. The bands would also helps with lower body exercises.



So to lose weight, you would need to look at what you eat or drink and modify it.
The two main types of diets are the low fat/low calorie diet and the low carbohydrate diet.

Both diets require that you eliminate any sodas and fruit juices because these are high in calories. Water should be used instead.
In the low fat /low calorie diet you would use low fat products instead of high fat. This would mean low fat milk/cheeses/dressings and mayonaise, avoid frying, use a healthy oil if necessary, increase the use of fruits and vegetables so that they are at least half of the plate of each main meal and a part of any snack used between main meals.

In the low carb diet the premise is that carbohydrates stimulate the body to produce insulin . Insulin , in addition to reducing the blood sugar, also stops fat from breaking down. So by reducing the amount of insulin released, it would result in an increase in fat breakdown and weight loss.


The low carb diet requires the elimination of rice/pasta/bread/biscuits/breakfast cereals/high carbohydrate fruits and vegetables.
Persons are allowed to use milk, eggs, hard cheeses such as cheddar (4 ounces a day), soft cheeses such as ricotta (2 oz a day), 2 salads a day, one set of low carbohydrate vegetables a day, unlimited protein.

Both diets can be successful though the low carb tends to cause faster initial weight loss.
You can choose which would better suit your lifestyle.

A exercise therapist may have information on the types of exercise that is appropriate.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions