Obesity is a chronic medical condition defined by excessive body fat that increases the risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers. Beyond these physical risks, obesity can also impact mobility, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
Because obesity is influenced by factors beyond diet and exercise, such as hormones, metabolism, genetics, and gut health, effective treatment requires a comprehensive and individualized approach.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Kimberley Shine, MD, utilizes integrative and functional medicine to help patients identify the underlying causes of weight gain and develop lasting strategies for long-term success. By combining medical expertise with compassionate support, she empowers patients to achieve healthier lives.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Obesity often results from a combination of biological, environmental, and lifestyle influences. Common contributing factors include:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, or cortisol dysfunction.
- Gut Health Issues: Poor digestion, microbiome imbalances, or nutrient absorption problems.
- Genetics: Family history of obesity or metabolic concerns.
- Medications: Certain drugs may promote weight gain.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, and high stress.
Identifying these underlying drivers is crucial for developing effective long-term treatment plans.
Health Risks Linked to Obesity
Carrying excess weight can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Heart disease and stroke
- Sleep apnea and breathing disorders
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Fatty liver disease
- Increased risk of certain cancers
By addressing obesity early, patients can reduce their risk for these conditions and improve both quality of life and longevity.
How Obesity Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis goes beyond the scale. Evaluation may include:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Measuring weight in relation to height.
- InBody Analysis: Assessing body fat percentage, visceral fat, and muscle mass.
- Laboratory Testing: Checking for hormone imbalances, thyroid function, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Comprehensive Health Review: Examining lifestyle, diet, sleep, and stress management.
This in-depth process ensures that treatment is tailored to each patient’s unique health profile.
Treatment Options for Obesity
Effective obesity treatment requires more than quick fixes. It’s about creating lasting change. At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment plans may include:
- Medical Weight Loss Programs: Physician-supervised strategies using safe, evidence-based approaches.
- GLP-1 Medications: Options such as semaglutide and tirzepatide to regulate appetite and support weight loss.
- Nutritional Counseling: Personalized diet plans to promote fat loss and improve overall health.
- Lifestyle Coaching: Guidance on exercise, stress management, and sleep optimization.
- Supplement Support: Targeted vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to improve metabolism and gut health.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing inflammation, insulin resistance, and root causes of obesity.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins to track progress and adapt treatment as needed.
This multifaceted approach helps patients lose weight safely and maintain their results long-term.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, has more than a decade of experience and a passion for helping patients take control of their health. She believes the doctor-patient relationship is central to success and combines conventional medical care with integrative and functional medicine to address the symptoms of obesity and underlying causes.
At Shine Health and Wellness, patients also benefit from a collaborative team that includes skilled nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to weight management that enables patients to achieve sustainable health improvements.
Start Working Toward Better Health Today
Obesity can impact nearly every aspect of your life, but with the right care, it can be effectively managed. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide personalized, evidence-based weight loss plans. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.