In the annual tradition of New Year’s resolutions, few things are promised more than losing weight and getting in shape.
But for many, deciding on a gym to join or switching to diet drinks as January kicks off just won’t be enough to make a lasting impact.
“It’s the New Year’s trap they fall into,” said Lydia Sartian, registered dietician and diabetes program coordinator at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs. “They say they’re going to change this, this, this and this and after two weeks, they realize it’s very difficult.”
Though she admits a bias since she’s a dietician herself, Sartian recommends those looking to shed pounds don’t head directly to the gym or start cutting calories without support and advice from professionals. At Baptist Health in Heber Springs, medical nutritional therapy is offered as an outpatient service to patients looking to lose weight who are referred to Sartian by their primary care physician.
“It’s a service that isn’t utilized enough,” Sartian said.
While many patients naturally think of doctors and nurses as the ones to provide counseling for diabetic patients, most hospitals offer programs, classes and counseling for weight loss as well. But patients don’t always think to turn to their doctor’s office to get the dieting help they need.
When Sartian works with patients on weight loss, she focuses on multiple ideas, including meal planning, portion control and cooking methods.
“I have to talk with a lot of patients about portion sizes and especially drinks,” Sartian said. “People don’t realize how many calories are in these drinks. I like to show people a 32-ounce sweet tea or a 12-ounce Dr. Pepper and show how many sugar packets that is.”
At North Metro Medical Center in Jacksonville, employees worked together for a two-month “Get Fit” program that focused on simple, daily goals, said director of employee health education Ella Colvin.
“Employees could earn points by drinking at least 60 ounces of water every day, exercising at least 20 minutes a day, eating 5 fruits or veggies a day and by stopping smoking,” Colvin said.
Employees recorded their progress on forms they turned into Colvin each week. The accountability was what kept many of the employees motivated.
“They’d see me in the cafeteria and say ‘Here’s my fruit and my salad. I’m eating it Ella!,’” Colvin said. “They were aware that I was aware how they wre doing.”
Colvin participated in the program along with her employees, and just like many in the group, she saw her weight drop. It may not have been a quick fix, but having a group where people were accountable each week and had small, realistic goals works, Colvin said.
When people make their yearly resolutions to lose weight, Sartian gets nervous when she overhears people talk about cutting back too much too soon.
“It needs to be a lifestyle change,” Sartian said. “They expect a change overnight, but you have to make it one step at a time.”
Sartian encourages patients to start small, with things like simply reading food labels to realize how many calories are in a snack or drink.
Those who work in the fitness, nutrition and medical industries have long seen big increases in people interested in losing weight at the end of the year.
While any attempt to get in shape is encouraged by dieticians, doctors and trainers, Sartian cautions against starting a new plan without consulting a professional.
“It’s great to make those resolutions, if they only knew how to do it the right way,” Sartian said.
Staff writer Emily Van Zandt can be reached at (501) 399-3688 or evanzandt@arkansasonline.com.