WHAT ARE THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO EXCESS WEIGHT AND OBESITY?
Being overweight and obese are often the result of an issue related to anxiety and compulsion in dealing with today’s demands.
On the other hand, unhealthy eating patterns and a sedentary lifestyle are also two of the factors responsible for the gradual increase in weight. Such lifestyle practices do not support the foundations required for a healthy body and mind.
There is a widespread belief that being overweight is connected with endocrine problems, but in reality, only a small fraction of obese people has endocrine pathology.
CONSULTATION FOR WEIGHT LOSS
During a consultation for Weight Loss, the patient’s lifestyle, eating pattern, whether he/she has compulsion disorder, how much weight was gained, whether any situations occurred in his/her life when he/she started gaining weight. Thus, among other elements, the following will be evaluated:
- emotional stress;
- menopause onset;
- psychiatric medication use;
- patient dietary pattern assessment.
A diagnosis will be made based on the consultation, and a personalized treatment plan will be created.
WHAT IS THE RATE OF SUCCESS WITH THE WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTATION?
According to Dr. Carolina Lalanda, Specialist in Endocrinology at LMR Plastic Surgery, “We see a variety of patients at our practice, and everybody is very different from each other”.
We have patients who have experienced traumatic events in their lives and have gained 30, 40, and 50 kilos and we also have patients who gained 5, 6, and 7 kilos post menopause and have difficulty losing weight. We have many gratifying success stories. Weight loss varies from person to person. A patient who has more weight to lose will easily lose more weight at the beginning of treatment.
But ultimately the goal is to help our patients make lifestyle changes and cultivate a healthy relationship with food so that they can maintain their results long term. Most patients who come to the consultation have been unsuccessful at maintaining their weight.
WILL I REGAIN THE LOST WEIGHT?
The goal of the treatment is to maintain weight over the long term. A nutrition and medication management program that addresses binge eating as well as body and mind balance is very helpful in treating it.
Patients end up with a healthier relationship with food after six to eight months of treatment which most of the times is enough to develop new eating habits and routines. Many patients have been able to create a new healthy lifestyle on their own and feel very confident. There are many success stories.
IS LIFETIME CONSULTATIONS REQUIRED FOR WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENT?
People are unique, so there is no set protocol. A patient with severe binge eating disorder will require longer follow-up than someone with just a few extra pounds because of occasional indulgences.
The goal of any weight loss treatment is for patients to be able to be independent, not rely on medication, completely change their relationship with food and not require further consultations.
Specialist Doctors

About
Dr. Daniela Salazar / Endocrinologist
Portuguese Medical Association, registration no. 60372, Endocrinologist.
Dr. Daniela Salazar completed her Master’s Degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto.
She specializes in Endocrinology.
Her main areas of interest include healthy weight loss and the treatment of the menopause.

About
Dr. Joana Gomes / General and Family Medicine
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Medical license Nrº 56279, specialist in General and Family Medicine.
Dr. Joana Gomes, a specialist in General and Family Medicine, completed her master’s degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Beira Interior in 2013 and completed her speciality in General and Family Medicine at the Lisbon Central Health Centre Group in 2019.
During his specific training, he did an internship at the Endocrinology department of the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central and completed an intensive course in behaviour change counselling.


About
Dr. Carolina Lalanda / Endocrinologist
Order of Physicians No. 46385
Dr. Carolina Lalanda graduated from Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Lisboa and earned a degree in Endocrinology at Hospital de Santa Maria in 2015. She has dedicated 10 years to the study and treatment of endocrine and metabolic imbalances, with an emphasis on weight loss. Menopause is often associated with weight gain. It has become a growing problem in our fast-paced society. Due to this common issue, Dr. Carolina has dedicated a large part of her career to this topic.

FAQ about
Weight Loss
What is BMI?
The BMI (Body Mass Index) is a calculation used to quickly identify whether a person is underweight, at ideal weight, overweight or obese.
To calculate the BMI we just have to divide the weight (Kg) by the square of the height (m2). For example, a person who weighs 60 kg and is 1.65 m tall has a BMI of 22.06 – 60/ (1.65 x 1.65).
What is the difference between being overweight and obese?
Having more body fat than is considered normal and healthy is associated with being overweight or suffering from obesity. Normal weight is defined as having a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. Above this level is already considered excess weight. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese, and a BMI of 40 or higher is considered morbidly obese.
What are the risks associated with being overweight?
Obesity and being overweight are linked with the development of serious chronic disorders such as diabetes, heart and lung problems, joint degeneration, and intestinal issues. They are also linked to emotional issues like isolation, relationship difficulties, insecurity, and low self-esteem.
What is the best way to lose weight?
Ideally, the best approach to losing weight would be to have a well-balanced diet and to be physically active regularly. However, for various reasons, it is not always possible and many people require professional help to get where they want and need to be. The important thing is that you seek professional help and take the first step. Choosing the right approach for addressing obesity and excess weight problems is critical, and professional assistance is vital. There are several therapeutic approaches to treating excess weight and obesity. During the endocrinology appointment, the best treatment approach for the patient will be determined.
What is the difference between this consultation and other weight loss treatments?
The consultation for weight loss doesn’t promise miracles and rapid weight loss and it’s not a one-size-fits-all miracle solution. Each patient goes through a 360°degree assessment to receive personalized treatment. During the assessment, various factors are considered: lifestyle, eating habits, mood, the reason for weight gain, reproductive phase, and any medications being taken. These are crucial variables to consider.
When I stop the medication, will I gain the weight back and potentially more?
A patient on therapy for weight loss will not have the medication stopped abruptly, and the treatment will last at least 6, 7, or 8 months. In addition, patients receive nutritional guidance during treatment. During this time, patients acquire new eating habits and routines. When medication reduction begins, it occurs naturally and gradually, and patients have already established new eating habits and routines without realizing it.
Is the endocrinology consultation enough to lose weight? What else can I do?
The Endocrinology Consultation is the starting point for weight loss.
Weight loss should always be accompanied by a well-balanced diet plan and physical exercise. A balanced diet plan and physical exercise should always be included as part of a person’s daily routine if he or she wishes to maintain a stable weight and be in good health both physically and mentally. LMR Plastic Surgery offers non-invasive procedures for improving the look of the body, particularly cellulite, sagging, and localized fat deposits. These procedures are an addition to the weight loss programs.
How much weight can I lose and how long will it take?
Each patient has different goals, and each patient will respond differently. A patient who has a lot of weight to lose will lose more weight initially and a patient who has less weight to lose will drop at a slower rate. What matters is making progress and maintaining the results long-term.
Are weight loss results guaranteed?
Patients who strictly adhere to the therapy and diet program should lose weight. Patient data, such as weight and measurements, are recorded at every appointment to track progress and ensure everything is moving in the right direction. If progress is not being made, it’s imperative to discuss with patients the reasons for this. Some patients achieve results more slowly than others, but they always achieve results.