Excess body weight poses serious and concerning health risks. If you’re struggling to lose the weight, OB/GYN and weight loss specialist Sheila D. Pongnon, MD, and Arlie Massillon, PA, provide effective and personalized weight management programs to assist you in achieving a healthy weight at Westchester Women’s Medical Healthcare. The knowledgeable team is fully aware that successful weight management encompasses nutritional counseling, stress management, medications, and other personalized methods. Book your consultation or call either office in Mount Vernon or Spring Valley, New York, today.
Welcome to Numetra! —a program that will help you lose weight and live a healthy life for years to come! We’re glad you’re here and ready to begin. At Westchester Women’s Medical Healthcare we believe in following the evidence. Decades of research prove that medically supervised meal replacement plans are one of the safest, most viable strategies for weight management, in combination with exercise, nutrition and behavioral strategies that we will teach you along the way. The Numetra program will accelerate your weight loss and lead you on the road to a healthy lifestyle.
For best results, you need to commit to all four phases of the Program. Think of it as your journey to a lifetime of improved health and wellbeing. Weight management is a lifelong process.
Screening Phase 1
Through a comprehensive history and physical exam, our medical provider will determine your readiness and needs. Lab work and an EKG may be performed. Medications are adjusted as needed.
You’ll discuss an appropriate program with the doctor and nutritionist to set realistic goals.
Reduction Phase 2
During this time of rapid weight loss, Numetra products may be your only food, or they may be combined with healthy meals, depending upon your prescribed plan. The products are nutritionally complete, but they supply fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its current form. Other needed calories come from your body’s fat stores.
Adapting Phase 3
During this phase, you will gradually decrease the use of the Numetra products and begin to add more grocery food to your daily diet. The calories you consume will be adjusted so that you stop losing, but continue to manage your weight effectively.
Sustaining Phase 4
In the Sustaining Phase of the program, you’ll be eating grocery foods and practicing your new lifestyle and weight management skills under the guidance of the Westchester Women’s Medical Healthcare support staff. You’ll continue to work with a clinician to adjust your calories and meal plan so you can maintain your new body weight and meet your nutritional needs. During the Sustaining Phase, it’s important to continue attending your scheduled visits. A combination of regular activity, sensible eating and support from others can help you maintain your weight loss.
Numetra is a “state of the science” product line that was developed as the result of a comprehensive review of recent academic research. The products include synergistic ingredients that help promote optimal metabolism for active weight loss.
Numetra Products contain:
Typical rates of protein digestion:
What kind of diet will I follow?
During the Reducing Phase of the program, all participants follow a prescribed diet consisting of Numetra products. This high protein, low carbohydrate diet causes the body to burn fat for energy. Since VLCDs produce rapid weight loss, medical supervision is necessary.
How does this diet help me lose body fat?
Ordinarily, your body uses glucose from carbohydrates in your diet for fuel (energy). When calories are limited your body starts burning fat. The fat is released into the bloodstream and travels to the liver where it is converted to ketones. The ketones are then released back into the bloodstream where they are picked up by other tissues such as muscle and used for energy. This process is called ketosis.
Why is protein important?
To help meet its energy needs, your body can use protein, either from dietary sources or from body tissues, like muscle and organs. Obviously, it’s healthier to get the energy from the protein in the diet. Without the added protein from Numetra products, your body would break down its own muscle and organ tissues. Such a breakdown can result in serious health consequences, even death. You need to take in enough dietary protein to “spare” your muscles and organs.
Aren’t carbohydrates and fat also important?
Yes, both carbohydrates and fat are important but present at lower levels than typically seen in moderately reduced-calorie diets. A minimal amount of carbohydrates is required to make energy for your cells which are unable to use ketones. Carbohydrates help spare protein and are also important to maintain electrolyte and fluid balance. A moderate amount of fat provides essential fatty acids, which are needed for good health.
How much does the Numetra Program cost?
The actual cost depends upon the meal plan you are prescribed and how many daily meal replacements you will be consuming as part of that plan. Keep in mind, that this will be replacing the food you eat now. So, ask yourself, “How much do I actually spend on food now?” Not just at the grocery store; include restaurants, fast food, convenience store snacks, ice cream, special-occasion food…everything. Be honest with yourself.
Will I be hungry?
Most clients in the program report that their hunger lessens or disappears after the first few days on the meal plan. There are several theories as to why this may occur; however, there is no definitive reason. Some evidence suggests that ketones reduce the feeling of hunger. Others suggest that when patients eat only a few foods instead of a variety, their appetite may be diminished. It is also possible that high protein, low carbohydrate foods, such as Numetra products, may curb appetite.
What are the health benefits of losing weight?
For overweight individuals, losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of initial body weight can improve health by lowering high blood pressure, blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels
How do I know what to eat on the program?
The number of Numetra meal replacement products, meals and snacks that you can eat depends on your daily calorie needs. The Westchester Women’s team will help tailor an eating plan that’s right for you. To make meal planning easier, you’ll learn how to choose your foods based on the Food Lists for Diabetes & Weight Management, a meal planning system that can be applied for life. This system eliminates calorie counting, yet ensures that your meals are nutritionally balanced and meet your calorie needs.
