DURHAM, N.C., Nov. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wellspring, a premier provider of weight loss treatment services for youth, adults, and families, released a statement in response to the 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults published recently by the American Heart Association. The guidelines were a collaboration of the American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, American College of Cardiology and The Obesity Society.
Wellspring applauds the AHA/ACC/TOS on their recognition of the tremendous amount of scientific research that has been conducted since the release of the last guidelines 15 years ago. We are particularly gratified by the guidelines' stressing of the importance and effectiveness of behavioral and lifestyle interventions in treating obesity, as these have been the cornerstone of Wellspring's approach since our inception. In addition, the fact that the guidelines now acknowledge that possession of a single risk factor is enough for an individual to benefit from weight loss – meaning many more stand to benefit than previously thought – is heartening as well.
The updated guidelines recommend that obesity be managed and treated like a disease, and that struggling individuals are more likely to stay on track when guided by a trained professional in a healthcare setting. While periodic visits to a family physician can certainly put overweight and obese individuals on the right track to better health, many individuals have found immersion weight loss methods combined with ongoing support to provide better and lasting results. In fact, the guidelines themselves stress the efficacy of such high intensity lifestyle interventions.
Wellspring youth and adult programs utilize scientifically-based nutrition and fitness interventions, as well as individualized cognitive behavior therapy to help participants lose weight and improve overall health. We also offer several options for high-quality, accessible continuing care after participants leave our programs and get settled back into their everyday routines.
While the updated guidelines include a roadmap to help patients lose weight and keep it off, our experience has shown that most people who come to our facilities have been exposed to a variety of weight loss programs but been unsuccessful in their attempts to lose weight and keep it off. It is Wellspring's experience that a simple, scientific and sustainable approach to weight loss is necessary for long term weight management. What is missing in the fight against obesity is psychological intervention addressing the underlying issues contributing to obesity.
We believe the updated guidelines will increase awareness about the risks associated with being overweight or obese and hopefully result in more individuals seeking treatment. Many of our participants have found Wellspring through the recommendation of their doctors, and certainly, more conversations between at-risk individuals and their healthcare providers are undoubtedly a good thing. Our mission is to provide a safe, research-based alternative for those individuals seeking a sustainable and healthy way of living that helps them minimize weight associated health risks – often times without requiring medication.
About Wellspring
Wellspring is a proud member of CRC Health Group, the nation's leading provider of treatment and educational programs for adults and youth who are struggling with obesity, behavioral issues, chemical dependency, eating disorders, obesity, pain management, or learning disabilities. For more than 30 years, our treatment philosophy and exceptional care have enabled our clients to reclaim and enrich their lives. For more information, visit www.structurehouse.com and www.wellspringcamps.com.