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Weight Management as Part of Your Orthopaedic Care in Canada
Being overweight can affect your recovery from injury or surgery, and can also worsen symptoms in chronic conditions such as arthritis. If you are overweight, moderate weight loss is a good strategy to reduce pain, particularly for hip and knee-related conditions.
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If you are trying to lose weight, aim for a gradual weight loss of no more than 1 pound per week. Avoid fad diets as they may cause you to be undernourished and prolong recovery.
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1 EXTRA POUND = 3-6 POUNDS OF FORCE ON YOUR BONES!
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Tips for Successful Weight Loss:
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Leave your cooking pots on the stove and serve up your meal away from the table to avoid multiple refills
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Ask for a to-go box when you order at a restaurant. Portion sizes are generally large and can be split in two for lunch the next day
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Do your grocery shopping on a full stomach
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Make a grocery list and stick to it
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Shop on the perimeter of the grocery store – where the essentials are!
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Remember that calories from alcohol can add up. E.g., 3 beers = about 500 calories
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Note- you need to burn approximately 3500-4000 calories to lose 1 pound!
Also, keep in mind that being underweight is not healthy either, and can make it harder for the body to heal after injury or surgery.
Talk to a registered dietitian if you are worried about supplements, bone health, constipation, fluid intake, or body weight.
In BC, you can reach a dietitian by calling HealthLinkBC at 811 or visiting www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian/
For more information on healthy eating and nutrition visit the Dietitians of Canada website www.dietitians.ca
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