Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) November 3, 2003 -

– Anosos, a leading health and wellness company, profiled 30,000 of its members in October to find out how many people are interested in learning about diabetes. Results from the study revealed that approximately 36% of the profiled members came to Anosos in the last year looking for diabetes help. Of those members interested in learning about diabetes, 28% are looking for diet and nutrition information while 10% are searching for diabetes signs, symptoms and self-screening diagnostic methods. The results from this member study solidified Anosos’ premise that diabetes is a prominent healthcare problem in today’s society of fast food and convenience, which unfortunately dominates the lifestyle choices of the majority. Furthermore, the study shows that people who think that they are at risk for diabetes are actively seeking educational material in conjunction with medically sound diabetes management solutions.

“Many of our members [diabetics] are looking for diet plans that incorporate real foods,” said Dr. Kim Gibson, Chief Medical Officer for Anosos, who has dealt with diabetics for many years in solo-practice. “Our members do not know what a 1500-calorie diet is nor do they know the right foods to eat…they are looking for educational resources that will answer these questions and help them lose weight and lower their blood sugar as well,” reiterated Gibson. Dr. Gibson went on to say that “The Anosos LifePlan [a 12-week weight loss and weight management plan] gives our members the opportunity to learn about their illness and the proper foods they should eat. At Anosos, we hope to change people’s lifestyles through education – and hopefully, make it stick…that is our goal.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 17 million Americans are living with diabetes, and many of them do not even know it. Just over 15% of the population has some form of pre-diabetes, which is a condition that occurs when a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, or adult onset diabetes. Common diabetes signs and symptoms include excess urination, excess thirst, blurred vision, yeast or fungal infections and fatigue. Unfortunately, many people have these symptoms but do not pay any attention to them until diabetic complications arise. Being aware of your body is a key ingredient in preventing diabetes onset and/or stopping the development of complications. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible.

To combat diabetes and help prevent further complications and/or onset, regular exercise and a healthy diet geared towards attaining a normal BMI [Body Mass Index], in addition to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, is prudent. In fact, in a study published in the medical journal Lancet in June 2002, study participants classified with ‘pre-diabetes’ lowered their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 58% through a combination of eating a low-fat low-carb diet and exercising 30 minutes a day. Weight loss through a healthy diet and adequate exercise regimen helps the body properly use insulin, which breaks down blood sugar, or glucose, in the body.

There are several factors that play a significant role in determining your level of risk for diabetes. The risk factors include being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having high cholesterol or blood pressure, your age and having a relative(s) diagnosed with diabetes. The older you are, the higher your risk for diabetes. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned or fit the profile of ‘high risk’, a good first step is to assess your risk by taking the Anosos HealthCheck, a preliminary health questionnaire that asks medically appropriate questions to determine your risk level. We recommend that you print out the results from the HealthCheck and take it with you to your next physician’s appointment. Use the results as a guide to help you get on the right path to living a healthy lifestyle. For further information about diabetes, visit www.anosos.com/diabetes.

About Anosos: Anosos, a leading health and wellness company, was established in 2001 by a small group of physicians and health care professionals seeking realistic weight loss solutions to combat the ever-rising overweight and obese population, in addition to the slue of medical problems caused by excess weight. Due to the lack of resources available in the medical mainstream, Anosos developed the Anosos LifePlan, a 12-week weight loss and weight management program focused on helping individuals obtain a medically healthy weight through delivering personalized diet and exercise plans. The Anosos LifePlan is based upon the belief that education, motivation and accountability are the strongest drivers of a responsible and safe weight management plan. Subsequently, the company’s three main goals are to teach people about their health, to make health a priority through proper diet, exercise and accountability and to develop and offer medically sound products and services that advocate and promote a healthy lifestyle.

###

Contact:

James Williamson

VP, Marketing

w. 941.308.8200

c. 941.586.1347

james@anosos.com

Supporting Graphics:

http://www.anosos.com/Content/CP/Media_Kit.aspx


Note to Editors: Upon request, Dr. Kim Gibson is available for media interviews.

Find More Diabetes Signs Press Releases