Photo: ERIC YOUNGHANS | USF
The USF Healthy Weight Clinic is directed by Dr. Denise Edwards, assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
some kind of counseling to get it right? It’s a good step to take if you can, Agazzi says. That is, if the resources are available and health insurance will cover the expense. But health care providers are increasingly looking at ways to fight the country’s overweight and obesity epidemic. USF’s Healthy Weight Clinic, founded in 2007 by Dr. Denise Edwards, MD ’01, offers a multi-disciplinary approach for children, adolescents and adults with a variety of weight-related problems. Clients have access to a nutritionist, psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatric nurse practitioner and athletic trainer. They get the benefit of physical activity – another vital part of a healthy lifestyle – and also learn about food choices and goal-setting. In USF’s new integrated dietetic internship and master of public health program, students learn to develop and implement advanced nutrition programs that promote health in the community. That includes coming up with a meal plan for a family of four on a budget that meets the dietary guidelines for each family member. “A frequent comment I hear is that eating healthy is too expensive,” Crocker says. “But with a little savvy, and some professional input if you’re not sure how to do it on your own, it can be done.” Those fast-fix diets you hear about on TV are
USF’s Healthy Weight Clinic offers a multi-disciplinary approach for children, adolescents and adults with a variety of weight-related problems. appealing, Ducatel says, but they don’t address the real-life issues that contribute to an individual’s weight gain. Your health professional can help you look at your lifestyle and come up with realistic goals. Want to keep it simple? Focus on being happy with how you feel and being able to get up, get out and do the things you enjoy, Ducatel says. “Be inspired to be a better version of yourself.” n
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