Medical Weight Loss Treatments Explained by Experts

The reality is that obesity is not a matter of a person’s lack of willpower. Obesity is a chronic and recurring metabolic disorder caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, the environment, stress and lifestyle. Therefore the reality is that the safest and most effective way to reduce body fat and improve the body’s metabolism is through the use of Medical Weight Loss.

Unlike dieting and the use of weight loss supplements the Medical Weight Loss program is supervised by experts in the field. It is a personalized program. It is a science based program. Most importantly the Medical Weight Loss program is a long term weight loss program.

 

At MyHomeDoc Telehealth we are seeing an increased number of patients who are looking for a structured approach to safely losing weight through the use of a Medical Weight Loss program with the guidance of a physician and the latest treatment options available through the internet for the management of weight loss medications.

 

Let’s now look at what experts are saying about the safest and most effective weight loss options available today.

What Is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical Weight Loss is a physician supervised weight loss program aimed at helping individuals safely reduce body fat through the use of a combination of science based techniques.

The techniques used in a Medical Weight Loss program may include the following:

• Metabolism evaluation
• Lab tests
• Nutritional guidance
• Exercise counseling
• Medications

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 42% of adults in the United States are living with obesity. Losing just 5 to 10% of body weight is a powerful way to combat high blood pressure improve cholesterol profiles and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Experts strongly recommend the use of the Medical Weight Loss program for individuals who are obese with a body mass index of 30 or more. Experts also strongly recommend the use of the Medical Weight Loss program for individuals who are obese with a body mass index of 27 or more and are also diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. Experts also strongly recommend the use of the Medical Weight Loss program for individuals who are unable to successfully diet. Experts also strongly recommend the use of the Medical Weight Loss program for individuals who are diagnosed with hormone and metabolism imbalances.

Why Traditional Dieting Often

Many individuals search for medical weight loss near me after experiencing frustration with diets.

Here’s why diets don’t work:

Metabolic Adaptation

When you lose weight your body will slow down metabolism to conserve energy.

As a result:

Hunger hormones will increase

Energy levels will decrease

Weight loss will be regained

Hormonal Resistance

Those with insulin resistance, PCOS, thyroid issues and menopause make it more challenging to lose weight.

Without medical weight loss these issues will continue.

Muscle Loss Rather Than Fat Loss

Dieting too quickly leads to muscle loss.

Medical Weight Loss helps individuals lose weight without losing muscle.

Core Components of a Medical Weight Loss Program

Experts agree that effective weight loss programs should combine multiple components.

Comprehensive Medical Evaluation

In this step individuals will learn what is causing weight gain.

Commonly performed medical weight loss evaluations include:

• Body composition
• A1C and fasting glucose
• Lipid panel
• Thyroid panel
• Hormone panel

Medications that contribute to weight gain like antidepressants and steroids will be adjusted.

Personalized Nutrition Therapy

No single weight loss program is best for everyone.

Instead medical weight loss programs may incorporate:

• High protein diets
• Mediterranean diets
• Low carbohydrate diets
• Calorie controlled diets
• Structured meal plans

Protein is an essential part of weight loss. Studies show that increasing protein intake will preserve muscle mass and satisfy hunger.

Exercise Therapy

Experts recommend:

150+ minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week

Resistance training 2 to 3 per week

Resistance training is crucial to prevent muscle loss and boost metabolism.

Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) increases patient compliance.

Patients can:

• Manage emotional eating
• Improve sleep
• Reduce stress triggers

The combined approach enables patients to attain medical weight loss.

FDA Approved Medications in Medical Weight Loss

The use of medications in weight loss is often viewed in a negative light. Nevertheless when appropriately utilized in a medical weight loss program medications are a potent weapon in the fight for weight loss.

GLP1 and Dual Agonist Medications

These medications are designed to replicate the action of natural hormones in the body.

Research trials indicate that:

These medications lead to an average weight loss of 10 to 15% when using semaglutide

Average weight loss of 15 to 22% when using tirzepatide

These medications function in a manner that minimizes hunger and slows down the rate of gastric emptying.

The use of weight loss medications for patients has been made possible through telemedicine.

Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion)

Contrave weight loss medication functions in a manner that regulates appetite.

It is particularly useful in the treatment of:

• Emotional eating
• Food cravings
• Stress induced overeating

Research trials indicate that this medication leads to an average weight reduction of 5 to 9%.

For some patients this weight loss medication is more appropriate than injectable medications.

Phentermine Based Treatments

Stimulants function in a manner that reduces appetite.

These medications are usually short term and are usually part of a medical weight loss program.

Orlistat

The drug works in a manner that blocks the absorption of fats in the gastrointestinal tract.

The drug is not as popular as other weight loss medications due to its adverse effects.

Online and Telehealth Based Medical Weight Loss

The healthcare industry is changing. Today patients are searching for medical weight loss near me. The trend towards telemedicine has been embraced as a better alternative.

Patients can now:

Complete their consultations through telemedicine

Undergo lab tests

Take their weight loss medications online

Attend follow-up sessions at home

With virtual programs individuals can take advantage of a structured Medical Weight Loss program with physician oversight.

Such a system is also convenient for busy working individuals or those in rural areas.

Non Surgical Medical Weight Loss Procedures

Not all medical weight loss programs involve drugs.

Intragastric Balloon

A balloon is placed in the stomach via endoscopy.

Individuals lose 10 to 15% of their body weight in six months.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

It’s a minimally invasive procedure that reduces stomach size.

Average weight loss: 15 to 20%.

Such programs are for selected individuals.

Medical Weight Loss vs Bariatric Surgery

Although bariatric surgery results in a higher percentage of weight loss it also comes with a higher risk.

Medical Weight Loss typically results in:

5 to 22% body weight reduction.

Bariatric surgery results in:

25 to 35% body weight reduction.

However most individuals prefer medical weight loss as a precursor to bariatric surgery.

Safety and Side Effects

All medical interventions come with risks.

Medications for medical weight loss come with several risks including:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Increased heart rate

That’s why it’s always recommended to work with a qualified medical expert either in a physical office or via medical weight loss near me.

Long Term Maintenance After Weight Loss

Individuals tend to regain their weight after stopping their medical weight loss programs.

According to studies hormonal changes cause individuals to regain their weight after losing it.

To maintain your results you should:

Continue to exercise with weights.

Continue to take enough protein.

Continue to take medications.

Have a quarterly review.

Individuals who adhere to this program have a higher likelihood of successfully completing medical weight loss.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

Medications for medical weight loss come with a price.

If you don’t have insurance you could end up paying as much as $900 for a GLP1 receptor agonist medication.

Contrave an average cost of $99 to $200 monthly depending on insurance coverage is an example of weight loss medication.

When patients look for medical weight loss near me they should also consider the following:

Does insurance cover obesity treatment?

Is prior authorization required?

Are lab tests included in the cost?

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Medical Weight Loss?

If you are considering Medical Weight Loss you may be an ideal candidate if:

You are above 30 BMI.

You are dealing with other conditions related to your weight.

Diet and exercise alone have failed.

You are looking for a more organized approach to your health.

Patients who are insulin resistant often report dramatic improvements in their energy level.

Patients often report an increase in sleep, reduction of pain and an increase in self confidence.

Final Thoughts from Experts 

Obesity is a complex condition that has biological, behavioral and environmental components. 

Medical Weight Loss offers a comprehensive weight loss program that addresses all three. 

Regardless of whether it is through an in-person appointment or online weight loss medication new technology allows for safe medical weight loss without restrictive dieting. 

If you are looking for medical weight loss near me it is essential that you find a comprehensive program that offers nutrition, medication, strength training and behavioral modification. 

Not only can medical weight loss transform your body but it can change your metabolism. The right strategy with the right support can lead to a new and improved you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not losing weight despite dieting and exercising?

If you are experiencing this you may be resistant to your hormones. Medical Weight Loss will help you identify the cause of your inability to lose weight whether it is insulin resistance or other conditions.

Is online weight loss medication safe?

Yes it is safe as long as you are getting your medication from licensed healthcare professionals who are keeping an eye on your lab tests and your medication’s side effects.

How can I find reliable medical weight loss near me?

Look for board certified providers, structured programs, lab testing and evidence based medication. Telehealth options are also safe. 

Does Contrave weight loss medication work for emotional eating? 

Yes Contrave weight loss medication targets brain pathways that are responsible for cravings and reward. Therefore it can help with emotional eating. 

How long does it take to achieve medical weight loss results? 

It generally takes 8 to 12 weeks for patients to see results. The goal for any weight loss program is 1 to 2 pounds per week. 

This article is intended for educational purposes only. Please consult a physician.