What you need to know about medically assisted weight loss now
Obesity plagues on average 7 in 10 American adults according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weight loss is difficult for many people and studies show that only 1 in 5 adults in the United States successfully lose weight on traditional exercise and diet programs. Unless you have been living under a rock, you have seen all over the news and online many celebrities and regular people miraculously losing weight faster than ever before. What has been revealed is that many of these people are utilizing medical assistance to achieve their weight loss goals.
What is medically assisted weight loss?
Medically assisted weight loss involves the use of medical interventions, under the supervision of healthcare professionals, to help individuals lose weight. This approach is often recommended for those who have struggled with weight loss through diet and exercise alone, or for individuals with obesity and obesity-related health conditions. Under the supervision of a medical team that may include a dietician, nurse practitioner, physician or therapist, these patients recieve a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss that includes meal planning, behavioral therapy, medication, physical activity and in some cases surgery.
Prescription Medication
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting the public by ensuring safety, security and efficacy of human drugs. Some medications have been approved by the FDA to treat obesity and are available for medically assisted weight loss. Some of these medications include:
Trizepatide (Zepound, Monjaro)
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wergovy, Rybelsus)
Pentermine (Pro-Fast, Lomaira, Adipex-P)
Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
Orlistat (Xenical. Alli- available over the counter without a prescription)
Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave)
Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Healthcare provider or team weight loss assistance
Weight loss under the supervision of a healthcare provider drastically increases the chances of losing weight successfully. These professionals offer expertise while providing support and accountability through out your weight loss process. A nurse practitioner, physician assistant or doctor can prescribe medication, provide assistance with meal planning, offer health education and provide referrals to other professionals such as surgeons if surgery is recommended. Excess weight gain may also be linked to habits, emotions and choices. Multiple failed weight loss attempts can also contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. A mental health professional can provide counseling and behavioral therapy to help you overcome emotional barriers and teach alternative coping mechanisms through behavior modification strategies.
Surgery and Devices
There are a range of procedures for medically assisted weight loss that include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding. Medical devices such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and medication-like devices like Plenity may be used to assist with weight loss. These options must be inserted surgically or are not absorbed by the body. These procedures have risks that include malnutrition and surgical complications. If you are interested in these options, talk to your primary care provider for possible referrals.
What to expect with a medically assisted weight loss program
Just as you are not identical to anyone else, you should expect a unique program that is tailored to your medical history, goals and preferences. All patients are not candidates for weight loss medications due to safety contraindications. If you meet the qualifications for medication, sustainable weight loss will include changes in physical activity and diet as well.
To begin any program, you should expect an initial assessment by a provider to evaluate your weight, vital signs and medical and family history. They should ask questions about your exercise routine, eating habits, current medications and medical history to ensure any options you chose are safe and appropriate. You should be offered a program that includes dietary and physical activity adjustments and ongoing monitoring and follow-up.
Get started with medically assisted weight loss with Tiffany Adult Wellness and Weight loss
With Tiffany Adult Wellness and Weight loss you can find a licensed provider to help you meet your weight loss goals. Schedule your initial appointment for help and support through Tiffany Adult Wellness and Weight loss today.