The Benefits of Medically Supervised Weight Loss

I need to lose weight, but how do I choose a weight-loss program?

This is an important decision. Begin prioritizing your health by consulting with a trusted healthcare provider. Ask for their advice based on your overall wellness needs and goals. Take time to research the available programs in your area considering their reputation and whether they’re using an evidence-based approach. Consider how these programs will provide you with sustainable habits you can use for a lifetime. You want a program that won’t just help you lose weight but will educate you on maintaining your weight loss long term.

Can you explain how medical weight loss works?

Medical weight loss is based on a medically supervised model. The fundamentals are medical evaluation including an assessment of your health history, current medication, vital signs, body composition, and metabolic rate. These elements then help a medical provider tailor a program that’s specific to your needs and that addresses any underlying health concerns. Many of these medically supervised programs will include an individualized meal plan. That plan should include proteins, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and portion control. It may also include nutritional supplements formulated for weight loss. The program you choose should include exercise guidance, goal-oriented behavioral counseling, self-monitoring, stress management, and weekly medical oversight by a qualified healthcare providers who will monitor your progress, assess any health concerns, and adjust your treatment plan if needed to ensure safety and efficacy. The most successful weight-loss programs offer ongoing support from staff members who will offer guidance, encouragement, and motivation to help you stay committed.

What difference does medical supervision make?

Medical weight loss offers you the guidance of a healthcare professional who can provide you with comprehensive care that’s truly tailored to you and your unique needs. This dedicated provider will oversee your progress, manage your medications, and address your medical concerns, so you know your weight-loss journey is conducted in a safe, supportive way.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Typically our patients lose 10 pounds the first week followed by a steady rate of approximately two pounds per week. This gradual pace of eight to 10 pounds per month allows time for you to develop sustainable habits for long-term maintenance.

Do you recommend weight-loss drugs? Which ones? And how are they different from drugs I can buy online?

We prescribe FDA-approved weight-loss drugs Phentermine, Wegovy, Zepbound, and others. But we don’t give medication to any patient until after a careful review of their health history. As with any medication, weight-loss medication can potentially cause side effects such as diarrhea, stomach discomfort, bloating, headaches, and in the rarest cases, more serious effects (although many individuals have no side effects at all). With medical weight loss you have a healthcare provider partnering with you, monitoring your progress, adjusting your prescriptions as needed, and promptly addressing any concerns that arise. You don’t get all of this from an online seller, and this can be dangerous.