How to Determine if Medical Weight Loss is Right for You
Learn if medical weight loss products – such as GLP-1 RAs, SGLT2 inhibitors or weight-loss medications – are the right choice for you.
Embarking on a weight loss journey is a personal decision that can significantly impact your health and well-being. While traditional methods like diet and exercise are often the first steps, some individuals may benefit from medical weight loss approaches.
What Is Medical Weight Loss?
Before we get into which one might be right for your weight loss journey, let’s first define what medical weight loss means. In most cases medical weight loss means weight loss or weight management strategies prescribed and supervised by healthcare professionals.
There are many medical weight loss options:
1. Prescription Medications
You found this article while searching for more information on weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. Prescription weight loss medications can be a tool that reduces appetite and makes you feel full faster. They can also increase your metabolism, so you burn more calories.
Some of these include:
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) mimic a hormone that regulates appetite, so you feel full with less food.
- Combination Drugs: Medications like phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) combine an appetite suppressant with a seizure/migraine drug that has weight loss side effects.
- Lipase Inhibitors: Orlistat (Xenical) blocks the absorption of some dietary fat.
2. Specialized Diet Plans
Medical weight loss often includes customized diet plans designed by healthcare professionals. These could be a VLCD (very low-calorie diet) where caloric intake is severely restricted or a meal replacement plan.
These are more restrictive than regular diets and require close monitoring to ensure nutritional needs are met. They’re part of a comprehensive program that includes lifestyle changes and medical supervision.
3. Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is part of many medical weight loss programs.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing can help you identify and change unhealthy behaviors, develop coping strategies for stress and emotional eating, and set realistic goals for long-term success. These therapies can also address underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to weight gain.
4. Surgical Interventions
In cases of severe obesity or when other methods have failed, weight loss surgery may be considered:
- Gastric Bypass: This procedure creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine, so you eat less and absorb less.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This surgery removes a large portion of the stomach, so you eat less, and hunger hormones are altered.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch – resulting in a faster feeling of “fullness” and reduced intake.
Whatever the method, the end result is the same – to help you lose unwanted body weight in a healthy and sustainable way, when diet and exercise aren’t enough.
Is Medical Weight Loss For You?
A healthy lifestyle and regular exercise are the best ways to maintain weight, but many individuals struggle to reach their weight goals on their own. But how do you know medical weight loss is for you?
You've Tried Traditional Methods
If you’ve tried to lose weight through diet and exercise without sustainable results, medical intervention might be an added support.
Your BMI is in the Obese Range
A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. At this point, medical weight loss might be more beneficial.
You Have Weight-Related Health Conditions
Weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea that are caused by weight may require a medical approach to weight loss.
You Struggle With Hormonal Issues
Some hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism or PCOS make weight loss difficult. Medical weight loss can address these underlying factors.
Emotional or Psychological Factors Are Involved
If stress, anxiety or depression is part of your weight struggles, a comprehensive medical approach that includes mental health support might be helpful.
You Need Structure and Accountability
Medical weight loss programs have regular check-ins and support which can be key to long term success.
Before You Start Medical Weight Loss
While medical weight loss can work, you should speak with your doctor or medical professional to make sure you take all the precautions and make the best decisions for your health.
Some things to consider before you start medical weight loss:
- Your Overall Health: Some medical weight loss methods may not be suitable for everyone. A full health assessment is required.
- Commitment Level: Medical weight loss requires a big commitment to appointments, potential medication and lifestyle changes.
- Cost: Some medical weight loss options may not be covered by insurance. Consider the cost.
- Long Term Sustainability: Ask your healthcare provider how any treatment fits into your long term health plan.
Remember: It's About Health, Not Just Weight
It's crucial to approach weight loss from a health-focused perspective rather than solely aesthetics. Medical weight loss isn't about achieving a certain body type, but about improving your overall health and quality of life. Because when you feel good on the inside, it will reflect on the outside!
At Zovi, we believe in empowering individuals with information to make the best decisions for their health. If you're considering medical weight loss, we encourage you to have an open, honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your options.
Remember, your journey to better health is unique, and there's no shame in seeking additional support when needed. Whether through medical interventions or lifestyle changes, the most important step is moving towards a healthier, happier you.