Between hundreds of “medically-approved” diets and intense workout plans, sustainable weight loss can feel like an uphill battle. What’s missing from many commercial weight loss programs is personalized guidance and support. This is where medical weight loss comes in.
Read on to learn the basics of medical weight loss, the key components of a medical weight loss program, and its benefits.
What is Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss is a supervised approach designed to help individuals safely and effectively lose weight without surgery. It is based on evidence-based research highlighting the impact of eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking weight loss medications. Medical weight loss focuses on a person’s overall health and mental well-being and helps them reach their desired weight in a sustainable manner.
Medical weight loss programs are overseen by healthcare professionals, such as physicians, dietitians, or nurses. Depending on your needs, you may also work with physiotherapists, certified fitness trainers, or psychologists.
Who Can Benefit from Medical Weight Loss Programs?
Medical weight loss programs are designed for anyone looking to safely lose weight and keep it off. If you’ve tried other weight loss methods, such as dieting or exercise with no lasting results, medical intervention can be life-changing. Moreover, people who have a medical condition like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or arthritis, can also benefit from weight loss programs.
Main Components of a Medical Weight Loss Program
Here’s a closer look at what a medical weight loss program typically includes:
- Initial Consultation
A weight loss program begins with a thorough medical assessment and consultation. Healthcare professionals at a weight loss clinic will take your complete medical history and ask about current medications. The assessment may include
- Blood tests to identify any underlying conditions.
- Body composition analysis to measure fat percentage, muscle mass, and metabolism.
- An assessment of eating behaviors and lifestyle habits.
Based on the results of the assessment, healthcare professionals will create a personalized strategy.
A consultation session is also an opportunity for you to understand the approach of healthcare providers at various weight loss clinics. If you’re living in Albuquerque, consider reaching out to several weight loss clinics. Analyze their services and choose a weight loss clinic Albuquerque that matches your comfort level and suits your needs.
- Nutritional Guidance
Proper nutrition supports your body’s ability to burn fat, boosts your metabolism, and ensures your body has the fuel to function optimally. At a medical weight loss clinic, professionals will provide nutritional guidance in various forms. Key aspects include:
- A balanced diet including macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats).
- Micronutrient support to boost your immune system and help you stay energized.
- Proper hydration to aid digestion, boost metabolism, and control hunger.
- Portion control and mindful eating habits.
- Recommendations for special dietary needs.
Medical professionals will also help you avoid common pitfalls in nutrition planning, such as adopting fad diets, starving yourself, and focusing too much on calorie intake.
The goal is to make your diet a sustainable lifestyle change, rather than a temporary fix. From meal recommendations to actionable grocery shopping tips, medical weight loss programs can help you foster a healthy relationship with food.
- Exercise Plan
Incorporating physical activity can maximize your progress and help you reach your goals faster. A physical therapist or a fitness trainer would assess your fitness level and consider any limitations to create an exercise plan.
It could be a combination of aerobic activities, such as running, brisk walking, dancing, and strength training like squats and push-ups. The aim is to burn calories and build muscle. To boost flexibility and balance, your trainer might also recommend Yoga or Tai Chi.
Many weight loss clinics have built-in state-of-the-art facilities offering a range of fitness exercises and programs to help you stay on track. Unlike extreme workout plans, medical weight loss programs emphasize gradually incorporating physical activity to prevent burnout and injuries.
- Weight Loss Medications
Your doctor might prescribe medications to complement your diet and physical exercise. Here are five medicines commonly prescribed in medical weight loss programs and what they do:
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) – It stimulates your body’s nervous system and reduces your appetite, making you feel full.
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) – It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics hormones that signal fullness to the brain and increases the feelings of satiety.
- Orlistat – It blocks the absorption of dietary fats, leading to reduced calorie intake.
Most doctors prescribe weight loss medications for a limited amount of time, such as 4-6 weeks. They’ll monitor your results and determine the course of action.
- Behavioral Modification
Medical weight loss isn’t just about eating less and moving more – it’s also about changing your mindset. Many people struggle with emotional eating, stress, and low self-confidence, which is why behavior modification is a critical component of a weight loss program. Your doctor might incorporate:
- Counseling to identify underlying behavior that might be contributing to weight gain, such as emotional eating, uncontrolled cravings, or a sedentary lifestyle.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to improve your attitude and emotions toward food.
- Strategies to reduce stress and build body confidence.
Benefits of a Medical Weight Loss Program
Medical weight loss programs offer numerous benefits, such as:
- Personalized Care: Medical professionals assess individual needs, goals, and medical history to develop strategies.
- Medical Supervision: Patients receive care and guidance from a team of professionals, ensuring safety.
- Improved Health: The components of a weight loss program, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, can boost overall health and improve quality of life. They can also reduce the chances of chronic health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
- Sustainable Results: Weight loss programs focus on cultivating long-term results and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Medical Weight Loss Takes Time
One of the most recurring questions people ask is, “How quickly can I lose weight?” The answer is not straightforward. Weight loss is highly variable and depends upon a person’s starting weight, pre-existing medical conditions, and consistency with the program. Some people start dropping pounds right away, while others take a bit longer.
It is important to remember that medical weight loss isn’t a speed run. The goal is long-term success, not just a quick fix. Staying patient and adopting a positive attitude towards your weight loss journey can help you lose weight quickly and keep it off for good.
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