Have you tried to lose weight, only to struggle to reach your goals, or fail to keep the weight off? You may be a good candidate for medical weight loss. And you wouldn’t be alone. Millions have sought medically supervised weight loss solutions to help them lose weight, reach their ideal weight and live happier and healthier lives.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about medical weight loss. From the benefits to how it works, you’ll have a good understanding of what medical weight loss is and how to talk about it with your primary care provider. With this in mind, you and your health care provider can decide if medical weight loss is the right decision for you.
Weight loss is rarely a one-size-fits all approach. What works for someone else may not work for you, and vice versa. A personalized approach is typically best, but sometimes, a standard weight loss plan isn’t enough to get you where you want to be.
Put simply, medical weight loss takes a medical, evidence-based approach to helping you lose weight. It does this by addressing the underlying causes of weight gain, such as hormonal imbalances, metabolism issues, genetic factors and more. Importantly, medical weight loss is supervised by a medical professional who will recommend science-backed treatment based on your specific health needs.
Typically, a medical weight loss program incorporates a combination of treatment approaches, such as dietary changes, lifestyle changes, exercise and medication, if appropriate. These programs can help you lose weight and keep it off in a sustainable, healthy manner.
Medical weight loss takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to weight management. You may have tried losing weight before by counting calories and exercising. While this can be helpful, it’s not always enough for everyone. Medical weight loss takes this process a step further by identifying why it’s difficult for an individual to lose weight and keep it off. Working with medical professionals on your weight goals allows you to gain a deeper understanding of your body, address any conditions that may be affecting your progress and have supervised monitoring of your progress.
Your health care provider can develop a personalized treatment plan specifically made for your health needs and goals. Furthermore, they can offer ongoing support and guidance and adjust your treatment as necessary based on your results.
With that being said, let’s take a deeper dive into some of the primary benefits of medical weight loss.
If you’re a good candidate for medical weight loss, there are numerous benefits to receiving this treatment. These benefits can include:
The administration of prescription weight loss drugs will be up to the discretion of your primary care provider and is determined on a case-by-case basis. Weight loss medication is only prescribed if your health care provider deems it to be safe for you and right for your treatment plan.
It’s also worth noting that prescription weight loss drugs are typically prescribed to those with a BMI of 30 or higher or those who have a BMI of 27 or higher in tandem with a weight-related health condition. It’s also worth remembering that these medications aren’t meant to be quick-fix solutions and that they are most effective when combined with other treatments such as dietary changes, exercise and more.
In any case, you will need to consult your primary care provider to determine if weight loss medication is right for you. After evaluating your condition and your overall health, they will be able to develop the best possible treatment plan for your weight loss needs.
If you’re considering medical weight loss, you may be curious about the types of prescription medications available for treatment. Some of the most common medications prescribed for weight loss include Ozempic, Mounjaro, Metformin, Trulicity, Saxenda, Wegovy or Rybelsus. Typically, weight loss medications work by suppressing the appetite and reducing hunger cravings. There are also medications that target hormones, or that block the absorption of fat. It’s important to be aware of the medications available and their potential side effects.
If your health care provider deems weight loss medications to be medically appropriate, they may recommend one of these prescriptions for your treatment. Make sure to talk to your health care provider about your options, and always let them know if you’re experiencing side effects. These medications always need to be taken under medical supervision to ensure your safety and their efficacy.
If you’ve decided you’re interested in pursuing a medical weight loss program, the first step of your journey will be diagnosis. You will need to set up an appointment with your primary care provider and let them know of your interest in medical weight loss. From there, they can conduct a thorough assessment of your current health and weight. This evaluation will likely include a review of your medical history, questions about your health, a physical examination, blood work and possibly other diagnostic tests.
This diagnostic process can help identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your weight issues. Once your health care provider has a clear understanding of your condition and your individual needs, they can determine if you’re a good candidate for medical weight loss. If you are, they can start developing your treatment plan.
A medical weight loss treatment plan will typically include a combination of the following:
Medication — If deemed appropriate, your health care provider may prescribe weight loss medication to help you reach your goals and keep the weight off.
When it comes to weight management, small changes can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help you on your weight loss journey.
As mentioned, the first step to starting a medical weight loss journey is to speak with your primary care provider. You can connect with a provider in person, or you can even speak to a medical professional online, thanks to advancements in telehealth. With online care, you can access all the same services as in-person care from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re interested in in-person or online care, Circle Medical is your solution.
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Circle Medical is a full-stack primary care provider that offers both in-person and telehealth care options. We’re focused on providing thorough and comprehensive care for all of your primary care needs, such as medical weight loss. It all starts with meeting with your provider and getting an assessment. Fortunately, Circle Medical makes connecting with an online provider easier with same-day appointments available. Book your appointment to get started on your journey to better health and wellness today!
Circle Medical is a full-stack primary care provider that offers both in-person and online healthcare services so you receive care the way you prefer. Setting up your first appointment online is a great way to get the ball rolling for your care, as you can speak to a healthcare professional as soon as today. Book your same-day appointment with Circle Medical now to get started!
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