What is Medical Weight Loss? Your Comprehensive Guide
by: Mila Merenkov
It’s no secret that it’s tricky to find the most effective and sustainable approach to weight loss. What works for one person, may not be a good solution for someone else.
Fortunately, there’s medical weight loss: an evidence-based, personalized, and supervised method that offers a safe way to reach your weight loss goals. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what medical weight loss is, its many health benefits, how it differs from other weight loss programs, and why it might be the right choice for you.
What is Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss—also known as physician-supervised weight loss—is the process of losing weight with the guidance of a medical professional. Doctors, registered dietitians, and healthcare providers specializing in obesity provide guidance and individualized weight loss plans for patients who need assistance reaching a healthy weight.
With a personalized plan and ongoing support from healthcare professionals, patients are set up for long term success.
How Does Medical Weight Loss Work?
Medical weight loss programs cater to each patient’s unique needs, goals, and any health concerns. Here is what you can expect when you begin your medical weight loss journey:
- Medical Evaluation. You’ll start by undergoing a thorough medical assessment. Your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order lab tests to identify any underlying health conditions that could be affecting your weight.
- Customized Meal Plans. Working with a registered dietitian, you’ll develop a personalized meal plan catered to your dietary preferences, nutritional needs, and weight loss goals. This is not a diet, but a plan to help you reduce your caloric intake while getting the nutrients your body needs. Your plan may include meal replacements.
- Behavioral Counseling. Many physician-supervised weight loss programs include behavioral counseling to address psychological or emotional aspects of weight management. This is especially helpful if you struggle with emotional eating, as it helps you develop healthy coping strategies.
- Exercise Guidance. Regular physical activity is a vital component of weight loss, and your medical weight loss plan will likely include an exercise regimen that aligns with your goals and current fitness level. Maintaining good exercise habits is one of the easiest ways to accelerate weight loss.
- Prescription Medications. In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe weight loss medications. These medications are used to complement your treatment plan and are closely monitored for safety and effectiveness.
- Regular Check-Ins. Frequent check-ins with your healthcare team are one of the most important aspects of medical weight loss. These regular visits help track your progress, allow for adjustments to your plan as needed, and provide motivation.
- Support and Accountability. Accountability is the key to weight loss success for many patients. Consistent accountability from medical professionals or support groups helps to remind you that you’re not on your own in your journey.
- Bariatric Surgery. In certain cases, your doctor may recommend bariatric—sometimes called gastric bypass—surgery. If you undergo this surgery, you’ll still need to adopt healthy eating habits and an exercise routine to reach and maintain your ideal weight.
Benefits of Medical Weight Loss Programs
There are several reasons to choose a comprehensive weight loss program over other methods, such as fad diets.
Working with a healthcare provider allows you to be sure you’re taking the proper care not to exacerbate existing health problems such as heart disease or joint issues.
And when it comes to chronic conditions, medical weight loss can reduce symptoms of common concerns like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. After adopting a healthier lifestyle and reducing their total body weight, many patients report a significant improvement in these conditions and—in turn—better overall health.
Is Medical Weight Loss Right for You?
While medical weight loss has helped change the lives of countless patients, it may not be ideal for everyone. Here are some factors to consider when determining if medical weight loss is right for you:
Health Concerns
If your excess weight is due in any part to underlying health conditions, you have any chronic diseases that could be exacerbated by weight loss—or you’re on specific medications—medical weight loss may not be suitable for you. During your initial consultation, your doctor will discuss your health history to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for a medical weight loss program.
Weight Loss Goals
Medical weight loss treatment is not suited for people that have an extra 10 pounds to lose. They are meant for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, indicating that they are carrying a significant amount of extra weight. If this describes you, medically supervised weight loss may be the best option to shed pounds.
Commitment & Discipline
Medical weight loss requires you to be 100% committed to the plan. From healthy eating to exercise to regular follow-up appointments, you need to have self-discipline. If you’re not ready to be consistent, it may not be the best choice.
Budget
The cost of medical weight loss varies greatly, so it’s important to consider your budget and whether you have the resources to invest in a supervised program.
Psychological Factors
If you are dealing with emotional or psychological factors that have caused your weight gain or impact your eating habits, you should be ready to address these concerns in counseling. For many patients, this is one of the most beneficial parts of their weight management program as it allows them to practice mindful eating and develop healthy eating habits.
Previous Weight Loss Attempts
If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to lose weight in the past, the structured support from medically supervised weight loss may be exactly what you need to reach your goals.
Who is Eligible for a Medical Weight Loss Program?
With the previous considerations in mind, you may be a good candidate for medical weight loss if:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above
- You are overweight due to health conditions
- You have trouble losing weight with diet and exercise alone
- You are willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes
If one or more of these describe you, contact Allure Medspa. We’re here to help you get on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Get started by calling us at 770-988-5559 or by scheduling your appointment online.
