What To Know When Considering Medical Weight Loss

Losing weight is an uphill battle that often requires support to maintain results. Fortunately, medical weight loss can be a stepping stone or be part of long-term plans. Sometimes referred to as medical weight management, these programs are tailored to each patient, as all their bodies, mindsets, lifestyles, and journeys differ. It is important to know that medical weight loss is not a quick process but an overall lifestyle change.

Understanding the Makeup of Medical Weight Loss

Medical weight loss is for those who have tried natural alternatives to lose weight. Whether dieting or exercising, the ideal candidate for medical weight loss who did not see results from natural efforts or experience them long-term. We strive to help patients understand that losing weight is the easiest part of their program. Addressing and changing mindsets can be difficult for some. That is why we offer hands-on support and tools in the office with our experts, in addition to providing education so patients can continue at home between appointments. Explore the different components of medical weight loss below.

Lab work

Generally speaking, when people gain weight, they consume more calories than they burn. However, there can also be underlying causes of the body's inability to burn enough calories. Therefore, we will likely check the blood and urine for evidence of thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. They will also check the levels of glucose, lipids, and fats.

Medication and vitamins

While many weight loss pills and vitamins are available over the counter at a local drug or grocery store, they all lack the power compared to those offered in medical weight loss programs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has approved six prescription medications for weight loss:

• Naltrexone/bupropion
• Liraglutide
• Orlistat
• Phentermine/topiramate
• Semaglutide
• Setmelanotide

Considering that each of these medications helps with weight loss and targets a source for weight gain or loss prohibition, we will use the findings from the blood work and the overall medical history to identify the most appropriate option. Additionally, the blood work results will help us prevent prescribing medication that causes significant damage to organs. We can also determine and prescribe vitamins to aid the body's energy levels and metabolism.

Identifying appropriate diet plans

A diet plan that works well for one patient may not work well for another. Additionally, the diet plan we recommend for a patient to lose weight will differ from the one we suggest to help them maintain their results for years to come. For weight loss, patients will be on a calorie deficit. Per Healthline, a calorie deficit is when one consumes fewer calories than they burn daily. For example, we may suggest a 500 to 750 daily calorie deficit for weight loss but then recommend a slight increase in daily calories to maintain a healthy weight. These numbers are not predicated on each individual, and one should consult our experts before trying to perform a calorie deficit by themselves.

Creating an exercise plan

Everyone's body is different. Some patients may be able to perform certain exercises or movements that others are unable to do. Therefore, exercise plans will vary depending on the patient's abilities and diet plan. Patients taking medical weight loss medications or injections, in addition to being on a strict calorie deficit, will likely not be recommended to perform high-intensity exercise. Burning too many calories too quickly can make one feel sick, causing more damage than good.

Addressing one's relationship with food

We do not believe that changing the contents of our patients' kitchens or what they purchase at a fast food restaurant is enough. We also do not believe in simply throwing medications at our patients so that they lose weight more quickly. The most successful patients address their relationship with food. Patients will be able to sit down with one of our team members to discuss why they overindulge. Some do not overindulge daily but only as an emotional trigger response, while others may do so out of boredom. Regardless, we need to address them and replace the feelings and thoughts with more positive, healthy coping mechanisms.

Ongoing support

Even after a patient reaches their initial weight goal (determined during the consultation), we offer services for ongoing support. Undergoing medical weight loss does not stop at shedding pounds. We want to help patients maintain their results. While support may look different for each patient, afterward, rest assured we provide enough material to take home to promote a healthier environment. Ultimately, it is up to the patient to hold themselves accountable.

Call us for more information

Weight loss is achievable, as is sustaining the results—you need the right team, education, and tools to back you. That is why we are here. We understand this is an uphill battle, and losing weight is only a small part of it. Therefore, if you are ready to turn your life around, shed pounds, get your health on track, and live a more freeing lifestyle, call our Ooltewah office. Schedule an appointment to learn more about our customizable medical weight loss plans.

Request an appointment here: https://sjrm-tn.com or call Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine at (423) 424-1529 for an appointment in our Ooltewah office.

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