Many problems can arise from being overweight, but losing weight is possible with help. Is medical weight loss worth it?
The effects of Covid-19 are aplenty. Masks are mandatory and any place with people can lead to the contraction of Covid-19. But one issue swept under the radar is weight gain.
Patients have stayed home to abide by Covid-19 guidelines, and non-activity has reigned. It’s well known that there is a positive correlation between time spent outdoors and fitness for kids. Studies have also shown that people who go to parks lead healthier lives.
Bariatric surgery, one way to combat medical obesity, can often seem intimidating. On the other hand, plain old diet and exercise can seem ineffective no matter how hard you try. So is there another way to reduce the numbers on the scale?
The answer lies in medical weight loss. While some are skeptical of online programs or have trouble putting together their own workout schedule, medical weight loss is a structured way to lose weight.
Let us walk you through the process of medi weight loss and decide if it’s worth it for you. We’ll also discuss whether medical weight loss truly works for patients.
Why Is Losing Weight Important?
Feeling great in your own skin is important. However, unhealthy weight gain can indeed have negative consequences on health. A patient’s quality of life can significantly deteriorate after an overweight or obese diagnosis.
An unhealthy weight is associated with health problems like heart disease, diabetes, muscle loss, thyroid issues, and sexual health issues.
Plus, during the age of Covid-19, obese patients are far more likely to suffer severe, life-threatening symptoms. The CDC has stated that obese patients are three times more likely to be hospitalized if they contract Covid. Obese patients tend to have decreased lung capacity which makes ventilation difficult, too.
Let us reiterate: we don’t want you to lose weight because you’ll be more beautiful or handsome. Weight loss is for you to reach your optimal level of function because obesity truly negatively affects your physical health.
What Is Medical Weight Loss?
Even if patients are motivated to lose weight, sometimes they can benefit from some extra help.
Medical weight loss programs are controlled methods of losing weight without surgery. They target fixing diet and exercise and create lifestyle changes that can last a lifetime.
Beginning the process of medical weight loss involves three key steps:
- A medical exam and assessment
- Reviewing weight loss plan options
- Developing a personalized weight loss plan specific to your needs
Patients will understand the science behind eating and exercise. Then, based upon their own needs and measures, a doctor will curate an individualized weight loss plan for them to begin losing weight. This plan will include a prescription appetite suppressant as well as vitamin injections.
Plans can also include specific trajectories to control cholesterol, control hypertension, prevent aging, improve muscle strength, improve mental alertness, and set nutritional standards.
These methods are all backed by science.
Identifying changes that need to be made – and maintaining these changes – are crucial in achieving a cleaner lifestyle.
Does Medical Weight Loss Work?
For those who have had trouble losing weight in the past, the concept of “diet and exercise” can be frustrating. Sometimes patients will make efforts themselves, but events – just like Covid-19 – will cause improvement to backslide.
Medical weight loss is different from self-implemented methods.
Rather than using general weight loss techniques, patients will use a program that is tailored to their needs by a doctor. Professionals in the field of weight loss will constantly back patients. In the past, some of our patients have lost as much as 5-10 pounds per week!
Plus, gains will stay put far into the future. This is because medical weight loss addresses root issues. Patients learn why weight gain happens and what it does to their body, and so diet and exercise don’t seem like temporary fixes to an issue.
Lipotropin injections or the vitamin injections mentioned previously, also help in the process of improving health. The injection includes fat-burning compounds like:
- Choline
- Inositol
- Methione
- L-Carnitine
- Vitamin B-12
- Other complex vitamins and amino acids
The injections help to utilize existing fat, eliminate toxins, and distribute energy. The shots ultimately help patients lose weight, burn fat, and add nutrients to patients’ systems.
What Does the Science Say?
Still hesitant? Studies have shown that physician counseling improves outcomes of sustained weight loss. Physician counseling doesn’t only mean giving general advice to patients or acting as a reprimanding authority figure. It means setting specific goals for patients to follow through on.
Another analysis published saw patients see clinically significant weight loss over a five-year period. Not only this – other issues stemming from weight gain also saw a reduction in intensity.
The evidence speaks for itself. Ongoing clinical supervision of a patient’s weight will lead to improvements.
These improvements aren’t superficial, too. Medical weight loss is very effective specifically because it addresses the behaviors and habits that cause persistent weight gain. The solution is a health transformation that last for a lifetime.
Considering Medi Weight Loss?
Are you considering pursuing medical weight loss? Proven to be scientifically effective, medical weight loss could be a great option for you. Check out Brandon Medical Center’s Medi Weight Loss program, and consult with your primary care doctor today to establish that medical weight loss is right for you.
We offer comprehensive care and commit to upholding safety standards during Covid-19. Physicians who work at the center are all board-certified and are excited to help you become the best version of yourself.
