If you have tried to lose weight through standard channels such as eating a healthy diet and increasing the amount of physical exercise you are getting but have had little success, medical weight loss may be for you.
The phrase medical weight loss is used to describe a scientific and medically-based program conducted under a qualified doctor’s supervision. The objective of medical weight loss is to assist overweight and obese patients in improving their health through losing weight and sustaining their weight loss long-term.
What Is Included in A Medical Weight Loss Program?
Medical weight loss usually consists of:
Medications In Our Weight Management Programs
When used correctly, weight loss medications can make your hard work pay off faster. They all work very similarly in that they boost the body’s natural level of GLP-1 which helps control blood sugar and the way fat is metabolized. It also can help control hunger and delay gastric emptying so you feel satisfied longer.
When combined with exercise and a healthy diet, weight loss medications can help patients lose more weight and keep it off. At IBI Healthcare Institute we offer the following FDA-approved weight loss medications:
Wegovy®
Wegovy® is the prescription medication Semaglutide that was FDA approved in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes and then approved In June of 2021, for the treatment of obesity. Wegovy® is administered through a preloaded one-time-use injection pen to be used once a week.
Saxenda®
Saxenda® the prescription drug Liraglutide, was FDA approved in 2010 to treat type 2 diabetes and is now approved for use in weight management and the treatment of patients with obesity. It is administered subcutaneously with an injection pen that is pre-filled with a one-month supply. It is administered daily using a new needle each time.
SlimMed
The SlimMed injection is the prescription medication Semaglutide that has been used for over a decade to treat type 2 diabetes along with Levocarnitine which helps with fat metabolism. It is administered through pre-filled syringes that are injected subcutaneously once a week.
Forms Of Medication To Help With Weight Loss
Weight loss medications most commonly come in the form of a pill or injection:
- Some medications are taken daily and others are taken weekly;
- Some injections are available in the form of pre-filled syringes or injection pens that are made to be used one time and then properly disposed of;
- Some injections come in the form of multi-dose pre-filled injection pens that use a new needle attachment for each injection.
Who Is A Candidate For A Medical Weight Loss Program?
How Much Does Medical Weight Loss Cost?
The cost of a medical weight loss program will vary by patient and be dependent on several factors including the type of support options being used (dietician, therapist, fitness professional, etc.), the type and dose of medication, and if insurance is accepted for any portion of the program or medication.
What Are The Benefits Of A Medical Weight Loss Program?
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Medical Weight Loss FAQs
What is a medical weight loss diet?
A medical weight loss diet is a guideline of the types of foods and the quantities that should be eaten in conjunction with your personalized weight loss program and is typically given to you by the bariatric and medical weight loss center you are working with.
This diet normally is structured around a reduced calorie intake that includes no processed foods, no sugar, few starches, reduced salt, and is high in protein and green leafy vegetables.
How successful is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss can be very successful if it is used as a tool like it is intended to be. Taking medication to help alleviate hunger and boost metabolism coupled with a large support system, will go a long way to help patients lose weight and keep it off. These are just tools that can help boost the effort that is put in by the patient.
If the patient puts in very little effort, then they will find very little success with their program. Likewise, if the patient puts forth a significant amount of effort and follows their diet and exercise program diligently, they will find great success with medical weight loss treatments.
What can I expect at a medical weight loss consultation?
At your first consultation, your medical weight loss doctor will find out as much as they can about your personal and family medical history. The doctor will talk with you about your goals, ideal weight, and current lifestyle and then formulate a realistic plan to help you achieve those goals.
You may also undergo some testing to determine the appropriate medication that will work best for you. Otherwise you may be asked to return after going to your primary physician with the information necessary.
You will get to know the doctor and many of the medical support professionals and determine which ones you will need to make your program successful.
Are medical weight loss programs safe?
Medical weight loss programs are safe when run by board-certified doctors who specialize in weight loss.
How does the medical weight loss program work?
Under a doctor’s care, you are evaluated and given medication to help with your weight loss efforts. The doctor will provide you with a restricted-calorie diet and an approved program of exercise/physical activity for you to follow while also using the medication.
Normally, you are required to participate in monthly support sessions and check-ins with a dietician who will help keep you on track.
You will have monthly appointments to meet with your doctor, discuss your progress and make any dose adjustments to your medication. Typically medication is administered in the lowest dose available and over 5 months the dose is raised each month until the maximum is reached.
Take the first step on your journey to a healthy life
IBI Healthcare Institute provides an unmatched patient experience and outstanding results. You matter to us.