Medical weight loss is a weight management approach that involves the use of medical interventions such as prescription medications, lifestyle modifications, and behavioral therapy to help individuals lose weight in a safe and effective manner. This approach is typically used for individuals who are struggling to lose weight through traditional methods like diet and exercise.
Here are some of the key components of a medical weight loss program:
- Initial assessment: The first step in a medical weight loss program is typically an initial assessment with a healthcare professional such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or registered dietitian. During this assessment, the healthcare professional will evaluate the individual’s current weight, health status, medical history, and any medications they are taking. At Vitalife, our physician, Dr. Mayra Thompson, oversees all medical weight loss programs.
- Prescription medications: Depending on the individual’s health status and weight loss goals, the healthcare professional may prescribe medications such as semaglutide or other weight loss medications to help them achieve their goals.
- Nutrition counseling: A registered dietitian may work with the individual to develop a healthy eating plan that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. The dietitian may also provide education on portion sizes, meal planning, and healthy cooking techniques.
- Physical activity: The healthcare professional may recommend an exercise program that is appropriate for the individual’s fitness level and health status. Vitalife has partnered with the team at Greater Than Performance for all elite personal training and physical therapy needs.
- Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy may be included in a medical weight loss program to help individuals address emotional and psychological factors that may be contributing to their weight gain. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress management, or support groups.
- Follow-up and monitoring: Individuals in a medical weight loss program are typically monitored closely by healthcare professionals to track their progress and adjust the program as needed. Follow-up appointments may include weight checks, blood tests, and other assessments. Dr. Thompson requires monthly consultations to track progress, manage dosages, and request labs from time to time.
Overall, a medical weight loss program is designed to provide individuals with the support, guidance, and resources they need to lose weight in a safe and effective manner. The program is typically tailored to the individual’s specific needs and may include a variety of interventions to help them achieve their weight loss goals.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a medication used in medical weight loss programs that has shown to be effective in helping individuals lose weight. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in the body. GLP-1 plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite, and semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
In clinical trials, semaglutide has been shown to help individuals lose weight significantly more than those who received a placebo. It is important to note that semaglutide is not a magic solution for weight loss and should be used in combination with lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating and exercise. Additionally, it is only available with a prescription and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
To see if you qualify for a semaglutide prescription, schedule your consult with Dr. Thompson today.
