A lot has already been said about weight gain and obesity, and how it significantly impacts the quality of our life. In fact, one study has found that obesity can reduce one’s lifespan by fourteen years.
More than one in three adults in the US are struggling with obesity or weight-related health conditions. Excessive weight not only makes your everyday chores difficult, it also puts you at an increased risk of a variety of health problems like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and depression.
For many, traditional weight loss methods are not enough. Crash diets serve no purpose either. They do more harm than good. A medical weight loss program offers a more structured and effective solution. Guided by a board-certified weight loss consultant, it is one of the best weight loss programs covered by insurance that allows people struggling with obesity to lose weight in a more systematic manner.
What is a Medical Weight Loss Program?
A Medical Weight Loss Program is a physician-supervised obesity management plan designed to help individuals lose weight safely and effectively. Unlike commercial diet plans, medical weight loss programs are designed to keep the individual’s dietary needs, health conditions, and weight goals in mind. They are closely monitored by healthcare professionals, including:
- Board-certified weight loss physicians
- Physician assistants
- Nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Registered dietitians
- Psychologists
These science-driven weight loss programs often include a combination of personalized nutrition plans, exercise regimens, behavioral therapy, and sometimes FDA-approved medications to support weight loss.
The goal of this program is not just to help you shed pounds. It’s aimed at improving your overall health and quality of life while reducing the risk of weight-related diseases. Designed by board-certified weight loss consultants, these programs offer a comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
The Main Components of a Medical Weight Loss Program
A medical weight loss program is divided into three components – the initial consultation, personalized nutritional counseling, exercise prescription, behavior therapy and counseling, weight loss medications, and surgical options.
1. The Initial Evaluation
The program usually begins with a thorough medical evaluation. Your weight loss consultant will review your medical history, current health status, any underlying conditions, and dietary and lifestyle habits to understand the exact cause of weight gain and health issues that may affect weight loss, such as diabetes or thyroid issues.
Some blood tests, metabolic assessments, and other diagnostic procedures could be ordered to understand your body’s specific needs and challenges.
|Also read Medical Weight Loss Clinics: Your Top 10 Questions Answered|
2. Personalized Nutritional Counseling
Based on the initial assessment, your weight loss consultant will create a personalized diet plan tailored to your needs. Your nutritional needs, food preferences, and dietary restrictions are taken into account before putting you on a weight-loss meal plan. The goal is to promote a balanced, sustainable eating pattern that supports weight loss.
Regular offline and/ or online weight loss consultations are scheduled with your dietitian or board-certified obesity medicine physician like Dr. Mona Lala to help you stay on track. She can track your progress to make necessary adjustments and can help you develop a healthy relationship with food.
3. Exercise Prescription
Physical activity is a key component of any weight loss program. Your doctor will create exercise plans tailored to your fitness level, goals, and any physical limitations you may have. These plans often include a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility workouts.
Your progress is regularly monitored, and the exercise plan is adjusted as needed to ensure continuous improvement and prevent weight loss plateaus.
4. Behavioral Therapy and Counseling
Addressing emotional triggers is one of the main components of a medical weight loss program. In this, your weight loss doctor will focus on identifying and changing the habits, behaviors, and emotional triggers that contribute to weight gain. You’d be guided on stress management techniques and on building sustainable, healthy habits that support long-term weight management.
5. Weight Loss Medications
Based on your health condition and overall weight loss goals, your obesity medicine physician may put you on some FDA-approved weight loss medicines like Wegovy or Ozempic. These prescription medications help reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, decrease the absorption of fat and help in weight loss. These weight loss medications are typically used when other methods haven’t been successful or when there are significant health risks associated with obesity.
6. Bariatric Surgery (Optional)
For individuals with severe obesity, and associated health conditions, or where other weight loss plans show limited results, bariatric surgery may be suggested. Some procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or adjustable gastric banding, which alter the digestive system to reduce food intake or nutrient absorption.
Such surgeries are followed by excessive post-op support, which includes nutritional counseling, psychological support, and regular follow-ups with your weight loss doctor for long-term success.
Health Benefits of a Medical Weight Loss Program
For those struggling with weight loss, the medical weight loss program by Dr. Mona Lala provides an ideal solution. It comes with numerous benefits and health incentives, such as:
Techniques Tailored to the Patient: Unlike fad diets that people tend to blindly follow from the Internet, medical weight loss programs are customized and tailored to your individual needs. This customization makes sure they suit you and your lifestyle habits, thus increasing the chances of long-term success.
Expert Supervision: Medical weight loss programs are supervised by healthcare professionals. You receive expert advice from board-certified weight loss consultants – on nutrition, exercise, and behavioral changes – for a safe and effective weight loss journey.
Comprehensive Approach: These programs address multiple aspects of weight loss and lead to sustainable and healthy weight management.
Continuous Medical Monitoring: Regular check-ups ensure continuous monitoring of your progress. Based on the results, your doctor can adjust your program as needed to avoid potential health risks.
Improved Health Outcomes: Beyond weight loss, these offline and online weight loss programs can help manage or prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, leading to an overall improvement in your health.
Long-Term Success: Medical weight loss programs focus on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes, helping you maintain your weight loss in the long term.
Who Should Consider Medical Weight Loss?
The safe and effective approach makes the medical weight loss program ideal for anyone and everyone who wants to lose weight. However, it is especially beneficial for
- Individuals with a BMI of 30 or Higher: If you are classified as obese, medical weight loss programs can help you reduce the health risks associated with excess weight.
- People with Weight-Related Health Conditions: People with issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease can greatly benefit from professional weight management services to improve their overall health.
- Those Who Have Struggled with Unsuccessful Diets: If you’ve tried various diets and exercise routines without lasting results, a medically supervised weight loss plan may offer the structured support you need.
- Post-Pregnancy Weight Gain: New mothers facing difficulty shedding post-pregnancy weight can find safe and tailored solutions in a medical weight loss program.
- Candidates for Weight Loss Surgery: Those considering weight loss surgery, or required to shed pounds before other surgeries, can benefit from medical weight loss to prepare safely.
It’s Time to Take Charge of Your Health!
Schedule a weight loss consultation with Dr. Mona Lala and make way for a healthy, happy life. As a board-certified obesity medicine physician, Dr. Lala can provide personalized guidance to help you:
- Develop a safe and effective weight loss plan
- Address underlying health concerns related to weight
- Achieve sustainable results tailored to your lifestyle
Her in-clinic and online weight loss programs are available to patients across Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and beyond. Contact her for a quick weight loss consultation and take the first step toward better health today!
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