Many adults today struggle with their weight, and obesity is actually a common problem in many countries. People want to lose a few pounds for many reasons––for self-confidence, to have a more active lifestyle, or even because of work.
Because of this, many diet programs and nutrition supplements are a large and thriving industry. Things like the ketogenic diet, fitness apps, and spin class memberships have been incorporated greatly in today’s mainstream culture. Medical weight loss has also become a popular catchphrase recently, although it has been around since the 70s.
But if you don’t have any idea what these programs are about, we will guide you on what you need to know about medical weight loss. Keep on reading to find out more.
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss is used to describe a variety of treatments and lifestyle changes that help individuals manage their diet and fitness. This is not just about drinking a few diet pills or having gastric bypass surgery. At this stage, this is often a grim scenario, and pills or surgery often mean that the patient’s health is seriously compromised.
The aim of these programs is to help people lose weight as naturally as possible. Programs target the causes of the patient’s obesity to prevent recurring symptoms. Medical weight loss, therefore, is directed by a physician but performed by the patient.
How is it different from other weight loss programs?
Most weight loss programs are not formulated based on science and medicine. Some of these do not even have a basis in health principles and actually starve the body and prevent it from getting the complete amount of nutrients it needs daily.
Medical weight loss doctors, on the other hand, use your metabolism and your fat percentage to construct a program that is fit for your condition. With other programs, however, you are getting a one size fits all approach, which might not even target your particular concerns. If you have a condition that interferes with weight loss and needs medication, a medical doctor will know alternatives that would address both.
Can anybody enter a medical weight loss program?
These programs can be tailored for anyone who has very specific weight goals. Since everyone’s metabolism, relationship with food, and fitness levels are different, medical weight loss programs can be tailored to fit their unique situation. Whether you’re trying to lose five or fifty pounds, a specialist can help work on that with you.
These programs are often about long-term development, so you need to have the time and willingness to commit. They are also conducted one-on-one. In some cases, as previously mentioned, there might be a need for invasive procedures or medication. However, this is not always the case.
What can one expect in this program?
There will be the first meeting with a medical professional, which will be about preliminary tests and screenings. These may include tests like blood panel, body composition analysis, an EKG, urinalysis, and others. You will also be asked to give your medical history and a list of current prescriptions, if any.
After this, your provider will make a diet and exercise plan for you, which will have structures in place for support and education. You will also receive prescriptions for weight loss medicine, diet supplements, or injections they deem necessary. Although the focus is on personal responsibility, there will also be weekly check-ins so that the doctor can measure your progress until you complete the course.
Conclusion
A medical weight loss program is very much like a course in school. You don’t enter it on a whim—it is a structured program for people who are committed to reaching their weight loss goal. If you are interested in pursuing one, you should speak with weight-loss doctors in your area today to determine which approach is best for you.
At Nuluk Aesthetics, we provide patient-centric, custom-crafted solutions. We are in North Bergen, New Jersey, and have experts who will guide you through a medical weight loss program. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
