There are plenty of articles online that promise a particular diet will help you shed weight fast. If you have tried one or more of them, you’ll know that some of them don’t work at all. Others may work temporarily and the moment you stop you find those pounds piling back on faster than you lost them. There are probably as many reasons why these diets don’t work as diets themselves but to cut a long story short: what works is a weight loss plan designed for each individual taking into account their medical history, lifestyle and weight loss goals.
This is where medical weight loss shines. No we aren’t talking about drastic surgery here. Medical weight loss is the proactive management of diet and fitness regimes that aims to reduce excess weight under the strict supervision of a doctor in order to help individuals reach their weight loss goals. Not only does this mean that you get a weight loss plan that is tailored to your body, its metabolism and your lifestyle but also that your doctor can take into account any medical issues that may be preventing you from losing weight.
Setting weight-loss goals:
Being overweight affects everyone differently. How comfortable you are with your body and how you look is something only you can determine. There are medical guidelines for ideal weight in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI) – where a BMI of over 25 is considered overweight and over 30 is obese – but your weight loss goals are (and should be!) entirely your own. A doctor specializing in weight loss will be able to help you set your weight loss goals by helping you understand if your current weight may lead to medical problems in the future, how much weight you can lose safely in a particular amount of time and the lifestyle changes you will have to make in order to reach your target weight.
How does a medical weight loss program work?
There are a number of different medical weight loss plans to choose from including dietary supplements, meal replacement and hormone therapy. Your doctor and the rest of the medical weight loss team, which typically includes a dietician, will help you choose the right program for you and establish an actionable plan for successful weight loss after determining if there are any underlying medical conditions that need to be addressed.
Medical weight loss programs may include:
Appetite suppressants: Not to be confused with rainbow pills form the 70s, appetite suppressants like Adipex® are FDA approved and are usually used in conjunction with a particular dietary plan. They are not a long term solution but can be used to help you get started with your weight loss regime.
Meal replacement programs: These programs consist of nutrient-rich shakes and bars that replace regular meals. They can be ideal for individuals with busy lifestyles and show immediate and long lasting results.
Hormonal and Medical Treatment: Hormonal imbalances, allergies and other medical problems can cause weight gain. Doctors can address these issues along with dietary changes to help you lose weight.
Detox Plans: Detox plans help your body get rid of accumulated toxins. The typically involve diets with no processed foods that cleanse your system. A great way to start a new year!
Benefits of Medical Weight Loss Programs:
Medical weight loss programs come with plenty of plus points, the biggest one being that they are tailor-made just for you. If you’re still not convinced, here are few more reasons why medical weight loss programs are the way to go when looking for ways to shed those pounds:
· Doctors specializing in weight loss monitor your progress every step of the way and adjust your program as needed.
· Your doctor will be able to tell if any medical symptoms you suffer from are an impediment to your weight loss goals and address them.
· Certain weight loss programs may not suit individuals who are on medication, pregnant or breastfeeding and your doctor will be able to advise you on the best route to take.
· Good medical weight loss programs help you keep your weight down after you’ve reached your target weight.
A big reason people give up on weight loss regimes is the loss of motivation. Medical weight loss teams act as motivators as they monitor and celebrate every step of your progress with you.
If you are concerned about your weight, consult a doctor about the various weight loss options that are available to you. Our team of doctors, professional nutrition consultants and weight loss counselors at Go Beyond Medicine are committed to helping your find the best solution for you to reach your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
Click here for more information on our weight loss plans or to book an appointment with one of our weight loss specialists today.
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