Summary of key points
Obesity has long been a global health struggle, and over the years, many different techniques and methods have been developed to treat it. However, obesity and weight have often been the subject of much bias and discrimination, posing hurdles to efficient management. Fortunately, changing perceptions have allowed obesity to be considered and treated like a disease caused by complex and compounding factors. As such, medical weight loss has become a viable way to treat obesity.
Medical weight loss is a supervised program that helps individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It involves a team of healthcare professionals and a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral therapy. It also incorporates the use of weight loss medication to address biological factors of weight.
Tailored guidance
With so many tips, tricks, and insights about weight loss on the internet and other sources of information, finding the best approach for weight loss can be challenging. Many of these methods also don’t consider the varying needs of individuals. People with obesity can benefit from medical weight loss as it provides tailored guidance based on a patient’s attributes, needs, lifestyle, and more. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, personalizing weight loss can make it more sustainable and effective.
For instance, personalized nutrition can take a person’s personal eating habits, body measurements, weight, cholesterol levels, lifestyle, and even biochemistry. This ensures that professionals give patients the right diet plan to aid them in weight loss and see sustainable results without compromising enjoyment.
Connection with others
Medical weight loss provides social avenues for those struggling with obesity to connect with others and find support and accountability. Medical professionals and weight loss coaches provide expert guidance based on a patient’s needs and lifestyle and know how to motivate them to keep going. Communities can also provide a great source of support.
Going to the gym or signing up for a weight loss workshop may be recommended for group fitness, and it’s easier than ever to find these groups or places. One can search for “weight loss workshops near me” and find results nearby. In-person or virtual meetings give patients practical advice and understanding from like-minded community members. Medical weight loss provides many social benefits for those trying to lose weight, making success easier.
Reduced health risks
Medical weight loss not only helps address obesity, but it also improves health in other aspects. The use of weight loss drugs is a big part of medical weight loss, and it’s only eligible for people considered obese or overweight with weight-related complications. These medications help make weight loss more effective and have surprising health benefits beyond weight loss.
Results from a clinical trial found that the weight loss drug Wegovy (semaglutide) can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or heart-related death. Though it’s not clear whether it’s because Wegovy has other effects or if it’s attributable to the weight lost while using the drug, these results show that medical weight loss can pave the way for improved health using weight loss techniques and the proper medication, allowing patients to lose weight efficiently and enhance their well-being.
Enhanced cognitive function
Medical weight loss involves diet and exercise plans, which can help boost cognitive function when adhered to consistently. Physical activity enhances learning, thinking, memory, and problem-solving. It can also prevent cognitive decline, which can help you stay sharp even at an older age.
A regular fitness routine, even if it involves simple exercises like walking, is instrumental for long-term wellness, which is why it’s a crucial aspect of medical weight loss. Similarly, eating a nutritious and balanced diet, as advised by medical professionals, has cognitive benefits. Consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and healthy fat sources can provide essential nutrients to improve memory, thinking, concentration, and more.
