5 Questions to Ask About Medical Weight Loss Program

One of the primary advantages of a medical weight loss program is that the physician can alter or customize the treatment plan to suit the specific needs of the individual patient, including if they have any medical conditions or lifestyle requirements that may interfere with the typical weight loss program. They are particularly recommended over other types of weight loss options for people with health conditions, especially health conditions that are weight-related such as diabetes as they will ensure that the diet, exercise regimen, and recommended medication (if applicable) are both safe and effective for use on a patient with the particular health condition.

The rate at which patients can start to see noticeable results from their medical weight loss program can vary quite a bit, but it is common for noticeable results to develop within several weeks. If the patient is taking weight loss medication, the dose of the medication has to be increased gradually to minimize adverse reactions and may need to be increased even more slowly for those who are developing some of the common side effects, making it take even longer before they can reach the maximum dose to start to see the noticeable results. The patient’s ability to closely follow the recommended diet and exercise regimen will also heavily influence the rate at which they start to lose a significant amount of weight, as the calorie-deficient diet along with continuing to exercise so that the body uses the stored fat to burn for energy will be what provides significant weight loss. It is also important for patients to remember that a sustainable weight loss means a gradual weight loss, so it may take months or longer than a year before the goal weight has been achieved but it is more important that the patient is losing the weight healthily and sustainably.

Patients may visit our clinic once monthly or multiple times per month during their medical weight loss program depending on what is deemed beneficial for their specific treatment plan. Each medical weight loss program will be unique for each patient, taking their lifestyle, pre-existing health conditions, and personal weight goals into account. These goals and accommodations can influence how frequently a visit to our clinic is recommended as some people may wish to receive more hands-on supervision or would be better off going a bit longer in between visits. It will be up to the supervising physician and the patient to determine a schedule that will be the most beneficial to the treatment plan.

Once you have lost the recommended amount of weight, the health risks that are associated with being overweight or obese should have reduced significantly and will continue to reduce as the new healthy lifestyle is maintained. The new lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen, must continue to be maintained long-term to help keep the excess weight off. If you were taking a prescribed weight loss medication or continue to have a medical condition that is weight-related, longer-term care may be required to ensure that the condition is managed and that stopping the medication does not lead to an increase in weight. The process of completing a medical weight loss program will also look different from patient to patient.

Most programs that lead to a significant amount of weight loss in patients will undergo several phases, the duration of which will vary but the order will almost always be the same. The first stage is rapid weight loss, with the first couple of months often including the most significant amount of weight being lost during this phase, often being associated with the most significant changes in clothing size and changes to appearance. This stage typically occurs as the body is rapidly depleting the storage of carbs and water in the body. The next phase will typically involve a slower rate of weight loss, with many patients feeling as if their weight loss is “plateauing” and no significant progress is being made. This phase doesn’t occur in everyone but is fairly common as the patient experiences changes to their metabolism causing them to burn fewer calories during a workout, or if they have chosen to follow a diet that is too restrictive, making the plateau in weight loss due to a deviation from the diet. The last phase will include maintaining the weight, which can be achieved by following a diet and exercise regimen that is more sustainable and realistic for the specific patient. This phase is essential in ensuring that there are no significant weight gains after undergoing a weight loss treatment.

With the help of our results-driven weight loss program, reach your wellness objectives. Experience the advantages of increased vitality, heart health, and general well-being. Our tailored strategy guarantees long-term success. Make an appointment online or call us to start along the path to a healthy self with us at Eastway Medical Clinic and Urgent Care. We are conveniently located at 1220 Eastway Drive Charlotte, NC 28205. We serve patients from Charlotte NC, Newell NC, Mint Hill NC, Matthews NC, Allen NC, Harrisburg NC, and surrounding cities.