Numerous failed weight loss attempts can cause one to search for alternate methods to lose weight. The good news is that this solution is likely covered by your insurance plan, it is NOT a fad diet, and it may be exactly the solution you have been searching for all this time.

What Is It?

A Medically Assisted Weight Loss Program.

A medically assisted weight loss program is run by board certified obesity medicine providers, who are qualified to treat obesity patients with a well-rounded treatment plan. It is not the typical: give you a prescription, a pat on the back, and send you on your way. Patients in a medically assisted weight loss program are provided with the support of an obesity medicine trained physician and health coach, along with a customized meal plan, exercise routine, habit forming tools, and when deemed necessary, prescribed medications and supervision. This type of weight loss program can be an ideal solution for many who are struggling to overcome the challenges of weight loss on their own.

How Is This Different From Any Of The Other Hundreds Of Weight Loss Methods Out There?

Run By Medical Professionals

1. 1. The first and biggest difference is that a medically assisted weight loss program is run by obesity medicine medical providers which can include physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, nurses, dietitians, and health coaches. This allows for a safe environment of trusted professionals that will guide you along your weight loss journey.

One-On-One Personalized Experience

1. 1. These trained professionals work one-on-one with patients to achieve real and long-lasting results. Weight loss, along with many things in life, cannot be achieved with a “one size fits all” approach. Fad diets, slim teas, detox cleanses, and other trendy weight loss solutions are expensive, restrictive, and difficult to maintain. These quick fixes are not created with the consideration of your personal weight loss needs, rather a way to profit financially from individuals desperate for solutions. The consideration of the individual and their needs is crucial to success in any effective weight loss solution.

Not A Weight Loss Fad Or Trend

1. 1. Weight loss fads and trends likely lead to: short term and/or unsuccessful weight loss attempts. These unsuccessful attempts at losing weight undoubtedly lead to frustration, disappointment, and possibly even a loss of hope for future weight loss. Therefore it is very important to find a weight loss solution that is personalized, attainable, and built for the long term.

Who Qualifies for Medically Assisted Weight Loss?

1. Individuals with a BMI of over 30
2. Individuals with a BMI of over 25 with comorbidities

Individuals considered obese or individuals considered overweight who suffer from comorbidities are ideal patients for a medically assisted weight loss program. Individuals with a BMI of over 25 are considered overweight, and individuals with a BMI of over 30 are considered obese. Your BMI is based on your height and weight. A healthy BMI is considered by the CDC to be in the range of 18.5-24.9. If you are not quite obese (30 BMI and above), but you aren’t in the health range (18.5-24.9), therefore falling in the overweight range (25-29.9), you can still qualified for a medically assisted weight loss program if you suffer from comorbidities.

Comorbidities refer to the existence of more than one disease or condition, mental or physical, in the body at one time. Common diseases and conditions seen in adult Americans include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, depression, obesity, cancer, arthritis, and respiratory disease. Many of these diseases can co-occur because one may increase the likelihood of developing another. For that reason, those with an overweight BMI are eligible to participate, as their comorbidities cause a greater risk for health problems and losing weight will provide many benefits and potentially prevent additional comorbidities from developing, such as type II diabetes.

What Are the Steps of A Medically Assisted Weight Loss Program?

The first step is more simple than you think:

Step one is deciding to take the first step.

This is one of the most important and in many cases, THE most important step.

There are many reasons one might struggle to take this first step. In some cases, it may be the excuse of “I don’t have time.” We are constantly running from one place to another, feeling like we can’t catch up. Whether it’s work or school or kids, we always seem to find a reason to put our health at the end of our priority list. We are in a constant state of hurry and in search of anything that can make our lives feel more convenient and less stressful. Where do we normally end up cutting corners? In our diets. We don’t plan our meals for the week, we purchase quick and easy “survival foods” when we do make the time to go to the grocery store. By “survival foods” I mean ultra processed, high calorie foods such as chips, cookies, cakes, and snacks that allow our hunger to subside temporarily yet do not provide us with any valuable nutrients. We spend most of our travel time in the car, and when we don’t have the ingredients at home to prepare a quick and healthy meal, we stop for fast food. This cycle is so common, yet if we reshape our mindset, we can escape it. Realistically, you only need to prioritize a few extra hours a week to get out of this cycle. With the help of a customized meal plan from an obesity medicine provider, you are more equipped to know what decisions to make at the grocery store and at home.

Step 2: Initial Evaluation

In this step, the provider will evaluate you as a patient. They will go through your medical history in detail with you in order to understand you as a whole, instead of just a number on the scale. They will evaluate your current habits, personal needs and goals you wish to achieve with the program. This will allow them to form a personalized treatment plan for you that does not feel unattainable. They will provide you with the proper tools in order to be successful in the program, along with an individualized meal plan. Your meal plan is designed to fit your needs and preferences. It is meant to be incorporated into a lifestyle that you can see yourself living for the long term. It is not meant to be boring, restrictive, or difficult. This initial evaluation will give you the confidence and tools to begin your journey towards better health.

Step 3: Follow Up Visits

After the initial evaluation, you will have follow up visits with your provider and/or health coach. These visits may be as frequent as once a week to once a month, depending on the program. In these visits, you will be given further guidance on nutrition, exercise and behavioral habits. Your medical provider will refill prescriptions when necessary and make sure you are satisfied with your personalized treatment plan. They will discuss any potential roadblocks you are experiencing and help you find a way to overcome them. If any meal plan changes are necessary, they will assist you in finding a meal plan and lifestyle that works better for you. A medically assisted weight loss program is meant to provide you with the helping hand and tools you need to achieve long term weight loss.

Step 4: End of Program

At the end of the program, your medical providers will evaluate your progress. From here, they will help you to decide your next step. Now we will discuss potential post-program outcomes.

Post-Program Outcomes

What are some potential outcomes from a medically assisted weight loss program?

Continue as a patient in the weight loss program:

Maybe you achieved weight loss, but you feel you haven’t reached your goals and may need some more guidance on how to get there. Your obesity medicine provider will evaluate your case and possibly recommend you to stay in the program a bit longer to provide you with the necessary tools and assistance to reach your weight loss and health goals.

Bariatric surgery:

Some obese or morbidly obese patients may qualify for bariatric surgery at the end of the program. Bariatric surgery is an option for those who need to lose large amounts of weight to reverse or cope with conditions such as sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, among other conditions. In many cases in order to qualify as a candidate for bariatric surgery, patients must lose a certain amount of weight before they can be eligible for surgery. Your medical provider will evaluate whether this is the right option for you and if so, refer you to a bariatric surgeon in your area.

You reached your goals

You completed the program, adhering to the advice and tools that you were given. You dedicated yourself to making a change in order to achieve the quality of life you desire. The next step for you is consistency and maintenance of the healthy lifestyle you have developed during the program.

Whatever your outcome is, at the end of the program, you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for taking that huge first step towards better health.