Medical weight loss

Medical weight loss is weight loss under physician supervision that takes in to consideration all aspects of weight and health including causes of weight gain, medical history, cultural and personal preferences, and makes a customized diet, physical exercise and sometimes medications. Since many factors can contribute to weight gain, it is import that a trained weight loss physician check you before starting a weight loss journey.

Weight loss

Choosing the right weight loss program

A balanced and evidence based physician weight loss program should be lead by a physician trained and experienced in the field of obesity medicine.

Central obesity

Components of a good medical weight loss program

• The program provides a comprehensive behavioral treatment, also called lifestyle counseling, that can teach you how to develop and stick with healthier eating and physical activity habits—for example, keeping food and activity records or journals
• The medical weight loss program offers information about getting enough sleep, managing stress, and the benefits and drawbacks of weight-loss medicines
• The program provides ongoing feedback, monitoring, and support throughout the program, either in person, by phone, online, or through a combination of these approaches
• It encourages slow and steady weight-loss goals—usually 1 to 2 pounds per week (though weight loss may be faster at the start of a program)
• It provides a plan for keeping the weight off, including goal setting, self-checks such as keeping a food journal, and counseling support

Does not blame the victim

Weight gain is a complex issue and the old thinking of blaming the victim attitude shown by most general doctors is not only unprofessional but also harmful to the patients as they get turned off and never want to talk about it again. A good physician supervised weight loss program is aware of the complex issues that lead to weight gain and never blames the patient for weight gain.

Causes of weight gain

Understands the causes of weight gain

A trained obesity medicine physician is well versed with what causes weight gain and how to reverse them using evidence based measures.

Accepts most health insurances

An ideal medical weight loss program is one that accepts most health insurances such as the physician weight loss program by W8MD.

Offers FDA approved medications

In order to reduce cravings, increase metabolism especially in those that have a slow metabolism and to optimize weight loss, there are many FDA approved appetite suppressant or weight loss medications, commonly called diet pills such as Phentermine, Contrave, Saxenda, Diethylpropion, Phendimetrazine, Qsymia etc.

Offers a maintenance plan for weight

Once you lose the weight, the lifelong goal should be to keep it off and a good medical weight loss program offers a maintenance plan.

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Assessment and treatment algorithm for overweight and obesity

Where to start for weight loss

Start with checking your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness.

To calculate BMI, see the Adult BMI Calculator or determine BMI by finding your height and weight

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BMI chart

If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range. If your BMI is 18.5 to <25, it falls within the normal. If your BMI is 25.0 to <30, it falls within the overweight range. If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range.

Types of obesity

Obesity is frequently subdivided into categories: Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 30 Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40 Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher.

Class 3 obesity is sometimes categorized as “extreme” or “severe” obesity.

Aim for a healthy weight

Find a weight loss program

Eating

• The weight loss program should offer specific meal plan
• They can offer either special meals or supplements or self prepared meals
• The program should offer healthy meal-plan suggestions that you can follow

Physical Activity

• The program include a physical activity plan
• The program should offer ways to help me be more physically active and stay motivated

Counseling

• The program offers one-on-one or group counseling to help me develop and stick with your eating habits
• The program should include a trained coach or counselor to help me overcome roadblocks and stay on track

Weight Maintenance

• The program should offer a plan to help me keep off the weight once you lost it.

Last step

Find a weight loss program that is right for you and make an appointment so you can start your weight loss journey.

How can W8MD help you?

With trained obesity medicine physicians, and over 10 years of experience, W8MD weight loss program can you help you not only lose weight byt also to maintain. Visit to learn more

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Frequently asked questions

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