More than 93 million Americans in the United States are affected by overweight or obesity, and the majority of them do not know about the treatment options available to them — including medically managed weight-loss.
What is Medically Managed Weight-loss?
Have you ever felt like losing weight is just impossible to do on your own? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to be alone on your weight management journey, either. Healthcare professionals are uniquely equipped to guide you on the road to better health through helpful tools, resources and general knowledge.
In other words, medically managed weight-loss is that which is supervised by a healthcare provider and/or the entire care team — comprised of doctors, nurses, dietitians, etc. From there, management of overweight/obesity may include diet, exercise, behavior modification and psychological counseling. In certain cases, this may also include medication for weight-loss (pharmacotherapy).
Taking Your First Step: The Initial Consult
Are you thinking that medically managed weight-loss may be an option for you? The first step is to establish a partnership with your healthcare team — whether it’s your doctor, dietitian, counselor, etc. Your partnership should be individualized and unique to you.
Not sure what to expect when you set foot into your healthcare provider’s office? The initial consult involves:
- A focused evaluation for diseases related to obesity
- A weight history (including past diet attempts)
- A thorough psychological history
Several blood tests are also often drawn to diagnose any potential weight-related conditions, including: diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, etc.
Working with Your Healthcare Provider
Now that you’ve got a care team in place, you can take the next step forward on your weight management journey. Most often, this next step involves diet and behavior modifications. The core focus of most, if not all, weight management programs is the energy balance equation: “energy in, vs. energy out.” This means that to lose weight, you must consume fewer calories than you burn.
This equation means different things to everybody. Your healthcare team will be able to work with you on an individual basis to develop a plan that fits your needs and unique personality. You might be asked to keep a food and/or exercise log, or even a journal about how you’re feeling each day on your weight management journey. Perhaps your care team will recommend a specific meal plan, fitness plan or weight-loss medication. Whatever their recommendations are, it’s important to keep an open mind and consider all of your available options.
Follow-up Visits and Long-term Care
As you likely already know, the weight management journey is forever — even if you’ve hit your “ideal” weight or size. Follow-up visits with your healthcare team are crucial for maintaining your success and addressing any concerns/challenges along the way.
Additionally, follow-up visits offer accountability between the patient and his/or care team. The stronger the relationship, combined with the frequency of follow-up visits, usually helps to motivate and encourage the patient. At these visits, you will likely check your weight and have the opportunity to talk with your provider/care team about your journey. Any specific changes in your treatment plan or weight-loss results can and should be addressed.
Conclusion
So, is medically managed weight-loss an option for you? Maybe! Take some time to think about your own weight management journey and what you’d like to achieve. Are you facing any significant hurdles or barriers? It may be time to reach out to your provider and build a care team that can help.
Want More Information about Medically Managed Weight-loss?
To read the full article from Your Weight Matters Magazine, please CLICK HERE.
