Weight loss is difficult for many, and going through a professional, personalized medical weight loss is often a great way to achieve the results you desire. By learning more about medical weight loss and what realistic expectations are for treatment, you can determine if the process is right for you.
An overview of medical weight loss
Some patients lose as much as twenty pounds in three months through medical weight loss, whereas others might see slower results. The following is a complete overview of what medical weight loss is exactly and how long the process takes on average.
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss, or medically supervised weight loss, is a professional weight loss strategy that involves the management of a patient’s diet and lifestyle factors to help them achieve a more ideal weight. Medical weight loss is provided by a specialized medical facility. The treatment process typically involves metabolic testing, an exercise program, and a healthy diet. Each patient is unique, however, and the exact methods of treatment vary from patient to patient.
How long does the process take?
The amount of time it takes to complete a medical weight loss program depends on the patient’s goals, among other factors, which are typically established upfront before the process begins. On average, patients see between two to five pounds of weight loss each week. Some patients may see the weight loss happen at a slower rate, which is fine as well.
At this rate of approximately two pounds per week. patients often see ten to twenty pounds of weight loss within the first two to four months. Of course, each patient is unique and has a different experience with the process.
When to consider medical weight loss.
Medical weight loss is not for everyone. Some who are interested may not be able to benefit from the process. Ideally, it is best to only consider medical weight loss if your body mass index is 30 or higher, which is considered obese.
Individuals who are overweight, meaning within the body mass index range of 25 to 29, might benefit as well. However, the program is likely to look much different than what is typically found with traditional medical weight loss programs.
How the process works
As mentioned, each medical weight loss program is unique and dependent on the goals and specific needs and preferences of the patient. However, most patients start with a meeting with the physician, who can discuss the treatment process, formulate a diet plan with the assistance of dieticians, and set up an exercise routine. Once the process starts, the patient is likely required to come in for follow-up visits every week or every other week throughout the program.
The pros and cons of medical weight loss
Here is an overview of the pros and cons of medical weight loss.
The benefits of medical weight loss
Medical weight loss may prove more effective than diet and exercise alone and can help patients achieve better health long term.
- The potential for more effective treatment – Medical weight loss may be a good way to achieve your weight loss goals, particularly when non-medical weight loss solutions have not worked the way you desire.
- Improved health from the weight loss results – It is true that medical weight loss may come with greater risk than diet and exercise modifications alone. However, there are also risks of obesity. Many patients who achieve the desired weight loss results through medical intervention often experience improved health that comes from the ability to maintain their ideal health long-term.
The disadvantages of medical weight loss
The primary drawbacks to medical weight loss are that it may not provide long-term results without a proper aftercare plan and may carry increased risk (compared with diet and exercise alone).
- Increased risk of complications during treatment – Some (if not all) medical treatments come with risks. Although most patients who go through medical weight loss experience few to no complications, the risks are still greater than with diet and exercise changes alone.
- The results are only temporary without an aftercare plan – As you probably know, keeping your optimal weight long-term may require modifications to your diet and exercise after
treatment is complete to ensure you do not gain weight following medical weight loss treatment.
Talk to a physician about medical weight loss
If you are interested in learning more about how medical weight loss might be beneficial for you, then reach out to us and schedule a time to come in for an initial consultation.
Get more information about Unicorn Medical Weight Loss & Medi Spa in Las Vegas at unicornmedispa.com
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