There are many methods and protocols for healthy weight loss, including doctor assisted treatments, balanced diet, regular physical activity, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to approach a weight loss method in a healthy and sustainable way, as crash diets or extreme measures can have negative effects on your health.
The most popular method of doctor assisted weight loss now, is Semaglutide. Semaglutide is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is now used for weight loss. It works by mimicking a hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which can help regulate blood sugar and appetite. Studies have shown that it can be effective for weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese. It can lead to significant weight reduction when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These may lead to long term health issues. Semaglutide’s long-term safety and effectiveness for weight management are still being studied, so be aware of this if you choose this option. As a result, we do not offer this in my office, as I also find that most patients sometimes gain more weight back than they originally lost once they stop the treatments.
Another popular method is weight loss clinics. Previously, people went to business like Weight Loss Clinic, Nutri System, and more to buy pre packaged food that is designed to have the correct amount of calories and macronutrients to help expedite weight loss. Those types of businesses are still out there, but are mainly on-line now. The positive side of them was to check in with a nutritional specialist weekly, and attend classes with others. This worked for so many people as a result. I personally find that those who use the on-line forms of these methods do not respond as well as checking in with the specialist at the clinic and communicating with other people in the classes. It takes more self-motivation to do it on your own. Weight Watchers is a great program as well, but doing everything on line is not the same as weekly meetings in person.
Many others will decrease their caloric intake, which helps. The downside is that their nutrition falls to sometimes dangerous levels. They also start to exercise in such a way, that they become more tired and weak. This, in many cases is the cause of them falling off their diet, and they then gain the weight back. This yo-yo effect is not healthy, and I see that many people do this every year for New Year’s resolutions or to lose weight for the Summer or a special event.
A balanced diet sounds easy, but to some people, they don’t know where to start. There are so many different diet plans and recommendations that people are confused. In many instances, they don’t even follow the plan as it was intended, and it doesn’t work. It really needs to be what works for the individual. As a physician who’s been working with weight loss even before I graduated, I’ve seen it all. I worked at Nutrisystem as a nutritional specialist when I was in school, and helped people overcome their dietary challenges. It was difficult, as once they were off the prepackaged food, it was hard for them to maintain the weight loss once they were eating their own food again.
I find that programs that involve eating real food that you prepare is the best. This way, you are in control of what you eat, and can make the segue back to eating right to keep the weight off. I also believe that nutritional supplementation is necessary when you are decreasing the amount of food and the type of food you are eating. This gives you a fair chance of not becoming so depleted that you are too tired and go back to your old habits. I also know that checking in with someone in person weekly is a big help for support and measurements. If the scale isn’t going down, but you see a change in your measurements, that helps you to stay on track.
In my office, we offer a doctor assisted weight loss program that involves real food that you prepare. Before and after photos are taken, and weekly weigh-ins and measurements are done as well. Exercise is minimal during the weight loss phase, as when you are down in calories, regular exercise may be too much. This is monitored throughout the plan and increased appropriately. Maintenance is offered, as the follow up is the most important part of the weight loss journey. This way, it works and the weight stays off this time. Nutritional supplements are given to ensure the body is responding to weight loss, not starvation. This is where most plans fail. If your body does not get its nutrition, it will go into starvation mode and slow your metabolism. In many cases, this becomes a long-term problem. There are different levels of plans, and we find the one that best suits you.
Weight loss is a journey, and healthy changes can be made with fast results. The changes just have to be the right ones. There is no magic pill or injection. Dangerous side-effects are real, and sometimes irreversible.
If you or anyone you know has weight to lose, and you want to keep it off this time, please call my office for a complimentary consultation.
For questions on any of my articles, please email me at [email protected].
Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Accurate Care Medical Wellness Center
18261 N. Pima Rd. Ste. # 115
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-584-3955
