Medical weight loss is where losing weight and sustaining weight loss are done under a doctor's supervision. The plan is tailored to meet the individual's needs and circumstances. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 50% of Americans are actively attempting to reduce their weight.
Certain diets may restrict calorie intake, cut down on certain food groups, or restrict the number of hours you can eat. These can be risky and life-threatening if the person has underlying medical conditions. It is then vital to follow a medical weight loss plan.
A medical weight loss plan becomes necessary when
- regular diet and exercise have had little impact on weight loss and sustaining weight loss
- an injury prevents the person from doing regular exercises that help lose weight
- the person is on medication where the side effects can be weight gain
A person should consider medical weight loss for the following reasons:
Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease need to be managed well and monitored closely. The doctor will provide the right weight loss plan that addresses your medical goals, by considering any chronic conditions that the patient has.
When you start to follow your specialized plan, the doctor will continuously monitor other important areas apart from weight. BMI, blood pressure, and lipid levels, among other things, will all be regularly monitored. Through close monitoring, the doctor can then make any changes required to the diet and exercise plan.
Certain conditions such as PCOS, thyroid, and a decline in certain hormones affect weight. The doctor can identify such issues and customize your plan accordingly and provide the right medication where needed, such as HRT.
It is essential for a person whose BMI is over 30 to lose weight. Another indication to lose weight is if the waist size is over 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men. Excessive weight causes heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. Losing and maintaining weight reduction reduces the likelihood of getting the illnesses stated above and improves overall health.
Medical weight loss also uses behavioral modification and encourages the patient to make the correct choices.
Weight loss is the first step in having a healthy, happy lifestyle. Find a reputable doctor who will help plan and achieve your weight-loss goals.
