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Medically assisted weight loss

Weight loss drugs can be effective as part of a comprehensive weight management plan, but their effectiveness varies from person to person. These medications are typically prescribed to individuals who have obesity or struggle with significant weight-related health issues. Identifying the right candidate for a specific weight loss drug is essential. Factors like medical history, current health status, and potential interactions with other medications need consideration.
Different people respond differently to weight loss medications. Some individuals may experience significant weight loss, while others might see minimal effects. They are effective when used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise. They are not meant to replace healthy habits but rather complement them.
Most weight loss drugs lead to moderate weight loss, usually defined as losing a certain percentage of body weight (e.g., 5-10%). While this may seem modest, even this level of weight loss can significantly improve health outcomes for individuals with obesity.
Sustaining weight loss while on these medications often depends on continued use of the drug and adherence to lifestyle changes. Some individuals may regain weight after discontinuing the medication if healthy habits are not maintained.
Adherence to medication regimens is crucial for their effectiveness. Side effects can vary among individuals and might impact adherence. Working closely with the doctors and their team to manage potential side effects is important.
It’s important to approach weight loss medications as part of a broader strategy for managing obesity or overweight conditions. While they can be beneficial, they’re not a standalone solution. Weight loss medications also play an important role in weight gain after bariatric surgery. The most successful weight loss outcomes often involve a combination of medication, dietary changes, physical activity, behavioral therapy, and ongoing support from healthcare professionals.
Consulting a weight loss physician or a bariatric team who specializes in weight management is crucial. They can provide personalized guidance, monitor progress, and ensure the chosen approach aligns with individual health needs and goals.
More about weight loss drugs:
Weight loss drugs have evolved, progressing through different generations, each with its own set of medications, mechanisms, and advancements. Here’s an overview of the generations of weight loss drugs:
First Generation: 1940s, cocktails of drugs used to suppress appetite (rainbow pills) were marketed in the US. The capsules often contained amphetamines, diuretics, laxatives, and thyroid hormones. They were also mixed with drugs like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants. After those potent cocktails of drugs caused abuse, addiction, and deaths, the U.S. FDA removed them from the market around the 1960s.
Second Generation: Fen-Phen and Redux: In the 1990s, the combination of fenfluramine and phentermine (fen-phen) and dexfenfluramine (Redux) gained popularity. They targeted serotonin receptors to control appetite. However, safety concerns emerged, leading to their withdrawal due to cardiovascular risks. There were several more drugs during this time like sibutramine (Meridia), which was recalled by the FDA in 2010 after more than 10 years on the market because it increased the risk of cardiac events and strokes. Lorcaserin (Belviq) was banned by the US FDA for its risk of cancer in 2020.
Third Generation: Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): Orlistat, approved in the late 1990s, is a lipase inhibitor that blocks the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines. It reduces calorie intake but can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Alli is a lower-dose, over-the-counter version of Xenical.
Fourth Generation: GLP-1 Agonists and combination drugs: GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially used for diabetes, have shown weight loss benefits. Medications like liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), exenatide (Byetta), and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) work by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Additionally, combination drugs like Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone) and Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) emerged, utilizing different mechanisms to aid weight loss.
Emerging Fifth Generation: Ongoing research is exploring newer drugs with novel mechanisms. These may include drugs targeting gut hormones, the endocannabinoid system, or metabolic pathways involved in weight regulation. Semaglutide at higher doses and other experimental drugs targeting pathways related to metabolism and hunger are part of this newer generation.
Each generation of weight loss drugs has contributed to our understanding of weight management and obesity treatment. The newer generations aim for improved safety profiles, efficacy, and sometimes novel mechanisms of action to address the complexities of weight regulation. However, balancing effectiveness with safety remains a critical consideration in the development and use of these medications.
FAQ & Info
The ethos of MetaBariatric Clinic lies in its dedication to empowering individuals to reclaim their health and vitality. With a blend of expertise, empathy, and innovation, the clinic remains a trusted haven for those embarking on their transformative weight loss journey.
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss programs are personalized, comprehensive solutions for men and women who are seeking support with their weight loss goals and want long-term, stable results. Unlike fad diets or subscription exercise programs, medically supervised weight loss addresses all facets of a patient’s situation and enables them to achieve a healthy body in a healthy, sustainable way.
How long does a medical weight loss program last?
The length of medical weight loss programs can vary from patient to patient, depending on their concerns, goals, and other factors. Generally speaking, most patients can expect to follow their supervised weight loss program for several weeks or months.
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