Weight Loss
13 min read
Written by Nsisong Asanga
Published: Jan 11, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Kasra Tayebi
Medically supervised weight loss is a way medical providers help people lose weight safely and effectively using a specialized program tailored to the individual. In this article, we dive into why medically supervised weight loss matters and what you need to know.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls obesity “a common, serious, and costly disease.” In a study on obesity and severe obesity among adults, about 42% of adults in the U.S. live with the condition, while about 31% are overweight. Altogether, roughly 7 in 10 American adults weigh more than they should for their age and height.
Losing weight, though, is no easy task. An analysis of U.S. weight-loss maintenance studies found that only about 1 in 5 people in the U.S. successfully lose weight. Most (4 out of 5) find that losing weight is an uphill task fraught with ups and downs, plateaus, and frustrations.
But what does losing weight with medical assistance look like?
Medically assisted weight loss is losing weight with the supervision and assistance of a qualified healthcare provider or team of health providers. The team may include a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, registered dietician, therapist, or other providers. It’s usually a multifaceted approach that involves diet and meal planning, physical activity, behavioral therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery.
Since medically assisted weight loss is tailored to your particular needs, it’s more likely to work. Instead of relying on willpower and guesswork, you get personalized care that meets your needs and a provider or team of providers committed to helping you reach your goals.
There are several medically supervised weight loss options. You may be offered a combination of these options for best results. They include the following:
Research shows that medically assisted weight loss plans have a higher chance of success than plans where individuals attempt weight loss independently. In one study, researchers found that with medical weight loss, participants lost 14.4% of their body weight. They also retained 12.9% of the weight lost two years after the study.
Another study on medically supervised weight management found that people who chose medically assisted programs still kept significant amounts of their weight off even after five years.
However, no approach provides an overnight fix. Overall, the success of a medically-assisted program depends on:
Choosing the best medically assisted program depends on your needs, goals, and resources. Target choosing a program that meets the following criteria:
There’s no single best prescription medication for weight loss. Some of the many medications available for medically assisted weight loss include:
The best medication is one that is safe for you and considers your health and needs. Your healthcare provider will assess you, take your history, and suggest the best medication for you if they deem it medically necessary.
Losing weight with the help of a healthcare provider improves your chances of losing weight successfully. Your healthcare provider – or team – offers expertise and experience while holding you accountable and supporting your weight loss journey.
Several providers can help you lose weight. Depending on your needs and individual situation, some of the providers you work with may include:
With a medically assisted weight loss program, expect a tailored approach for your weight loss. Usually, this involves changes to your diet, physical activity, and sometimes medication or surgery. Here’s what a program may involve.
An initial assessment. At the start of the program, your provider will assess your weight and take a thorough history. They may ask about your weight gain, eating habits, exercise routine, goals, medical history, and current medications.
They’ll likely take your weight, body mass index (a measure of your weight relative to your height), and other body measurements, such as your abdominal circumference.
A personalized plan. You may be given a personalized plan that recommends one or more of the following:
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up. To ensure the program’s success, you need to see your provider regularly for check-ins as advised. During follow-up visits, they review your progress, go over your medication, and address any concerns. They may also ask for periodic health tests throughout your journey.
Expect to commit to the process long-term. It may take weeks or months to achieve your weight loss goals. And even then, you may still need monitoring and support to keep the weight off.
With Klarity Health, you can find a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, psychologist, and/or therapist to help with your weight loss goals. Find a provider for help with medically supervised weight loss with Klarity Health today.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
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