Unpacking Medical Weight Loss: A Path to a Healthier You

Weight management is a complex and often challenging journey for many individuals. While diet and exercise are essential components of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, some people may require additional support to meet their goals. This is where medical weight loss comes into play. In this blog post, we’ll explore what medical weight loss is, how it differs from other weight loss approaches, and why it can be a valuable option for those seeking sustainable weight loss.

What is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to weight management supervised by healthcare professionals, typically including doctors, dietitians, and other specialised experts. Unlike traditional dieting, medical weight loss focuses on the individual’s unique medical and health needs while prioritising long-term success and overall well-being.

Typically, a medical weight loss program is recommended for people with a body mass index or BMI above 27. It focuses on your goals and considers your individual needs and challenges. This approach combines personalised medical advice, clinically-approved medications, and the expertise of a health coach to modify your lifestyle.

Key Components of Medical Weight Loss

1. Personalised Assessment: Medical weight loss begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, current health status, and lifestyle factors. This assessment helps identify any underlying medical conditions, metabolic issues, drug consumption or behavioural patterns that may be contributing to weight gain.
2. Customised Plans: Based on the assessment, healthcare professionals design a personalised weight loss plan tailored to your specific needs, preferences and goals. This plan may include dietary recommendations, exercise regimens, behavioural therapy, and, in some cases, medication or surgery.
3. Medical Interventions: In certain cases, medical weight loss may incorporate medications or, as a last resort, surgical procedures like bariatric surgery. These interventions are typically offered based on the class and stage of obesity or for those for whom other methods have proven ineffective.
4. Regular Monitoring: A fundamental aspect of medical weight loss is ongoing monitoring and support. Patients meet regularly with their healthcare team to track progress, make necessary adjustments, and receive guidance and encouragement.
5. Lifestyle changes through coaching: Lifestyle changes are essential to long-term weight management, regardless of other interventions. Having active support terms of a certified health and habit coach exponentially increases the weight loss outcomes and the likelihood of achieving long-term sustainability of weight loss. A coach can be a care partner and accountability partner to ensure you are on the right track with optimum motivation and with the right set of micro goals leading to the desired results.

Key Differences from Fad Diets and DIY Approaches

1. Expert Supervision: Medical weight loss is overseen by healthcare professionals with specialised training in obesity management. This ensures the approach is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.
2. Evidence-Based: Unlike many fad diets, medical weight loss strategies are rooted in scientific research and clinical trials, increasing the likelihood of successful and sustainable weight loss.
3. Holistic Approach: Medical weight loss addresses not only the physical aspects of weight management but also the psychological and emotional factors that contribute to overeating and unhealthy habits.
4. Long-Term Focus: The ultimate goal of medical weight loss is not just to shed pounds quickly but to help individuals maintain a healthy weight for life. It emphasises building healthy habits and addressing the root causes of weight gain.

Who Can Benefit from Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss is an option for individuals facing various weight-related challenges, including:

1. Obesity: People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher may benefit from medical weight loss, especially if they have obesity-related health issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
2. Weight-Related Health Conditions: Individuals with medical conditions aggravated by excess weight, such as heart disease, joint problems, or fatty liver disease, can find relief through medical weight loss.
3. Failed Previous Attempts: If you’ve tried multiple diets and exercise regimens without long-term success, medical weight loss offers a more tailored and sustainable approach.
4. Psychological Factors: Emotional or psychological factors, like binge eating disorder or emotional eating, can be addressed through behavioural therapy in a medical weight loss program.

How is your medical weight loss treatment designed –

A team of medical and lifestyle experts evaluate your case through a thorough assessment so that your program can address improvement opportunities that align with your needs and goals.  Typically this will include the following :  

• A metabolic assessment, including a complete blood work
• Understanding your current lifestyle at home & work
• Assessment of  medical causes for weight gain
• Personal habits like  around food, activities, sleep patterns and stress management
• Current medications

Final thoughts on medical weight loss

Medical weight loss is a multifaceted approach to weight management that combines the expertise of healthcare professionals with personalised care, evidence-based strategies, and a focus on long-term success. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution but a flexible and adaptable approach considering your unique needs and circumstances. Additionally, unlike fad and DIY diets, there is accountability and help.

If you’re struggling with excess weight and traditional approaches have yet to yield the desired results, consult a healthcare professional to determine if medical weight loss is a suitable option. Remember that achieving a healthy weight isn’t just about appearance; it’s about improving overall health and well-being.