Health & Fitness
Demystifying Medical Weight Loss
Written by: Audrey Willow
Photographer : Tetiana Kreminska
Are you ready to dive into these waters?
Medical weight loss has become a hot topic these past few years, shaking up the weight loss and
wellness scene. Weight loss drugs, in particular, have been generating quite the buzz on social
media and among the Hollywood elite. Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy were initially
developed for diabetes management but became hugely popular for weight loss and obesity
treatment due to their rapid results. The demand for these drugs is higher than ever; with more
seeking these treatments and increasing supply, experts say weight loss drug sales could reach
$150 billion by the early 2030s.
Before its increased social visibility, many believed weight loss came down to willpower, but by
approaching and classifying obesity as a disease, the treatment provided by medical weight loss
allowed perspectives to shift. Obesity and weight aren’t a personal failure but rather a complex
condition that needs sufficient treatment. However, there’s still much confusion surrounding
medical weight loss, which may deter people from seeking the necessary help. Here’s a guide to demystifying medical weight loss:
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss is a program that helps patients lose weight by providing a guide and
resources for building daily health habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially if the
patient has been unsuccessful at losing weight on their own.
A healthcare professional will work with them to create a tailored, realistic plan that meets their unique needs, including a balanced diet, an exercise regime, sleep and stress management, and behavioral changes. This holistic treatment can enable patients to lose weight sustainably and healthily.
A healthcare professional will work with them to create a tailored, realistic plan that meets their unique needs, including a balanced diet, an exercise regime, sleep and stress management, and behavioral changes. This holistic treatment can enable patients to lose weight sustainably and healthily.
How do weight loss medications work?
In a medical weight loss program, a healthcare professional may also prescribe weight loss
medications, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. Using GLP-1 for weight loss
works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone in your body, which triggers feelings of satiety and
curbs food cravings. The naturally-occurring GLP-1 lasts around two to three minutes in the
body, but the GLP-1 drug can last up to 14 hours. This results in an average loss of 15% of body
weight. Some GLP-1 drugs include semaglutide or Ozempic and Wegovy—the latter of which is
approved for weight loss—and liraglutide is sold under Victoza and Saxenda. A healthcare
professional can determine which medication is right for each patient. Other medications help
manage appetite, increase metabolism, or block fat absorption. These medications should be
monitored by a doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Is medical weight loss a one-and-done solution?
Medical weight loss and weight loss drugs can help patients shed pounds without the need for restriction or surgery, but it’s not a quick solution. Treatments take time to feel effective or yield a huge difference in appearance. However, many people stop GLP-1 treatments too soon, with 58% staying on the treatment plan for less than 12 weeks and missing a crucial benchmark in the weight loss timeline. Around 30% dropped out after only the first four weeks before they hit their target dose. The use of weight loss drugs is meant to be a long-term solution, akin to a marathon and not a sprint. It’s also not a one-size-fits-all solution. Patients may respond differently to the treatment based on their current state and support factors like lifestyle support management, nutrition, diet, and side effect management. With the proper guidance, patients can stay on the program for longer. Health professionals and patients can collaborate to evaluate the effectiveness of medical weight loss and weight loss drugs, creating ways to help with sticking to the treatment plan suited to the individual’s needs and condition for better results.
Is medical weight loss a silver bullet?
Weight loss drugs garnered much attention for visible results in shorter periods than typical
weight loss methods. However, there’s a misconception that these medications are all that’s
needed for weight loss. In reality, weight loss drugs work best in tandem with a healthy lifestyle
plan, which is why health professionals prescribe these drugs alongside other dietary, exercise,
and behavioral changes. Living in health and nutrition is still essential for weight loss. This
includes eating balanced meals and having a healthy relationship with food rather than restricting
oneself or focusing too heavily on what can and can’t be eaten.
Regular physical activity is also
needed to improve overall well-being. Sleep and stress management help regulate hormone levels
for more efficient weight loss. These aspects ensure patients obtain the best results while
developing lifelong healthy habits. 
TrooRa Magazine
Written by
Audrey Willow
Photo Credit
Tetiana Kreminska,Freepik.com, Istock
