Learning What Medical Weight Loss Is and Is Not

It is easy to dismiss the term "medical weight loss" as the latest fitness fad in a long line of fitness fads. Unlike many fitness journeys and diet crazes, medical weight loss is not some magical solution that works in the blink of an eye. This particular type of weight loss is based on two realistic principles.

The first principle is that successful, permanent weight loss is a long-term goal that is split up into smaller, daily, doable goals. The second principle is that permanent weight loss is the effect of a lifestyle choice that incorporates healthy eating and exercise into a person's consciousness and daily routine.

Why is this particular type of weight loss described as "medical"?

A large percentage of the population now lives with excess weight or obesity. These conditions open the door for lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. It turns out that medical professionals are on the front lines of the war against these kinds of diseases. The problem is that by treating these diseases, medical professionals can only be reactive. They would prefer it if patients did not develop lifestyle diseases in the first place.

Some doctors and nurses decide to be proactive instead. They start programs that aim to tackle excess weight before it causes secondary complications. Medical weight loss programs also help people with lifestyle diseases to lose weight and become healthy.

In a nutshell, medical weight loss describes programs that are overseen and executed by medical professionals. They employ the knowledge, experience, and research done by doctors, dietitians, nurses, and fitness trainers to create solutions that work in the long term. With the doctor's help, a person seeking to lose weight will get a realistic diet and exercise regimen tailored to their own needs. Doctors can help patients discover and sustain the motivation to lose weight.

What to expect from medical weight loss programs

A person that goes through a medical weight loss program will do so in a clinical setting. In this setting, a doctor will perform an exhaustive evaluation of the patient. The doctor will collect information like:

• The ratio of body fat to muscle (body composition)
• The details of a person's metabolism
• A person's daily routine and typical diet
• Whether or not there is a family history of obesity
• If the person has a physiological or psychological condition that is at the root of their weight gain
• The history of the person's diet and exercise efforts

Based on the information collected, the medical staff will create a customized weight loss program that takes into account the patient's health and daily routines. The nurse or doctor will keep tabs on the diet and exercise aspects of the weight loss program. The patient will need to check in regularly so that the doctor can perform periodic evaluations. If need be, the medical team will make adjustments to the patient's weight loss plan.

In a nutshell, the patient will participate and benefit from a medically supervised weight loss program. Typically, the program takes many, many months. Weight loss is often permanent, as medical weight loss programs boast high success rates.

What a medical weight loss program is not

As stated before, medical weight loss is not some magical solution. This is not the kind of program that will get a patient into that bridesmaid's dress in two weeks. The people that need a bikini body yesterday should try something else. As should the person that wants to look good for next month's reunion. Procedures and treatments that are definitely not part of a medical weight loss program include diet pills, liposuction, body contouring, and bariatric surgery.

Medical weight loss aims to deal with the root cause of weight gain and obesity. The approaches listed above deal with the symptoms and effects instead of the root cause. In and of themselves, these do not cultivate or instill a healthy attitude toward nutrition and exercise.

Lose weight with an effective approach that is backed by medical findings

Weight loss might be intimidating at first. If you are looking for an effective weight reduction program, it might be tough to know which one to choose. A doctor's education and expertise may help you rest easy knowing that you are getting personalized treatment and a weight reduction strategy suited to your specific requirements.

When you work toward a healthy body and prioritize long-term lifestyle changes, weight loss follows. You might not even notice it because you will need to focus on regaining your health instead of putting pressure on yourself. The medical staff can help with your health goals. Call or visit the office to learn how medical weight loss can turn your life around for good.

Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.

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