Skip to content 
Medical weight loss is quickly becoming a go-to option for those wanting a more personalized and effective approach to weight loss. Unlike trendy diets or off-the-shelf programs, medical weight loss is designed and supervised by healthcare professionals who understand how to tailor a plan specific to your body’s needs.If you’re unsure whether medical weight loss is right for you, this article might help clear things up.
What Exactly is Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss programs go beyond standard diet and exercise advice. They take into account the science of how your body functions, including metabolism, hormones, and genetics. This isn’t a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, medical professionals like Dr. Major create a strategy based on a detailed assessment of your body.
A big part of the process starts with diagnostic tests, which often include blood work to check for things like hormone levels, cholesterol, and other key factors. This information helps craft a program that fits your individual physiology, setting you up for long-term success rather than a temporary quick fix.
Metabolism varies from person to person, and factors such as thyroid function, insulin resistance, or even gut health can have a substantial impact on weight. If you’ve been struggling with your weight despite following traditional diets, you might be dealing with metabolic issues that require a deeper, more customized approach.
Benefits of Medical Weight Loss
With medical weight loss, you’re not just left to figure things out on your own. Dr. Major and his team will guide you through the process, making adjustments when necessary. Unlike many commercial weight loss programs that simply focus on cutting calories, medical weight loss ensures that your body gets what it needs while still promoting fat loss. This means you’ll be preserving muscle mass, which helps maintain a healthy metabolism over the long term.
A common challenge with crash diets is that they can actually slow down your metabolism. When you drastically cut calories, your body can go into “survival mode,” where it burns fewer calories to conserve energy. Medical weight loss avoids this by designing a plan that works with your body, not against it. This helps keep your metabolism stable and encourages fat burning, not just weight loss on the scale.
On top of the physical benefits, many people who lose weight through medical weight loss also experience improvements in mental health. Obesity and mental health issues often go hand-in-hand, and shedding extra weight can improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of depression or anxiety. When you address the root cause of weight gain through a structured program, the results tend to stick, and that positive shift in mental well-being becomes more noticeable.
Is Medical Weight Loss Right for You?
You might be a better candidate for medical weight loss if you can’t lose weight despite your best efforts. Conditions like metabolic syndrome, thyroid issues, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often make it difficult to lose weight through conventional diet and exercise alone. These conditions alter the way your body stores fat and processes nutrients, making a more structured approach necessary.
Medical weight loss programs typically cater to people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, but if you have other health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, you might qualify with a lower BMI. It’s not just about the numbers on the scale but how your body is functioning as a whole. For those with a family history of obesity-related conditions or metabolic disorders, medical weight loss can also serve as a proactive approach to avoiding future health complications.
Your provider considers your medical history, lifestyle, and any ongoing medications or treatments you may be on. This comprehensive evaluation helps create a program designed specifically for your body’s needs. Customization is a big part of what makes medical weight loss effective.
What to Expect from a Medical Weight Loss Program
Getting started on a medical weight loss program starts with an in-depth consultation. Dr. Major will review your health history, conduct diagnostic tests, and listen to your goals. From there, a personalized plan is developed. Here’s what a typical program might look like:
- Nutrition: A custom meal plan is created based on your needs, often focusing on nutrient-dense, low-glycemic foods that help stabilize blood sugar. Depending on your metabolic profile, different strategies may be used to encourage fat loss while maintaining muscle mass.
- Exercise: Exercise helps you lose fat and keep your muscles in shape. A personalized fitness plan will be provided, tailored to your current fitness level. This could range from light cardio to more intense strength training routines, all designed to enhance your weight loss efforts.
- Behavioral Support: Weight loss involves more than just what you eat and how much you move. Stress, emotional eating, and lifestyle factors can all play a part. Behavioral counseling can help you develop healthier routines and stay on track.
- Continuous Monitoring: Regular check-ins with Dr. Major and his team will keep you on track. Adjustments can be made to your program as needed to ensure continued success. The ongoing support helps keep you accountable and motivated, which can be a huge factor in long-term success.
FAQs on Medical Weight Loss
How long does it take to see results?
This varies depending on your starting point and goals, but many patients notice changes within a month. Long-term weight loss, however, typically requires consistent effort over several months.
Is medical weight loss safe for everyone?
Medical weight loss programs are prepared to be safe for adults of all ages. However, the specific plan will be adjusted based on your age, current health, and any underlying conditions.
Will I keep the weight off?
It’s all about developing healthy habits that prevent future weight gain. Patients are more likely to sustain their weight loss by making lifestyle changes instead of quick fixes.
Conclusion
Medical weight loss offers a well-rounded approach that focuses on the root reasons for weight gain, helping individuals lose weight safely and effectively. At Apex Integrative Medicine, Dr. Miklos Major II works with each patient to create a plan that meets their specific needs. If you’re ready to take control of your health and embark on a weight loss journey that offers lasting results, schedule an assessment with Apex Integrative Medicine today.
