What is medical weight management?
Medical weight management is a multifaceted approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight with the guidance and support of healthcare professionals. The main objectives of medical weight management are to prevent further weight gain, reduce body weight if necessary, and sustain a lower body weight over the long term.
This approach typically involves a personalized plan considering a person’s unique health status, lifestyle, and goals. The program may include a range of interventions, such as changes in dietary habits, physical activity, behavioral therapy, medication, and, in some cases, surgery.
By following a medical weight management program, individuals can work towards achieving their desired weight loss goals while also improving their overall health and reducing the risk of weight-related health problems. The program typically starts with a comprehensive medical evaluation and may involve ongoing monitoring and support from a healthcare team to help ensure long-term success.
The phases of medical weight management:
A medical weight loss program typically involves a few phases that aim to support individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. These phases are:
- Acute Weight Loss Phase: This initial phase focuses on achieving more rapid weight loss through a combination of a low-calorie diet, physical activity, meal replacement, and, in some cases, medications. The duration of this phase can vary depending on the amount of weight loss required and a person’s overall health status.
- Short-Term Maintenance Phase: Individuals move to the short-term maintenance phase once the desired weight loss is achieved. This phase is designed to help individuals transition to a more sustainable diet and physical activity routine that can be maintained in the long term. The duration of this phase can vary, but it typically lasts a few weeks to a few months.
- The Wellness Phase focuses on sustaining the weight loss achieved in the previous stages and promoting long-term health and wellness. It involves ongoing support and monitoring from a healthcare team and a focus on making healthy lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management. This phase is indefinite, and it aims to support individuals in maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing the risk of weight-related health problems over the long term.
The medical weight loss program’s three phases aim to provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to weight loss and management, focusing on achieving and maintaining healthy body weight and improving overall health and well-being.
How Fast Does Medical Weight Management Work?
The rate at which an individual experiences weight loss during medical weight management can vary based on factors such as starting weight, overall health, adherence to the program, and other individual factors.
On average, medical weight management aims to help individuals lose weight at a safe and sustainable rate of approximately two to five pounds per week. This rate of weight loss may vary depending on the individual and their specific program. However, a weight loss rate of two pounds per week is considered a healthy and sustainable rate of weight loss.
In the first few weeks of medical weight management, individuals may experience a more rapid rate of weight loss as they begin to follow the program’s diet, and physical activity guidelines, and take medication to assist with weight loss. However, weight loss may become more gradual as the program progresses and the body adapts to the new lifestyle changes.
Over the first few months of medical weight management, it is common for individuals to lose a more significant amount of weight, assuming they follow the program’s guidelines. However, it’s important to note that weight loss progress can vary based on individual factors and that sustainable weight loss is more important than rapid weight loss.
Medical weight management programs aim to help individuals achieve safe and sustainable weight loss. Each individual patient and their goals are considered when developing a treatment plan. Goals should be realistic and achievable in for patients to stay motivated in their weight loss journey.
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Visit Dr. Barlow And The FMCC Team!
If you want to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, medical weight management offered by Dr. Barlow at the Family Medical Clinic of Chubbuck can be an excellent choice. They provide a comprehensive approach to weight loss and management that involves the guidance and support of healthcare professionals tailored to your unique needs and health status.
With the program’s three consecutive stages, you can expect steady and sustainable weight loss progress, leading to a healthier and happier lifestyle. If you want to start your weight loss journey, consider contacting Family Medical Clinic in Chubbuck to learn more about medical weight management and how it can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
