Losing Weight Under Our Medically Supervised Weight Management Program
Did you know that obesity is a disease? And, being overweight or obese puts you at risk for developing other diseases and aggravates existing medical conditions. The good news is, weight loss has been shown to improve medical conditions and eliminate certain medications.
1. How Many Calories Will I Consume on the Weight Loss Plan?
At Healthy Living Weight Clinic, we offer personalized meal plans designed specifically for your weight loss goals. Our meal plans typically range from 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day. These plans often include nutrient-rich meal replacements such as shakes, bars, breakfast items and chips. Alternatively, we can create a low-carb, high protein meal plan with an individually set daily caloric goal for those who prefer to provide their own meals.
Our goal is to provide you with a well-balanced and calorie-controlled diet to support your weight loss journey effectively. Our healthcare professionals will work closely with you to determine the most suitable meal plan based on your individual needs and preferences.
2. How Much Weight Will I Lose?
Results will vary for individual patients. On average, you can expect to lose approximately five pounds in the first two weeks on the program, and then one to three pounds each week thereafter.
3. Will I Be Hungry?
No, you will not be starved on our weight loss program. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction throughout your weight loss journey. Our individualized meal plans are designed to provide the right kinds of calories that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
4. Will medication be given to help me lose weight?
Yes, medication can be a valuable tool in supporting your weight loss journey. Our weight loss program may incorporate FDA-approved medications, prescribed under the supervision of our healthcare providers. These medications have shown effectiveness in assisting with weight loss. Here are some examples of weight loss medications that we may consider:
- Wegovy (semaglutide) or Ozempic/Trulicity/Rybelsus for diabetic patients: This medication is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and has been approved for chronic weight management. It helps reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
- Contrave: Contrave is a combination medication that contains bupropion and naltrexone. It helps control cravings and suppresses appetite, making it easier to maintain a calorie-controlled diet.
- Phentermine: Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that stimulates the release of certain chemicals in the brain, leading to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness.
- Topamax (topiramate): Although primarily used for epilepsy and migraines, Topamax can also aid in weight loss. It helps decrease appetite and may enhance the feeling of satiety.
Please note that the specific medication prescribed will depend on individual circumstances and medical considerations. Our healthcare providers will assess your needs and determine the most appropriate medication, if necessary, to support your weight loss goals.
5. What is the cost of the program?
We aim to make the program as affordable as possible for our patients while ensuring they receive the best care. We bill your insurance for program visits whenever applicable. To learn more about our program options and the associated costs, please contact the office to schedule an appointment with a Nutritional Consultant.
6. What are the health benefits of Weight Loss?
Weight loss offers numerous health benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Relief from joint pain and improved mobility.
- Increased energy levels and enhanced vitality.
- Improved sleep quality.
- Enhanced mental well-being and increased happiness.
Experience these health benefits and more by embarking on a weight loss journey with us at Healthy Living Primary Care.
7. Can I join the weight program if my PCP is not with Healthy Living Primary Care?
Yes, you can join Healthy Living Weight Management even if your primary care physician is not with Healthy Living Primary Care. We are happy to collaborate with your current primary care provider to ensure coordinated care and support on your weight loss journey. Your health and well-being are our top priority.
8. If I lose weight, would it make a difference in my high blood pressure or the medication I take to treat it?
Yes, weight loss actually helps reduce high blood pressure – sometimes to a level where you could reduce or even eliminate your blood pressure medication entirely.
9. I have diabetes. Can losing weight lower my blood sugar?
Yes, losing weight can lower your blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes. Just a 10% weight loss can greatly affect your blood sugar and possibly minimize your use of diabetic medications.
10. Can I lower my high cholesterol by losing weight?
Yes, you can boost your chances of lowering your cholesterol with a three-prong approach: modify your fat intake, exercise regularly and lose weight.
11. Can being overweight make me more susceptible to cancer?
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for many different cancers, including colon, breast and endometrial cancer.
12. Could my excess weight be the reason I’ve been unsuccessful in getting pregnant?
Obesity can be a risk factor for infertility and weight loss can often improve success of conception.
13. Is my excess weight ruining my joints?
It’s difficult for the natural cushions in our joints to withstand extra body weight. Losing weight can reduce the wear and tear on your joints.
14. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, which causes me to snore and sometimes stop breathing during sleep. Will it help if I lose weight?
For those with sleep apnea, even modest weight reduction may alleviate the need for long-term therapy or upper-airway surgery.
15. I suffer from a lot of back problems. Would losing weight alleviate the pain?
If you carry your extra pounds around your abdomen, this can put excess stress on your back muscles. Losing weight and strengthening your abdominal muscles can greatly relieve discomfort.
16. If I’m overweight, does that increase my risk for developing heart disease?
The occurrence of cardiovascular disease increases as your body mass index rises with increased weight gain. Losing weight may be one of the best ways to control or reduce cardiovascular disease.
17. What is LCD (Low Calorie Diet)?
A Low Calorie Diet (LCD) is a restricted eating plan that helps you accelerate your weight loss. In addition to losing weight, you can also experience improvement in medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and others. While on the plan, you’ll have the choice between utilizing nutritional supplements that replace the majority of grocery store foods or providing all meals with strict dietary guidance from the Nutritional Consultant. Both avenues will put focus on learning new, healthier behaviors.
18. Is a LCD Safe?
Under proper medical supervision, LCD’s produce quick, significant weight loss in patients who are moderately to extremely obese. This type of diet has been in use for several decades and has been endorsed by NIH’s Weight-Control Information Network and the American Council on Sports Medicine.
19. How do I know if this program is right for me?
Low Calorie Diets are designed for patients with a BMI over 30 (or over 27 with other medical conditions). If you are at least 30-40 pounds overweight, you may be a good candidate for a LCD.
20. What do the supplements taste like?
Good news here! The beverages, pudding shakes, soups, and nutrition bars for this program are delicious and available in a variety of flavors. They’ll help you stave off “diet fatigue” and give you the flavor and satisfaction you crave.