How to Know if Medical Weight Loss is Right for You

Have you noticed celebrities’ remarkable weight loss stories and started wondering how you can achieve healthy weight loss? Have you been unsuccessful at losing weight, even though you modified your diet and started exercising? Do you have a chronic condition that has been difficult to manage? Medical weight loss may be something to consider. Medical weight loss is physician directed and science-based to help patients achieve a healthy weight, sustain it, and improve their overall health.

“We try to make people healthy so people can lose weight to be healthy,” said Dr. Larae Stemmerman, who has many years of experience helping patients manage weight loss medically. “You can’t keep it off if you have underlying medical issues that are preventing weight loss.”

She said certain conditions, like sleep apnea, can make weight loss difficult. Diabetes and other conditions can also make losing weight more challenging. It is important to know a person’s baseline health and possible causes of weight gain to provide effective weight loss treatment.

 

First, Have a Complete Physical

The best way to know if medical weight loss is right for you is to learn more about it and get a comprehensive exam by a doctor who specializes in physician-directed weight loss. At Infinity Medical Clinic, the goal is sustainable weight loss, and that can only be achieved after identifying and treating underlying medical conditions.

Dr. Stemmerman takes the time to get your complete health and medication history and perform blood tests to rule out medical conditions. Following the initial exam, she will educate and coach patients toward long-term weight loss success on the path they choose. This may include prescribing appropriate medications for health conditions as well as weight loss.

The initial medical exam is usually covered by insurance to some degree. Patients should check with their insurance for coverage details. Ask about the coverage of additional treatment and prescriptions, as coverage varies.

 

Who Benefits Most from Physician-Directed Weight Loss

People who are overweight and have difficulty losing weight and keeping it off are the people who can benefit from medical weight loss. The guideline indicates that individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more can benefit the most from medical weight loss treatment. BMI is calculated based on gender, height, and weight. Dr. Stemmerman states that her goal is to get patients down to a BMI of 27 or less.

People with undiagnosed problems or chronic health conditions can receive the extra medical direction they need during the weight loss process. For example, women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or diabetes can feel more secure about their health when under a physician’s care. Over the years, Dr. Stemmerman has directed weight loss for women with PCOS, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. She treats the underlying conditions and prescribes medications while also guiding the patient’s exercise and nutrition plans to help patients lock in healthy habits.

 

Weight Loss Benefits

Over time, excess weight can take a toll on your body and stamina. Some of the benefits of sustained weight loss include:

• Enhanced health stats
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar
  • Cholesterol
• Relief on knees, ankles and feet
• Increased energy
• Better self-esteem and mood
• Modeling healthy activities for your family
• Establishing healthy habits

Losing weight can be a difficult journey for people who have multiple medical conditions to manage. Today’s weight loss medications are much safer and more effective than diet drugs people took decades ago. Through physician-directed, medical weight loss, patients can have peace of mind about their health during the weight loss process and receive guidance and prescriptions personalized to their needs.

To schedule a medical weight loss consultation, contact Infinity Medical Clinic.