Weight Loss Management
Your weight loss journey is personal —and it’s an important decision.
Weight Loss Support
Your weight loss journey is personal—and it’s an important decision. Weight loss can improve your health and change your life for the better. We know losing weight can be difficult, and finding a healthy method can be confusing. It is a complex process that involves making changes to your lifestyle and eating habits to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The key to successful weight loss management is to establish a sustainable plan that you can maintain over the long term. Our providers at Virtual Consult MD can help evaluate your needs and develop a program to help with long-term success in your journey.
There are many weight loss management options available, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical interventions. The most appropriate option for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and health status. Here are some common weight loss management options our providers can offer:
Lifestyle changes are the first line of defense against obesity and overweight. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. These changes can be challenging to make and require discipline and consistency, but they are the most sustainable and effective way to lose weight.
Behavioral therapy is a form of counseling that aims to help people change their behaviors related to food, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. It focuses on identifying and modifying unhealthy habits and developing healthier ones. This can be done individually or in a group setting.
Prescription medications are available for weight loss management. These medications work by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, or blocking the absorption of fat. They are typically used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and are intended for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Weight Loss Management
Phentermine
Phentermine is a prescription medication that is used as an appetite suppressant to help people lose weight. It is classified as a sympathomimetic amine and is similar in structure to amphetamines. Phentermine is typically prescribed for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with other health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Phentermine works by stimulating the release of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate appetite. It is believed to work by increasing the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that helps reduce appetite. This can help people eat less and lose weight.
Phentermine can be effective for weight loss when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes diet and exercise. Clinical studies have shown that phentermine can help people lose weight when used for a short period of time, typically 12 weeks or less.
One study published in the Journal of Obesity found that people who took phentermine for 12 weeks lost an average of 8.4 pounds (3.8 kg) more than those who took a placebo. Another study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who took phentermine for 12 weeks lost an average of 10.2 pounds (4.6 kg) more than those who took a placebo.
Semaglutides
Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It is a once-weekly injectable medication that is similar to a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and food intake.
Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The recommended starting dose is 0.25 milligrams (mg) once a week, and the dose can be increased to 2.4 mg once a week, depending on the individual’s response to the medication.
Clinical studies have shown that Wegovy can be effective for weight loss. One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people who took Wegovy for 68 weeks lost an average of 15.3% of their body weight, compared to 2.6% for those who took a placebo.
Ozempic
Ozempic has also been found to aid in weight loss in addition to its intended use for managing type 2 diabetes. This is because semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, has been shown to suppress appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and reduce food cravings. These effects can lead to a reduction in caloric intake and subsequent weight loss.
In clinical trials, Ozempic has been found to help people with type 2 diabetes lose an average of 4-5% of their body weight over the course of 26-52 weeks. This weight loss can lead to improvements in blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Meet with one of our Providers at Virtual Consult MD for evaluation to see what medication is right for you.
Tirzepatides
Zepbound
Zepbound is a new medication which contains the ingredient, tirzepatide, making it a dual-action GLP-1/GIP medication. Approved by the FDA, Zepbound is indicated for individuals with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with a weight-related condition, in conjunction with dietary and exercise modifications.
Zepbound aids in weight loss by curbing your appetite and delaying digestion, resulting in a sensation of fullness that lasts longer after meals. These combined effects facilitate the intake of fewer calories, promoting both short-term weight loss and sustained weight management.In a phase 3 clinical trial, participants receiving the highest dose of tirzepatide, 15 milligrams, experienced significant weight loss, with an average reduction of 22.5% in body weight, equivalent to approximately 52 pounds. These participants had either obesity or were overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
Lower doses also resulted in weight loss: At a 10-milligram dosage, the average weight reduction was approximately 21.4%, or about 48 pounds, while at 5 milligrams, participants achieved an average weight loss of around 16%, equivalent to about 35 pounds.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro, similar to Zepbound, contains tirezepatide.It is delivered via weekly injections. Its mechanism involves activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, thereby elevating incretin levels in the body. These incretin hormones boost insulin production and reduce glucose output from the liver, resulting in lowered blood glucose levels.Studies exploring Mounjaro’s efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes have shown superior outcomes in both blood glucose control and weight reduction compared to other medications for this condition.
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