Medical Weight Loss: Safe, Sustainable, and Effective

In the past 3 or 4 years there has been a significant growth in the population’s perceived value of maintaining a healthy life and losing weight. Education on the health effects of diabetes and obesity has been essential to adults and children, and the number of individuals working to take back their health and confidence through weight loss and lifestyle changes is at an all-time high! As a huge advocate for physical and mental health, this has been so exciting for me to see. There are countless numbers of DIY diet programs and gym plans available and it’s great to see someone reach their goals following the “8 week shed and shred” program they found on social media. 

But what happens when they finish that program and the weight begins rapidly returning? Or what about the person who tried that program plus 10 others they found online and they still haven’t had any success? Whether it’s a paid or free program, a vast majority of mainstream or “fad diets'' usually have a “one size fits all” approach that promises rapid weight loss to everyone who follows it. 

These diets are often not sustainable for long-term results and don’t take into account that everyone’s bodies may respond differently, even having little to no effect on a person’s weight. These two factors can be extremely discouraging to someone trying to lose weight, and often cause people to give up on their weight loss journey all together.

Medical weight loss programs take a very different approach to weight loss. After getting to know the patient, what their daily life is like, and what their goals are for themselves; diet and exercise plans are designed to fit each individual’s body and lifestyle in a way that provides patients the knowledge and tools to achieve their weight loss goals and sustain their results long-term so they can look forward to a healthier future.

What is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical Weight Loss is defined as the process of losing weight with the help and guidance of healthcare professionals, typically a doctor or professionals working under the direct supervision of a medical doctor. These programs entail individualized programs tailored to promote healthy lifestyle changes and success to each and every patient.

What makes Medical Weight Loss so successful?

Under the care and supervision of a team of healthcare professionals, including certified nutritionists and personal trainers, registered nurses, and licensed practitioners such as MDs, APRNs, and PA-Cs; patients have exclusive access to:

1. Personalized nutrition plans and weekly guidance - Meal guides and food recommendations specific to dietary preferences, weekly one-on-one coaching sessions to make dietary adjustments and provide education and set goals for the next week, access to a coach via email/phone between weekly appointments to have any urgent questions answered
2. Prescription medications for weight management - Such as once-weekly injectable Semaglutide, once-daily oral appetite suppressant and metabolism stimulator, as well as others that can be prescribed at the discretion of an advanced clinical provider.
3. Accountability and motivation - there is always a team of coaches excited to watch you succeed and help you stay motivated and on track with weekly goals
4. Vitamin and supplement recommendations - different vitamin blend injections formulated for various benefits as well as dietary supplements and protein powders, all of which can be recommended by staff based on the type of support your body needs (additional immune support, stronger nails and thicker hair, enhanced energy levels and metabolism, increased fiber intake, etc.)
5. Education and support to maintain long-term success - maintenance programs to maintain accountability, education throughout the length of the program regarding lifestyle changes that are sustainable and enjoyable to build a solid foundation for continued success on your own

How much weight will I lose?

There are several factors that impact the amount of weight patients lose on their personalized program. 

These include:

• Desired goal weight
• Length of time they stay on the program
• Initial weight
• Amount of dedication and commitment they have to make the recommended changes

Overall, patients typically see an average of 2-5lbs lost per week and achieve an overall loss of 5-15% of their initial weight. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is on their own weight loss journey and loses weight at their own rate, so it’s perfectly okay if someone’s numbers do not fit within these averages.

Will I be successful?

One of the most common questions I get asked by patients interested in starting a medical weight loss program is “I’ve tried a lot of different diets and programs in the past, how do you know I’ll be successful on this program?”. My answer is always the same: “there is no guarantee! What I can guarantee is that we will never give up on helping you and that you can achieve anything when you stay motivated and positive.” 

Numerous scientific studies have been done on the difference in success seen on medical weight loss programs vs various mainstream diet and exercise plans and the results consistently show greater rates of success in those patients on the medical program, both in amount of weight lost during the program and length of time they maintained their success after program completion.

One of the longer studies done followed 714 patients between 2004 and 2012 and showed an average loss of 12.9% of initial weight and that at least 2 years later, patients were not regaining their lost weight. So based on the research studies I’ve read plus my years as a medical weight loss coach witnessing success every day, my opinion is that the chance of success is pretty high for anyone.

So what do I do now?

Medical weight loss offers numerous benefits for losing weight, keeping it off, and living a healthier life. Regardless of whether you’ve tried numerous programs in the past or if you’re just beginning to look into weight loss options for the first time, the personalized and comprehensive approach to weight loss and overall health that sets medical weight loss programs a tier above mainstream plans has something to offer for everyone. 

Your next step now is to schedule your free consultation with one of our healthcare professionals so you can learn all the details about the superior benefits that make Recharge Clinic’s medical weight loss programs so successful and distinguished. If you mention that you read this blog when you come in, you’ll be eligible to receive a special offer. We are so excited to get to know you and offer educated recommendations that’ll help you get one step closer to your health and wellness goals. We hope to see you soon!

Bailey B. | Dec. 1, 2023