Medical Weight Loss Is One of the Most Effective Treatments for Obesity
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects more than 4 in 10 adults in the United States. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), nearly 1 in 10 Americans have severe obesity. Obesity dramatically affects quality of life. People who struggle with obesity may find it difficult to complete daily tasks such as household chores, walking up a flight of stairs, and playing with their children. Obesity leads to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and an overall increased mortality rate.
For some, healthy eating and increased activity are all that is needed to lose weight and maintain weight loss. For many, changes in diet and exercise are not enough to lose weight or maintain weight loss. Fortunately, prescription weight loss medications are available to aid in weight loss and the treatment of obesity.
Prescription medications work in various ways to treat obesity. Some medications suppress the appetite, which causes a person to eat less or feel full sooner and therefore consume fewer calories which leads to weight loss. Other medications work by making it more difficult for the body to absorb fat from the foods that are eaten.
When combined with lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and exercise, prescription medications can help some people to lose weight and maintain weight loss. According to the NIH, research shows that some people who take prescription weight loss medications lose 10% or more of their starting weight. A few of the benefits of losing 10% of your starting weight includes decreased blood pressure, decreased blood sugar, and decreased triglycerides. Weight loss can improve joint pain and sleep apnea and lead to an overall improved quality of life.
Of course, with any medication side effects are possible. For prescribed weight loss medications, side effects are usually mild and often improve as you continue to take the medication. All medications that are taken such as vitamins, supplements, and other prescribed as well as over the counter medications should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
The duration of treatment with prescribed weight loss medications will vary from person to person. If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and have not experienced any significant side effects, then your healthcare provider may advise that you stay on the medication indefinitely. Because obesity is a chronic disease, you may need to continue to exercise and maintain a healthy diet for years or a lifetime to improve your health and maintain a healthier weight.
Let us help you to treat obesity and improve your quality of life with our weight loss program. Contact us for a free consultation.
