Almost overnight, it seems, the media have exploded with stories about new weight loss drugs that promise a fast, easy way to shed unwanted and unneeded pounds.
Because nearly 74% of women and men over the age of 20 in the United States are either overweight or obese, these drugs offer hope to those who finally want a stable, healthy weight.
However, the explosion of these drugs also brings a few layers of confusion: Which one is right for you? Do any of them really work, or keep working over the long term? Or, like “dieting,” are they doomed to fail?
Kimberly Bolling, MD, is a caring and expert clinician who helps women and men achieve optimal health, which also includes optimal weight.
At our offices in Bowie, Maryland, she offers medical weight loss management programs. Depending on your case, your program may also include these or other weight loss drugs:
How do weight loss drugs work? Will they work for you? Here’s a brief breakdown.
Many prescription weight loss drugs are meant to treat Type 2 diabetes. They help you better utilize insulin, a hormone that helps your cells convert dietary blood sugar into energy. Others, like semaglutide, help you burn fat over a short period of time, which can jump-start your motivation and thus your results.
Ideally, you should be extremely overweight or obese before turning to medications. Support and lifestyle changes should be enough to lose weight for cosmetic purposes alone. But when your health is at stake, a weight loss drug may give you a necessary boost.
If you’re interested in weight loss, your consultation starts with a medical evaluation, including a physical exam. When Dr. Bolling believes you’d benefit from weight loss medication, she also administers an EKG to be sure your heart is healthy.
While you may be blasted with news of the latest weight loss drugs, only your doctor can determine which, if any, is best for your weight and health goals. These drugs have different mechanisms, and not all of them are suitable to your particular needs.
Not all weight loss drugs are covered by insurance. If yours isn’t, you have to pay out-of-pocket for it. Or, if your insurance covers it at the outset, they may demand results to justify its continued use.
Good health is about more than the numbers on a scale. No matter how much you weigh, what you eat and how much is still important. Food is meant to nourish your body, not just tantalize your tongue. Whether you use weight loss drugs or not, steer clear of or minimize unhealthy choices such as:
Concentrate your diet on whole foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Don’t neglect protein: It helps build muscle which, in turn, speeds up your metabolism and burns fat.
And, of course, exercise is always important. While walking is helpful and healthful, you get more benefit when you go beyond extra movement in your life. Concentrate on exercise, too, such as resistance training with weights or bands.
Changing your habits isn’t easy. To help you achieve your weight loss goal and then stay on track to maintain your results, we’ve created a weight loss management program. In addition to exams, prescriptions, dietary and exercise advice, and check-ins, we offer you the kind of support you need to succeed.
Are you committed to long-term, healthy weight loss, but need help? Call us at 301-352-0090 or request an appointment online.
