Weight loss is a journey, and for many, it's a challenging one. The abundance of weight loss programs and resources available can be overwhelming, making it difficult to determine which options are trustworthy and effective for long-term success. Doctor-supervised weight loss programs offer a structured and medically sound approach to weight management, providing individuals with the support and guidance needed to achieve their goals.
What are Doctor-Supervised Weight Loss Programs?
Physician-supervised weight-loss programs are one-on-one treatment options that take place in a medical office. These programs are overseen by a physician and often involve a team of healthcare professionals, including registered dietitians, health educators, clinical psychologists, and therapists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of an individual's health are considered when developing a personalized weight loss plan.
Key Components of Doctor-Supervised Weight Loss Programs
These programs typically incorporate several key components:
- Medical Assessment: A comprehensive assessment of your overall health is the first step. Patients may have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders or sleep apnea. Additional tests may be recommended based on your medical history and your initial physical exam. Initial measurements include weight, vital signs, body composition (measuring lean muscle and body fat via bioimpedence analysis). Testing includes blood tests (comprehensive metabolic panel and lipid panel) and EKG. Physician (+/- dietitian) visit includes weight history, eating habits, medication review, detailed nutrition plan.
- Personalized Diet Plans: Doctor-supervised programs offer individualized nutrition therapy for weight loss. Dietary programs fit into four broad categories, but they are personalized for each patient based on food preferences and body composition testing. To attain low calorie intake with adequate protein, meal replacements (e.g. protein shakes, bars, soups) are frequently used. We have a wide variety of products available for purchase.
- Lifestyle Modifications and Behavior Change Counseling: These programs work as a transition to a healthier, self-prepared nutrition plan while offering education and support.
- Medical Monitoring: Your team of Kaiser Permanente medical and weight loss professionals will be available to monitor your health and progress, including periodic checkups and lab tests. They’ll work to reduce your reliance on medications whenever possible.
- Prescription Weight Loss Medications: The FDA has approved seven prescription medications for use in people with a BMI more than 30 or a BMI more than 27 when a patient has additional obesity-related conditions. The average weight-loss resulting from prescription weight-loss drugs is 5-21% of your starting weight.
Types of Diet Plans Offered
The four broad dietary programs include:
- Very low-calorie diet (VLCD): Meal replacements plus vegetables
- Modified very low-calorie diet (MVLCD): Meal replacements plus one meal per day
- Low calorie diet (LCD): Some meal replacements with mostly whole food
- Maintenance program: Some meal replacements with mostly whole foods.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications
- Phentermine: On average, individuals lose about 4-5% of their initial weight after one year. Because Phentermine is a stimulant, it may increase your blood pressure and heart rate.
- Orlistat (alli®/Xenical®): On average, individuals lose about 5% of their initial body weight. People taking Orlistat should supplement with a multivitamin, as they are at an increased risk for vitamin deficiencies. Side effects are limited but can include cramps, gas, stool leakage, oil spotting and gas with discharge.
- Contrave®: The most common side effects of Contrave® include nausea, constipation, headache, dry mouth, vomiting and dizziness.
- Qsymia®: At the lower dose, 62% of individuals on Qsymia® lost 5% of their starting weight, which is approximately a 10-pound weight-loss for a person weighing 200 pounds. The most common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and tingling sensations in the face, arms, hands and feet. Insomnia may occur if taken later in the day.
- Saxenda®: Saxenda® is an injectable medication approved by the FDA in 2014 to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the body’s natural production of insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Wegovy®: In the Wegovy® STEP studies, the average weight-loss ranged from 15 to 17% of the participant’s starting weight. For someone weighing 230 pounds, this equates to 35 to 39 pounds lost. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. Additionally, Wegovy® may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if taken with certain diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas and insulin.
- Zepbound®: In four SURMOUNT studies of individuals taking Zepbound® for 72 to 88 weeks, the average weight-loss was 15-25% of the individual’s starting weight. This is a 30-50-pound weight-loss for someone weighing 200 pounds. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting.
- Alli®: The average weight-loss with alli® is about five to ten pounds over six months. Side effects are limited to the gastrointestinal system and may include gas, cramps, stool leakage, oily spotting and gas with discharge.
Benefits of Doctor-Supervised Weight Loss Programs
- Personalized Approach: Doctor-supervised programs recognize that weight loss is not a one-size-fits-all solution. They take into account individual medical history, lifestyle, and preferences to create a tailored plan.
- Medical Expertise: With a physician overseeing the program, individuals benefit from medical expertise and monitoring. This is particularly important for those with underlying health conditions that may affect weight loss or be affected by it.
- Comprehensive Support: These programs offer a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who provide support and guidance throughout the weight loss journey. This includes nutrition counseling, behavior modification therapy, and exercise guidance.
- Safe and Effective Weight Loss: Doctor-supervised programs prioritize safety and efficacy. They use evidence-based strategies and monitor progress to ensure that individuals are losing weight in a healthy and sustainable manner.
- Long-Term Weight Management: These programs focus on long-term weight management, not just quick fixes. They provide individuals with the tools and skills they need to maintain their weight loss and prevent weight regain.
Kaiser Permanente Medical Weight Loss Program
Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States offers a medical weight loss program designed to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals with the support of a team of experts. The program includes:
Read also: Medical Weight Loss Guide
- Customized Meal Replacement Program: This program utilizes meal replacement options along with lifestyle modifications and behavior change counseling to help people reach and maintain their weight-loss and health goals.
- Expert Guidance: Expert physicians and health educators guide participants through the program to create lasting success.
- Medical Monitoring: The team of Kaiser Permanente medical and weight loss professionals monitors health and progress, including periodic checkups and lab tests.
Other Notable Programs
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Weight Management and Wellness: This center offers several different plans that can be personalized to individual weight loss goals and food preferences.
- NYU Langone Medical Weight Loss Management Program: This program offers low-calorie meal replacements and structured support from weight loss experts and registered dietitians.
- UCLA Medical Weight Management Program: This program utilizes a combination of dietary, physical activity and behavioral lifestyle changes, which are individually tailored to fit each individual’s weight loss goals.
- Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center: This center offers a medical weight loss program tailored to specific needs, providing an array of services, from nutrition support to stress management and help with sleep issues to medications to endoscopic and surgical solutions.
- Inova Medical Weight Loss Program: Inova strives to offer the most comprehensive services to support any weight loss journey. Their medical weight loss program is directed by a board-certified bariatrician.
- The BMI Center: At the BMI Center , a physician oversees your weight loss program. This medical management allows for advanced interventions, such as prescription weight loss medications.
Is a Doctor-Supervised Weight Loss Program Right for You?
Doctor-supervised weight loss programs may be a good fit for individuals who:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher
- Have weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea
- Have had limited success losing weight on their own
- Are looking for a comprehensive and medically sound approach to weight management
- Desire ongoing support and guidance from a team of healthcare professionals
Costs and Insurance Coverage
The costs of physician-supervised weight-loss programs vary depending on the services offered. Your health insurance company might cover all or some of this treatment. If you have additional obesity-related health conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, they might affect your coverage for these treatment options. Visits are covered by insurance and medications may also be covered by insurance, depending on the individual insurance plan.
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