Obesity is a complex health condition resulting from inherited, physiological, and environmental factors combined with diet, physical activity, and exercise choices. For years, the medical community has advised people to eat less and move more. However, this outdated advice simply doesn’t work for everyone. Fortunately, Kansas City offers a variety of weight loss programs to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. This article explores medical weight loss programs, nonsurgical options, and comprehensive approaches available in the Kansas City area.
Medical Weight Loss: A Supervised Approach
Medical weight loss is a comprehensive approach to sustainable weight loss under the supervision of a medical professional. Monarch Plastic Surgery, with locations in Leawood, KS, offers medically supervised, comprehensive weight loss plans designed to support each patient’s goals. These programs aim to identify the root cause of weight issues, helping patients achieve their ideal figure and weight.
Key Components of Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss programs often include:
- Consultations with Medical Professionals: These consultations involve a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment method.
- Weight Loss Medications: Options to improve overall metabolic activity and health goals.
- B12 and Lipo-Lean Injections: Designed to help patients increase the metabolization of fat cells while also providing a boost to their daily energy and performance.
- Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Regular monitoring to ensure healthy progression.
Weight Loss Medications
Medically managed weight loss options can improve overall metabolic activity and help patients achieve their health goals. These medications are typically approved for patients with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. They work by imitating specific hormones to regulate feelings of satiety and hunger, allowing patients more control over their weight and blood sugar.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is an injectable medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help increase the body’s insulin level, regulating appetite and managing blood sugar levels.
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Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor antagonist, meaning it is effective on two hormonal pathways. A medical professional can determine which medication is most appropriate for each patient.
These prescriptions are ordered through the manufacturer and sent directly to the patient’s home. GLP-1 medications may be covered by insurance, but if not, patients may need to pay out of pocket.
Important Note: It's crucial to remember that compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved. They may only be offered under specific federal guidelines and are not reviewed for safety, efficacy, or manufacturing quality by the FDA. Always consult a licensed medical provider.
B12 and Lipo-Lean Injections
B12 and Lipo-Lean injections are designed to help patients increase the metabolization of fat cells while also providing a boost to their daily energy and performance.
B12 Injections
B12 injectable is a direct supply of vitamin B12, an essential vitamin that helps with brain function, energy production, and even the formation of red blood cells. Patients who undergo weight loss surgery often have low B12 levels, which can cause fatigue. This medication can be used to help boost energy levels, supplement and correct deficiencies, and increase metabolic support. These injections are often included in monthly visits as part of a weight loss package.
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Lipo-Lean Injections
Lipo-Lean injections are a treatment that helps promote faster metabolization of fat cells in the body. These injections contain amino acids, vitamins, and other ingredients to help enhance the function of the liver and support weight loss. Lipo-Lean injections may be added to a treatment regimen for an additional fee.
Benefits of Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss offers several benefits, including:
- Increased weight loss and fat reduction: Treatments are designed to help control hunger and satiety levels while simultaneously enhancing the metabolism, leading to an overall decrease in weight.
- Improved metabolism: Treatments contain essential vitamins, nutrients, and other active ingredients that help improve and speed up the body’s natural ability to burn and process calories and fat.
- Improved blood sugar levels: Diabetic patients may experience a lowered risk of complications as their insulin levels are improved and regulated.
- Minimally invasive: Weight loss and wellness treatments are all non-surgical, quick in duration, and easy to administer, making them ideal for patients with busier lifestyles who may not have time for extensive recoveries.
Candidates for Medical Weight Loss
Candidates interested in medical weight loss programs are typically those looking to manage and lose weight through nonsurgical means. Patients struggling with obesity or those who have found little success with dieting and exercise are often recommended for these treatments. Individuals diagnosed with or experiencing weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol may also benefit.
All candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their treatment.
Personal Consultation
The first step in receiving a customized treatment plan is scheduling a personal consultation with a nurse practitioner. During this consultation, a comprehensive evaluation will be performed to determine the best treatment method to help patients achieve their ideal weight and figure. The nurse practitioner will order lab work to help determine a patient’s baseline health and unique physical makeup (biometrics). These measurements are updated during monthly visits, and baseline labs are performed again during the three-month visit.
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Cost of Medical Weight Loss in Kansas City
The cost of each weight management treatment can vary from patient to patient, as each treatment plan is fully tailored to help patients reach their unique, individual goals. The cost of the treatment will be provided at each patient’s personal consultation, after which specialists can determine the best weight management treatment plan. Financing options, such as CareCredit, and a variety of insurance plans are often accepted to help patients manage the cost of their treatment.
Nonsurgical Weight Management Programs
For those seeking nonsurgical weight management options, Kansas City offers several programs. These programs often emphasize whole-person care and provide a supportive environment for individuals to achieve their weight loss goals.
The University of Kansas Health System Weight Management Program
The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City offers a comprehensive, evidence-based weight management meal replacement program. This program, also called the 5-3-2-1 Plan, is a partnership between Weight Management at The University of Kansas Health System and the University of Kansas Center for Physical Activity and Weight Management.
The program consists of two phases:
- Phase 1: The first 6 months, during which patients often lose 10% of their weight in the first 10 weeks and achieve an average of 15% weight loss by the end of the 6 months.
- Phase 2: The maintenance phase, for continued support and education to help sustain health benefits.
At least 75% of program graduates maintain 5% of their weight loss several years after program completion. The program is tailored to meet individual needs and goals, and addresses dietary needs with specific meal replacement plans.
YMCA Weight Loss Program
The YMCA offers a 12-week, small-group program led by a trained facilitator using proven methods based on research to help participants get moving and eating healthy. Participants often share positive experiences, highlighting the supportive environment and the tools they gained to start and continue their weight loss journey. The program emphasizes that getting healthy is more important than a number on a scale and provides the structure and motivation needed to reach weight loss goals.
Center for Children’s Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition
The Weight Management program is part of Kansas City’s Center for Children’s Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition under the leadership of Center Director Ann Davis, PhD, MPH, ABPP. This program emphasizes whole-person care and involves a dedicated team of experts, including registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, pediatric psychologists, education coordinators, social workers, pediatricians, nurses, and nurse practitioners. The team partners with families, children, and teens to create actionable plans to help them achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Comprehensive Weight Management Approaches
Effective weight management involves caring for the whole person. Comprehensive programs address the various factors that contribute to weight gain and provide support for long-term lifestyle changes.
Dr. Tague’s Center for Nutrition
Dr. Tague’s Center for Nutrition clinics in Topeka and Leawood focus on helping patients not only lose weight but also optimize their health. They emphasize medical monitoring, especially when using GLP-1 medications.
Whole-Person Care
Many weight management clinics in Kansas City emphasize whole-person care, recognizing that carrying excess weight can impact many different parts of life and health. These programs often include a multidisciplinary team of experts who address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of weight loss.