Struggling to lose weight is a common challenge, and finding the right support can make all the difference. In Norman, Oklahoma, several medical weight loss clinics offer tailored programs to help individuals achieve their health goals. This article explores the landscape of weight loss clinics in Norman, including the services they provide, the medications they use, and the importance of personalized care.
The Importance of Medically Supervised Weight Loss
Losing weight is about more than just appearance. Excess weight can lead to serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It also puts pressure on joints, leading to pain and decreased mobility. While a healthy lifestyle is crucial, it can be difficult to achieve without assistance. Physical activity might be painful, and cravings can be hard to manage. Medically assisted weight loss clinics offer a beneficial route to achieving weight loss goals.
Benefits of Weight Loss
The benefits of weight loss extend far beyond aesthetics. They include:
- Improvements in blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
- Increased mobility
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced stress on the body
- Reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease
Personalized Weight Loss Programs
The best medical weight loss clinics understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. They personalize their programs, considering each patient's unique health history and needs. Norman Primary Care, for example, emphasizes a true partnership between patient and provider. By actively listening to each patient’s unique concerns and needs, they work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that empower individuals to take control of their health.
Comprehensive Services Offered
Clinics like Norman Primary Care offer a range of services beyond just weight loss, including:
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- Primary care for all ages
- Mobile and in-office wound care
- Hormone treatments
- Injection therapy
- IV therapy
- Aesthetic services
Prescription Weight Loss Medications
Prescription weight loss medications can offer an effective and noninvasive route to achieving weight loss goals. Two medications that have shown promise are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
Semaglutide
Compounded Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medication taken via a subcutaneous injection once each week. It helps manage hunger, keeping you feeling fuller for longer, which ultimately results in reduced food consumption. Compounded Semaglutide is specifically formulated for each patient, allowing healthcare providers to adjust the dosage to precisely what each person needs without relying on standard amounts. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work by regulating food intake by reducing feelings of hunger. They do this by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 which regulates hunger. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have been proven to be extremely effective at reducing weight, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. A recent study of almost 2,000 people with a BMI over 30 were administered this treatment along with exercise. The results showed a mean decrease in body weight of 14.9% over 68 weeks, compared to the placebo group which saw only a 2.4% mean decrease in weight.
Tirzepatide
Another powerful medication available at medical weight loss clinics in Norman, Oklahoma, is compounded Tirzepatide. Eligibility for weight loss medications is typically based on Body Mass Index (BMI). Individuals with a BMI of 30 or above may qualify.
Monitoring Progress with InBody Scanner
It is important to monitor where you are losing weight. The InBody allows us to see that and adjust your plan accordingly. The InBody Scanner measures your weight and body composition in 30 seconds. The InBody Test is a non-invasive, quick, and accurate body composition analysis that provides a detailed breakdown of your weight in terms of muscle, fat, and water.
The Role of Lifestyle Changes
The best medical weight loss programs pair medications with lifestyle changes. Duke weight management specialists counsel and oversee medical weight loss treatments to help you change your eating habits, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, lose weight, and maintain your weight loss. Initially, you’ll meet with your weight management specialist for a comprehensive evaluation that will include a discussion about your medical history as it relates to your weight, eating and activity habits, and any weight-related behavioral issues. You will undergo baseline and periodic physical examination and testing to assess your weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels, among others. Registered dietitians /nutritionists will conduct a nutrition assessment and create a plan with you that addresses your weight and health goals. Your nutritionist will learn about your personal needs and then assist with creating a nutrition plan and setting lifestyle goals to help you adopt healthier eating habits. Behavioral health counseling can help you to identify behaviors and emotions that prevent successful weight loss, such as binge eating, emotional and mindless eating, self-image concerns, anxiety, and life stress. You may wish to take part in programs, workshops, and classes through the Duke Integrative Medicine Center or the Duke Health and Fitness Center. Our team includes experts who lead one-on-one sessions to facilitate weight loss.
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The Impact of GLP-1 Medications on Bariatric Surgery
The rise in popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic has had an impact on the landscape of weight loss treatment. Norman Regional Health System, for example, cited the effectiveness of these medications in helping people lose weight as a reason for closing its Journey Clinic, which offered medical and surgical weight loss options. Weight loss surgeries at Norman Regional had fallen by 30% over the past year. However, some medical professionals believe that medications will not completely replace the need for bariatric surgery. Some patients may not tolerate the medications, may not have coverage for them, or may not achieve the desired results.
A Variety of Options
The availability of injectable drugs adds more options that a patient and their doctor can discuss. Even with the widespread use of cholesterol and heart-health drugs on the market, there's still persistent demand for cardiac surgery.
Finding the Right Clinic
If you're searching for medically assisted weight loss near you in Norman, Oklahoma, it's important to find a clinic that personalizes its programs and takes your unique health history and needs into consideration. Ronni E. Farris, MD, FACOG, MSCP, DABOM, provides personalized care in gynecology (including menopausal care), weight loss, wellness, and aesthetics at her women’s health clinic in Norman. Her mission is to empower each patient with customized treatment plans delivered with warmth, kindness, and individualized care. She strives to create a safe and inclusive environment her women’s health clinic in Norman where everyone feels supported along their healthcare journey.
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