Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a significant step towards improving overall health and well-being. For individuals in Kempsville and surrounding areas seeking serious and effective weight loss solutions, several programs and medical interventions are available. This article explores various options, including medical weight loss programs, GLP-1 injections, and lifestyle modifications, providing a detailed overview to help you make informed decisions.
Understanding Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss offers a structured and supervised approach, guided by healthcare experts. These programs utilize evidence-based strategies and, in some cases, medications to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier body weight. A key aspect of medical weight loss is the comprehensive assessment of an individual's overall health, including medical history, current medications, and any underlying conditions that may impact weight loss efforts. Based on this assessment, a tailored weight loss program is created to fit specific goals.
TPMG Coastal Internal Medicine & Tidewater Bariatrics
TPMG Coastal Internal Medicine opened in February 2014 and is accepting new patients. TPMG Coastal Internal Medicine & Tidewater Bariatrics, a partnership with Sentara Urgent Care, ensures patients receive the necessary care even outside of regular office hours. This collaboration allows for seamless communication between healthcare providers, as visit notes and tests are securely sent to the office for review and follow-up recommendations.
Dr. Maggie Gaglione, a board-certified Internist and Bariatrician, leads Coastal Internal Medicine. She and her staff are dedicated to helping patients achieve their weight loss goals through education, treatment, and maintenance programs. These programs may include meal plans, grocery store food guidance, and pharmaceutical therapeutics, as appropriate. Tidewater Bariatrics joined TPMG in July 2015 and is the only full in-clinic HMR program in the state of Virginia.
Note: Due to an increase in patients, TPMG Coastal Internal Medicine is NOT taking any new patients.
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Services Offered
TPMG Coastal Internal Medicine and Tidewater Bariatrics offer a range of services, including:
- Medical Weight Loss Programs: Tailored programs designed to meet individual needs and goals.
- Education and Treatment: Comprehensive education on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
- Maintenance Programs: Strategies to help maintain weight loss long-term.
- Meal Programs: Structured meal plans to support calorie control and healthy eating.
- Grocery Store Food Programs: Guidance on making healthy food choices while grocery shopping.
- Pharmaceutical Therapeutics: Use of medications, when appropriate, to aid in weight loss.
Important Information for Patients
- Appointments: New patient visits typically are reserved in a 40-minute appointment slot. A 60-minute appointment time is reserved for new patient inductions with Tidewater Bariatrics.
- Fees: Patients are charged a fee of $50 if 20 minutes late or do not show up for their scheduled appointment. New patients who fail to show up for their scheduled appointment are charged a fee of $100. Patients who do not show up for their scheduled appointment time for new patient inductions with Tidewater Bariatrics will be charged a fee of $125.
- Retirement: Dr. Katharine Van Slyke has announced her retirement, effective October 30, 2025. The providers at TPMG Coastal Internal Medicine and Tidewater Bariatrics will continue caring for her patients following her departure.
Staff Recognition
The staff at TPMG Coastal Internal Medicine and Tidewater Bariatrics are often commended for their professionalism and dedication. Individuals like Trevon, Kieyana, and Kaitlyn have been recognized for providing excellent medical office and reception services.
GLP-1 Injections: A Medical Weight Loss Option
GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications used in medical weight loss programs. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates hunger and food intake. GLP-1 injections suppress the hormone glucagon, preventing feelings of hunger, and delay gastric emptying, leading to increased satiety after meals.
How GLP-1 Works
GLP-1 receptor agonists work through several mechanisms:
- Regulating Hunger: By mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, these medications help control hunger and cravings.
- Suppressing Glucagon: GLP-1 injections reduce the production of glucagon, a hormone that increases hunger.
- Slowing Digestion: These medications slow down the digestive process, leading to a feeling of fullness for a longer period.
Studies on GLP-1
Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of GLP-1 injections in promoting weight loss:
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- A study of 1,961 people with a BMI over 30 (without diabetes) found that GLP-1 injections combined with exercise resulted in a mean decrease in body weight of 14.9% over 68 weeks, compared to a 2.4% decrease in the placebo group.
- Another study showed that when combined with behavioral therapy and a low-calorie diet, GLP-1 provided even more significant weight loss.
Who is a Candidate for GLP-1?
GLP-1 is often prescribed to individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher accompanied by high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or other health conditions that can make weight loss difficult.
Benefits of GLP-1 Injections
GLP-1 injections offer several benefits for qualified candidates:
- Significantly reducing weight when combined with changes in diet and exercise
- Providing consistent, safe weight loss over an extended period
- Diminished risk of heart and cardiovascular disease upon achieving a healthy weight
- Helping you to look and feel healthier
- Requiring only one injection per week
How Quickly Does GLP-1 Work?
Weight loss results vary among individuals. Generally, patients may start to see a decline in weight after 4 or more weeks on a dose of 0.5 mg. Some individuals might not notice weight loss until close to 6 weeks. The effectiveness of GLP-1 is enhanced when combined with exercise and dietary changes.
Potential Side Effects
Potential side effects of GLP-1 injections can include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, changes in mood, constipation or diarrhea, heartburn, and bloating. More severe side effects, though rare, can include pancreatitis, allergic reactions, kidney damage, and gallstones.
MIC Lipotropic Shots
MIC lipotropic shots are another treatment option that may be offered in conjunction with weight loss programs. These injections typically contain methionine, inositol, and choline (MIC), which are compounds believed to help with fat metabolism and liver function.
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Potential Benefits for Men
MIC lipotropic shots may offer unique advantages for men when integrated with proper nutrition and exercise:
- Burn Fat
- Boost Energy
- Improved Metabolism
- Stubborn Fat Breakdown
- Supports Lean Muscle Retention
- Enhanced Liver Function
- Cholesterol Management
- Improved Workout Performance
- Faster Recovery Times
Gameday Men’s Health: A Focus on Men's Weight Loss
Gameday Men’s Health provides medical weight loss programs tailored for men, focusing on achieving better health without surgery or intense dieting. Their programs include a comprehensive assessment, personalized treatment plans, and high-quality formulations.
Consultation and Treatment
The initial consultation at Gameday Men’s Health involves a review of your health history and a physical health analysis, including BMI evaluation. GLP-1 injections are administered once per week as a subcutaneous injection, with the dosage adjusted over time based on individual health, weight, and needs.
Payment and Packages
Gameday Men’s Health offers flexible payment options and multi-session packages for MIC injections, with potential eligibility for FSA/HSA coverage.
The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
Medical weight loss therapies, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, are most effective when combined with regular physical activity and healthy dietary habits. Individuals who adopt these changes while undergoing treatment often experience more substantial weight reduction over time compared to those who do not implement lifestyle adjustments.
The Role of Exercise
Regular exercise plays a crucial role in weight loss and overall health. It helps burn calories, build muscle mass, and improve cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
Healthy Dietary Habits
Adopting healthy dietary habits is essential for successful weight loss. Focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Lean Protein: Helps build and maintain muscle mass.
- Whole Grains: Provide sustained energy and fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Important for hormone production and overall health.
Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of unhealthy fats.
Medi-Weightloss Virginia Beach
Medi-Weightloss Virginia Beach offers medically supervised weight loss programs with trained weight loss professionals. Their GLP-1 program is tailored to individual bodies, lifestyles, and goals, providing face-to-face accountability, immediate clinical support, and body composition tracking with medical-grade technology.
Understanding Obesity and Its Risks
Obesity is defined as having too much body fat, especially around the waist. This condition increases the risk for various health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallstones
- Osteoarthritis
- Respiratory problems
Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce these risks and improve overall quality of life.
Calculating BMI
Every adult should have their BMI calculated at least once a year. The American Heart Association offers an online BMI calculator for adults.
Additional Reasons to Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Cardiovascular Benefits: Even losing a few pounds can provide you with cardiovascular benefits.
- Improved Cholesterol Levels: Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and raise “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Lower Blood Pressure: Weight loss can help reduce blood pressure.
- Reduced Risk of Diabetes: Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or manage diabetes.
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