Obesity is a nationally recognized chronic disease, and one of the most impactful and widespread in day-to-day life. Maintaining a certain weight isn’t just about fitting into your favorite pair of jeans. Health and fitness are not just important for self-satisfaction, but also maintaining a healthy BMI between 18-25 is shown to decrease long term risk of many cardiovascular conditions, strokes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, etc. Medical weight management is an effective option for people of any size who have a weight-related health issue and for those who either do not wish to undergo surgery or do not qualify for it. Bellevue, Washington, offers a range of weight loss programs to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. This article explores various approaches available in Bellevue, including medical weight management, surgical options, and innovative treatments.
Understanding Obesity and Its Impact
Obesity is generally diagnosed with a BMI of 30 or greater. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also sub-classifies Obesity into Class I: BMI 30 to < 35; Class II: BMI 35 to < 40; Class III: BMI 40 or greater. Obesity is characterized by excessive body fat. Body fat is normally stored as reserve energy and is a vital component of our bodies. More than two-thirds of American adults are considered overweight or obese. Weight may be the result of many factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, metabolic conditions and medications.
Medical Weight Management in Bellevue
Bellevue Pain and Wellness PLLC, a medical practice serving patients from Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Tacoma, Everett and beyond, offers customized weight loss programs. Helmed by double board certified specialist Dr Robert Bowers, they take a customized approach to every single patient. When you work with our office to help you meet your weight loss goals, you’ll be following a well-thought out regimen that many other patients before you have tried and with which have experienced successful outcomes.
Initial Assessment and Personalized Plans
The first step in a medical weight management program typically involves a comprehensive assessment. We start with a general history and physical, checking your vitals signs, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. We review any other medical conditions. We will also order labs to get a complete picture. These may include blood count, liver function, thyroid function,and lipids. Then the dreaded weigh-in…Just kidding. You can weigh yourself on our digital scale and then report the number.
Lifestyle and Behavior Modification
Through lifestyle and behavior modification, we will work with you to create a personalized plan that will improve your overall health and well-being. This includes discussing nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle changes. At our office, we see our role as helping in that process, by establishing a baseline for your vital signs, weight, blood work, and discussing lifestyle changes.
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Weight Loss Medications
In some cases, our providers may recommend adding medications to assist with weight loss. We also know there may be certain medications that can aid in your individual process via mild appetite suppression or reduction of cravings. Recent breakthroughs in weight loss research have introduced several new medications specifically indicated for chronic weight management. While Saxenda (liraglutide) was the first GLP-1 agonist approved for weight loss, Wegovy (semaglutide) became the first once-weekly GLP-1 medication to receive FDA approval for weight management.
Zepbound Weight Loss Program
Northwest Face & Body is proud to offer their Zepbound weight loss program to patients on the Eastside. Now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tirzepatide-branded as Zepbound-for weight loss. Zepbound is a once-weekly injectable medication now approved for chronic weight management.
How Zepbound Works
While it is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, it also activates the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. This makes it a “dual agonist.” Instead of activating just one hormone receptor, Zepbound activates two.
Zepbound vs. Ozempic
No. Though both are GLP-1 medications, Zepbound also targets a second hormone receptor (GIP), making it a dual agonist. Because of their similar mechanisms, Zepbound and Ozempic are not taken simultaneously.
Alcohol Consumption While on Zepbound
Generally, it’s recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Zepbound. Alcohol can contribute to weight gain, and it may also interact with the medication, leading to dangerously low blood sugar. An occasional drink might be acceptable, but discuss this with your provider if you plan to consume alcohol during your Zepbound weight loss program.
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Injection Discomfort
No. Most patients report minimal discomfort. Subcutaneous injections are relatively quick and often less painful than intramuscular or intravenous injections.
Bariatric Surgery Options in Bellevue
The NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Center for Obesity & Weight Management is a multidisciplinary program dedicated to the comprehensive treatment of obesity and related illnesses, such as diabetes. They offer a variety of treatment approaches, including bariatric surgery, for which they are nationally recognized as a MBSAQIP Accredited Center - Comprehensive Center with Adolescent and Obesity Medicine Qualifications. If you are interested in weight loss surgery, please watch the video for Weight Loss Surgery Information Seminars. Our team will follow up with you. El Programa de Cirugía Bariátrica ofrece una serie educativa virtual de WebEx facilitada por nuestro personal experto. Nuestro equipo se comunicará con usted.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a life-saving option that can help cure diabetes, high blood pressure, severe joint pains, infertility and numerous other disorders. Bariatric surgery changes the anatomy of your intestines to help you lose weight. It helps you eat less and feel full quicker. The three most common procedures are the gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric banding. All three are performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques. Patients undergoing one of these procedures can expect to lose 50-80% of excess weight. In other words, if you are 100 lbs.
MBSAQIP Accreditation
This is a coveted designation bestowed by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. If you are interested in weight loss surgery, please watch the video at the top of this page for Weight Loss Surgery Information Seminars. Our team will follow up with you.
Additional Factors in Weight Loss
Hormone Balance with BHRT
Many women struggle with weight gain due to hormonal fluctuations. BHRT can help regulate sleep, boost metabolism, and improve fat-burning efficiency. When your hormones are balanced, you’ll have more energy, fewer cravings, and better sleep-all of which contribute to successful weight loss.
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Exercise Plans for Effective Fat Loss
While diet and hormone balance are key factors in weight loss, exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining results. Our team provides expert exercise advice tailored to your fitness level and goals.