Struggling with weight loss can be frustrating, but you're not alone. Many factors beyond willpower, such as genetics, lifestyle, and medications, can make it difficult to shed those extra pounds. Fortunately, medical weight loss programs offer a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. If you're looking for medical weight loss in Redlands, California, this guide will provide you with essential information to make an informed decision.
Why Medical Weight Loss?
Achieving a healthy weight is about more than just appearance. Excess weight significantly increases the risk of developing serious health issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Medical weight loss programs offer a smarter approach by combining lifestyle changes with effective, prescribed medications.
What is Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss is a structured and supervised approach to losing weight, guided by healthcare experts. These programs utilize evidence-based strategies and, when appropriate, high-quality weight loss medications to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier body weight. Medical oversight ensures that the weight loss plan is tailored to your individual needs and health conditions.
Personalized Treatment Plans
The most successful medical weight loss programs are bespoke, taking into account your personal body makeup and health history. The process typically begins with a comprehensive assessment of your overall health, including medical history, current medications, and any underlying medical conditions that may impact weight loss efforts. This assessment helps identify factors that may have impacted past weight loss attempts.
Under the guidance of a certified physician and health coach, a tailored plan is developed, incorporating diet, exercise, nutrition, and, if appropriate, medications. This holistic strategy ensures that all aspects of your wellness are addressed, aiding in reducing body fat and enhancing overall health.
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Prescription Weight Loss Medications
One of the most efficient strategies for weight loss is prescription medication. Unlike traditional diets, medical treatments provide individualized and sustainable support.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. This hormone regulates hunger and food intake, helping individuals feel fuller for longer periods. Additionally, GLP-1 agonists can slow down the digestive process, leading to greater satisfaction after meals and reduced calorie intake. GLP-1 is often prescribed to men and women who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher that is accompanied by high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or other health conditions that can make weight loss difficult. GLP-1 injections offer many benefits to qualified candidates, including:
- Significantly reducing weight when combined with changes in diet and exercise
- Providing consistent, safe weight loss over an extended period of time
- 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
It often is not until 4 or more weeks on a dose of 0.5 mg that patients will start to see a decline in weight. It’s possible that some individuals might not notice weight loss until close to 6 weeks. Studies have shown that GLP-1 is most effective when combined with exercise and changes in diet. Therefore, the exact amount of time someone might need to receive this treatment will depend on current health conditions (if any) and if exercise and dietary changes can be adopted permanently to maintain an ideal weight.
A recent study of 1,961 people found that in people with a BMI over 30 and who did not have diabetes, GLP-1 injections combined with exercise resulted in a mean decrease in body weight of 14.9% over 68 weeks. The placebo group saw only a 2.4% mean decrease in weight. A second study found that when combined with behavioral therapy and incorporating a low-calorie diet into meal plans, GLP-1 provided even more significant weight loss.
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. While rare, more severe side effects can include pancreatitis, allergic reactions, kidney damage, gallstones, and others.
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Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a medical weight loss drug that patients use through an easy weekly injection. By helping you feel fuller for longer and managing your blood sugar levels, many have found semaglutide to be invaluable in their weight loss efforts.
Tirzepatide
Similar in effect to semaglutide, tirzepatide is another option designed to assist you in losing weight. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. This medication offers the additional benefit of slowing digestion, promoting fullness, and working to keep your blood sugar steady.
MIC Lipotropic Shots
MIC lipotropic shots provide unique advantages for men. When integrated with proper nutrition and exercise, these lipotropic metabolism boosters can significantly enhance your body composition within weeks. Benefits may include:
- Burn Fat
- Boost Energy
- Improved Metabolism
- Stubborn Fat Breakdown
- Supports Lean Muscle Retention
- Enhanced Liver Function
- Cholesterol Management
- Improved Workout Performance
- Faster Recovery Times
What to Expect
Medical Weight Loss is ideal for those who have struggled with weight management despite previous efforts. Candidates typically undergo a thorough lab panel to identify any underlying issues and assess suitability for weight loss medications. Results typically begin to appear within several weeks, with significant changes often visible after a few months. Long-term results are maintained through ongoing support and adjustments from your health team. The duration of weight loss medications depends on your individual goals and progress. Some clinics recommend their weight loss program and medications for patients over the age of 30, or over 27 with a BMI of 30 or higher.
During Your Consultation
Your GLP-1 specialist will review your health history with you and perform a physical health analysis, including evaluating your BMI.
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During Your Remaining Appointments
GLP-1 injections only need to be given once per week as a subcutaneous injection. The dosage is typically increased over time as the weeks’ progress. The exact amount of dosage given will depend on your specific health, weight, and needs. As mentioned, most individuals begin to notice weight loss between 4 to 6 weeks after beginning the injections.
Choosing a Weight Loss Clinic in Redlands
When selecting a medical weight loss clinic in Redlands, consider the following factors:
- Medical Oversight: Ensure the clinic is supervised by certified physicians and healthcare professionals experienced in weight management.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Look for a clinic that offers customized plans tailored to your individual needs and health conditions.
- Comprehensive Assessment: The clinic should conduct a thorough assessment of your health history, lifestyle, and potential underlying medical issues.
- Range of Services: Consider whether the clinic offers a variety of treatment options, including medication, nutritional counseling, and exercise guidance.
- Ongoing Support: The clinic should provide ongoing support and monitoring to help you maintain your weight loss results.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Research patient reviews and testimonials to gauge the clinic's reputation and success rate.
Clinics in the Redlands Area
- Gameday Men's Health: Gameday Men’s Health is committed to providing excellent care with fast appointments and effective treatments for weight loss management, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and vitamin therapy for men of all ages. Their medical weight loss programs start with a comprehensive assessment of your overall health to create a tailored weight loss program to fit your goals.
- Health First Medical Weight Loss Skin Care: Health First Medical Weight Loss Skin Care is a top-rated weight loss clinic with three convenient locations in the San Bernadino area, including a new location in Rancho Cucamonga. They offer effective, medically-supervised weight loss programs along with a range of medical aesthetic services, focusing on customer satisfaction and service.
- Medical Weight Loss: Medical Weight Loss supports sustainable weight management through a personalized approach. They develop a tailored plan, incorporating diet, exercise, nutrition, and medications.
- Bloom: At Bloom, they're proud of their exceptional weight loss team, dedicated to guiding and supporting you on your journey to achieve a healthier, more confident you. They understand that every individual's weight loss journey is unique. Their team takes the time to get to know you, your lifestyle, and your specific needs to create a customized plan that aligns with your goals and preferences.
Additional Treatment Options
Some clinics may also offer additional treatment options, such as:
- Specialized Facial Aesthetics: Including Botox/Dysport, Filler, Kybella, Sculptra, PRP/PRF, and PDO threading.
Is Medical Weight Loss Right for You?
Medical weight loss may be right for you if:
- You have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
- You have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
- You are looking for a comprehensive and medically supervised approach to weight loss.
- You are committed to making lifestyle changes to support your weight loss goals.