The landscape of weight loss has evolved significantly, with medications emerging as a valuable tool in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. Horizon Weight Loss offers a range of solutions, including FDA-approved medications and supportive supplements, to aid individuals in their weight management journey. This article explores the role of these medications, their benefits, limitations, and the importance of a holistic approach to weight loss.
Understanding Horizon NJ Health Coverage
Horizon NJ Health provides a formulary of approved prescription drugs, emphasizing the importance of safe and effective medications. While the formulary is updated annually, certain categories like fertility agents, erectile dysfunction medicines, and weight loss drugs may not be covered under the standard pharmacy benefit. If a physician prescribes a non-formulary drug, prior authorization is required. Some over-the-counter (OTC) products are covered with a written prescription. To determine if your plan includes weight loss benefits, you can select Prescriptions from the main menu within your account, then Find Medicines and Search Medicines to be redirected to Prime Therapeutics where you can search the formulary to see if your medication is covered. Even if a weight loss medication is listed on the formulary, it will not be covered if your plan does not include weight loss benefits. Contact your employer directly for more information regarding your coverage. If your insurance plan does not cover weight loss medications, you will have to pay for them out of pocket.
The Horizon Weight Loss Approach
Horizon Weight Loss emphasizes a comprehensive approach, combining medical expertise with personalized care. Their program includes a healthy diet and exercise to produce the best results. Food intake, rates of metabolism, and levels of exercise vary from person to person. This means weight loss results will also vary from person to person. The program's success is rooted in understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, providing them with the necessary tools for sustainable weight loss.
FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications: Benefits and Limitations
Several FDA-approved weight loss medications are available, each working through different mechanisms. Here's an overview of some common options:
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
- Mechanism of Action: GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. They delay gastric emptying, promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing food intake.
- Benefits: Semaglutide has demonstrated significant weight loss results in clinical trials, with patients losing an average of 12-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. These medications can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and help regulate blood sugar.
- Limitations: GLP-1 receptor agonists can be expensive and may require prior authorization from insurance companies. They are administered via weekly injection and are not indicated for individuals with a history of thyroid disease or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Combination Medications: Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave) and Phentermine/Topiramate
- Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave):
- Mechanism of Action: A combination medicine of naltrexone, which is used to treat alcohol and drug dependence, and bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is used to treat depression or help people quit smoking.
- Benefits: Not a controlled substance or stimulant, daily pill.
- Limitations: Not for adults with history of high blood pressure, eating disorders, depression or seizures.
- Phentermine/Topiramate:
- Mechanism of Action: A combination medicine of phentermine, which lessens your appetite, and topiramate, which is used to treat seizures or migraine headaches.
- Limitations: Not indicated in those with hyperthyroidism or glaucoma. Not indicated for women who are pregnant (may cause birth defects) or breastfeeding. May increase suicidal thoughts in those with history of depression.
Other Medications
- Older medications, such as orlistat, work by reducing fat absorption in the gut. However, these medications may have significant gastrointestinal side effects.
The Role of Dietary Supplements
In addition to prescription medications, Horizon Weight Loss offers a range of dietary supplements to support overall health and weight loss efforts. It's crucial to consult with a Horizon Weight Loss doctor before taking any supplements to avoid negative side effects and ensure optimal benefits.
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Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Supplementation may be beneficial, especially for individuals with limited sun exposure.
Chromium Polynicotinate
Chromium is a naturally occurring mineral that is necessary for the body to metabolize the carbohydrates we consume. It is necessary for insulin to work correctly so we have the lowest insulin levels in our bloodstream possible. As we age we ingest more and more white carbs and we intake less chromium. Studies have shown that many overweight persons are low in chromium. This may contribute to insulin resistance and block weight loss. Many feel that chromium may help somewhat with sugar cravings. We use the form of Chromium called chromium polynicotinate. Chromium is bonded to the vitamin Niacin forming what is called Glucose Tolerance Factor.
Lipotropic Capsules (MIC-Lipo)
MIC is short for Methionine, Inositol, and Choline. These three nutrients together are called “lipotropic”. Lipotropic nutrients play an important role in the breakdown and metabolism of fat in the body. These compounds enhance the liver and gallbladders role by decreasing fat deposits and speeding up metabolism of fat and its removal. Lipotropic nutrients are also used to maintain a healthy liver. Medical clinics which specialize in lipotropic nutrients can create a specific formula, also known as MIC Combo, which has proven to be an effective aid in total fat loss. Methionine, Inositol, and Choline are the three ingredients which form MIC. MIC-Lipo has been shown to significantly assist patients in fat loss that are eating a low calorie diet.
Daily Vitamins
Multivitamins are an important part of any weight loss program. It is important to supplement the vitamins and minerals you may not be getting when eating a restricted diet. This is very important to maintain a healthy immune system, mood, and energy level. Research shows it can also help promote weight loss.
Omega-3 Fish Oils
Essential is a medical term meaning the human body cannot make it; therefore we must consume it in our diet. We have three essential nutrients, water, 9 amino acids found in proteins, and 2 fatty acids called the Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The fatty acids are building blocks of every cell wall in our body. These are important in every function and chemical reaction. These are important in metabolism, immunity (fighting infection), skin health, heart health, controlling cholesterol, mood swings, and most importantly for us, helping to control our weight. The average American diet is low in Omega 3 EFA.
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Gut Healthy Probiotics
Gut bacteria is an internal ecosystem that helps your body to function. It’s strongly affected and influenced by dietary factors, which can then impact energy balance and weight gain. ‘Good’ bacteria is thought to work by reducing low-grade inflammation in the cells. Probiotics could help you lose weight, too, according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Starch Blockade - Kidney Bean Extract
White Kidney Bean extract is a carbohydrate blocker that works by inhibiting the digestion of starches. By inhibiting their digestion, starches that are eaten are either left undigested in the gut or the amount of which is digested is reduced. These starches are either excreted and their calories not absorbed, or they are given to colonic bacteria to ferment (eat). When given to people who are not otherwise on a diet (during their highest carb containing meal), white kidney bean extract is able to reduce body weight and body fat levels similar to simple caloric restriction.
The Importance of Medical Nutrition Therapy and Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss medications can be a very powerful tool for the right people. I often use the analogy that if a medication is a tool like a hammer, we still need the manpower to build the house. A house is not built by the hammer, but rather it is built by the man with the hammer. The mechanism of weight loss medications is that they delay gastric emptying which helps a person to feel fuller, thereby reducing the volume of what a person eats. Additionally, they signal the central nervous system that you are full. However, we want to make sure that we aren’t relying on the medication alone to regulate our blood sugar, but that we also learn to make healthier food choices to improve our nutrient levels which are commonly found to be depleted amongst people who have obesity and blood sugar imbalances. Muscle is another hot topic within the conversation of using GLP-1 medications. When a person’s appetite is reduced, they will take in less volume of macronutrients and micronutrients. It is essential, especially when losing weight more rapidly, that we obtain adequate protein in our diet to preserve lean muscle tissue and adequate fiber to contribute to regular elimination. A person can lose weight on the scale, but if much of that weight comes from muscle loss, the body fat percentage may actually increase. Many insurance plans recognize the value of a person’s nutrition which affects nearly every single system in the body and offer coverage for medical nutrition therapy. People frequently don’t realize they have at least some coverage and may have never considered using it. A nutritionist plays a crucial role in medical nutrition therapy (MNT) as part of a patient’s treatment team. The nutritionist educates the patient on making healthy food choices, managing symptoms, and understanding the impact of nutrition on their condition. They also monitor progress, make adjustments to the diet as needed, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the nutrition plan aligns with the overall treatment strategy.
Emerging Trends in Weight Loss Medications
The science behind weight loss medications is rapidly evolving. New treatments are being explored that target different pathways involved in metabolism, hunger, and fat storage.
Gut-Brain Axis
Scientists are increasingly interested in how hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and satiety, interact with the brain. Leptin, for example, signals to the brain that the body has enough energy, while ghrelin stimulates hunger (Frontiers).
Read also: The role of alpha-keto acids in metabolism.
Gut Microbiome
The balance of bacteria in the gut has been linked to body weight. Research is ongoing to determine how altering the gut microbiome, either through diet, probiotics, or new medications, can help promote weight loss. Some studies have shown that individuals with a certain composition of gut bacteria may be more prone to weight gain.
Finding a Trusted Weight Loss Management Clinic
Horizon Health and Wellness offers personalized, doctor-supervised care to support long-term success. Their clinics provide individualized plans tailored to each patient's body, goals, and lifestyle. They also offer integrated health support, including lab testing, nutrition assessments, and access to behavioral health or dietary guidance. Flexible follow-up options, including in-person visits and telehealth, are available.
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