Medical Weight Loss Can Help You Reach Resolution Goals

The New Year is a time for fresh starts and goal-setting. Many of us take time to think about what we want to accomplish during the next 12 months. For some, it’s a time to learn something new; for others, it’s a time to tackle those weight loss goals. 

But setting—and keeping—a resolution to lose weight is often more difficult than it seems. If you’re looking to begin losing weight, reach your goals and keep it off, a medical weight loss program may be able to help. 

“Medical weight loss gives patients the extra help they may need from specially trained health care professionals to lose weight in a healthy way and keep it off,” said Rebecca Dawson, D.O., a family medicine physician and obesity medicine fellowship faculty preceptor at Inspira Health. 

Medical weight loss consists of a series of individualized services for each patient to best fit their needs. It could include working with physicians, registered dietitians and personal trainers to discuss your weight loss goals and understand why you have gained weight by reviewing your family and personal medical history, current health issues, medications and lifestyle.

“Many patients come to us because they want to lose weight, or they have suddenly gained weight and aren’t sure why,” said Dawson. 

A registered dietitian can assess what you eat and how often, review your goals and help you develop an individual plan and the accountability to get there. A personal trainer can ensure you’re safely doing the right mix of weight-lifting and cardio to achieve your weight loss goals. 

And if needed, the bariatric surgery team can determine if weight loss surgery is right for you. 

“Not all patients are candidates for weight loss surgery, and some don’t want surgery,” said Dawson. “Medical weight loss, which may involve lifestyle changes or medication, may be more appropriate for these patients.”

Medical weight loss services may be helpful if you are overweight or obese following a big life change, have gained weight due to medical treatment or a medication you’re taking, or have: 

• Hypertension
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility or hormonal imbalance
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• High cholesterol
• Depression and anxiety
• Chronic pain or rheumatologic disease
• Severe fatigue or trouble focusing
• Fatty liver 
• High-risk pregnancy

Medical weight loss may also help if you are preparing for surgery, such as a knee replacement, hernia repair or spinal surgery.

“Approaching weight loss by making dietary changes, learning new exercises and having a team to support you can help you meet your goals and adopt healthy habits,” said Dawson. 

For more information, visit InspiraHealthNetwork.org/Medical-Weight-Management or call 1-800-INSPIRA