1. Prescription Medications: A Helping Hand
Weight loss prescription drugs are given to patients who cannot exercise or diet to lose weight. These medications are commonly prescribed to persons with a BMI of 30 or greater or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with one or more comorbidities of obesity, including type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
Some popular prescription weight loss medications include:
- Orlistat (Xenical): This drug is used to block the re-absorption of fat within the belly of the intestine. Consuming it may aid in lowering calorie intake from fat and research has proven that it aids in weight loss when part of a low calorie diet.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): The two drugs that make up Phentermine work in different ways; phentermine’s action is to suppress appetite and on the other hand topiramate, addresses the issue of feeling full quickly. Collectively, they further enhance long-term loss of weight
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): First prescribed as an anti-diabetic medication for type-2 diabetic patients, liraglutide has proven to aid weight reduction by helping patients satiate easily. In its usual course of use, it is given via a subcutaneous injection in the morning.
However, it should be stressed that such medications are best when used with diets and regular workouts. Each person is unique, so a healthcare provider will review your situation and choose the most suitable choice for you.
2. Bariatric Surgery: A Life-Changing Procedure
There are many cutting fat methods available today, and for candidates who are non-super-obese with a BMI of 40 or more, bariatric surgery has become another permanent method to solve being overweight. Of the various bariatric operations: gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding work to reduce the size of the stomach, or the extent of the intestines to restrict the amount or ability to absorb calories.
- Gastric Bypass: Consists of making an inferior small pouch from the stomach and redirecting a segment of the small intestine. This leads to low food consumption and low caloric intake in the body.SNM
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This involves the surgical resection of a major part of the stomach and leaves behind a thin cylindrical-shaped stomach. Doing so, not only limits the number of calories consumed but also lowers levels of hormones that make you hungry.
- Gastric Banding: In this method, a ring is fitted around the upper portion of the stomach to make a small pocket leading, to less food consumption.
In fact, bariatric surgery is one of the safest and proven ways to achieve weight loss but also is a long-term surgery that involves permanent changes in the diet and constant follow-up with a doctor. While it may be used for some people without other options, it is typically recommended for those who failed the intervention.
3. Endoscopic Procedures: Minimally Invasive Options
Over the past few years, there has been a shift toward the use of surgical procedures known as minimally invasive endoscopy. These procedures may mean losing weight for them as they follow it and it has minimal risk and takes a shorter time to heal.
- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): This procedure involves sewing the stomach which leads to a reduction of the amount of food taken in by the stomach. ESG is usually done under general anaesthesia and it’s not an invasive procedure like bariatric surgery where an incision has to be made.
- Intragastric Balloon: A balloon is endoscopically placed into the stomach and filled to take up less volume. This helps make a man have a feeling that he has eaten enough to lose weight.
Most of these endoscopic treatments are prescribed to patients with a BMI of 30 to 40 who are advised to avoid surgery but need more than exercise changes and eating habits.
4. Medical Weight Loss Programs: A Personalized Approach
If a structured process of dieting is preferable, medically supervised weight loss seems particularly suitable, as it involves prescription drugs, nutritionist’s advice, and instruction on exercising. These programs play an important role in an individual’s life and are usually customized to avoid fad diets needed for weight loss.
A medical weight loss program can include:
- Nutritional Support: A registered dietitian will consult on the best meal plan that will ensure the appropriate amount of nutrition and is ideal for slimming.
- Behavioral Counseling: Self-help with instruction toward hiring a therapist or counselor to help deal with emotional eating behaviors stress and other psychological issues can be crucial to sustaining change.
- Monitoring: In addition, there is nothing like having planned periodic contact with a doctor to discuss the progress that has been made, changes that can be made to the treatment regimen, and motivation that may be required.
Conclusion: What’s Best for You?
As much as everything has to be taken with a pinch of salt, the best medical treatment for reducing weight differs from one person to another depending on his or her health, lifestyle,e and needs at that one given moment. If you are thinking of taking diet pills as a prescription, undergoing bariatric surgery, or going for a medically supervised weight loss program then it is prudent to seek advice from a health care provider. It is also important to always bear in mind that weight loss should be a medical process involving treatment, diet, and exercise programs to support a healthy life.
If you are serious about getting to the next level in your weight loss process, contact a doctor now. Combined, you can plot a plan that is realistic to help both of you bring about a healthier and more satisfying life.