Fighting Obesity with Medically Supervised Weight Loss

If you are overweight or obese and have tried most of the diets and various exercise programs without achieving any sustainable weight loss, you may benefit from a medically supervised weight loss program. This is especially true when you consider how excess weight adversely affects your health.

In addition to psychological and social problems associated with being overweight, you are also at a high risk for serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, and breathing disorders such as sleep apnea. Weight loss can help avoid or abate these serious health conditions but requires dedication that is easier to achieve under strict medical supervision.

The program typically includes exercise, diet and weight loss medications which are monitored by a doctor. A nutritionist helps structure a diet that is low in calories depending on how much weight you need to lose. Meal replacement options may be suggested. Your blood pressure, heart rate and activity levels are monitored. Blood tests are performed to check sugar and medications levels. Your doctor will also assess for any weight-related medical problems that you might have.

Weight regain could be the result of various medical issues not just lack of self-control. A medically supervised weight loss program helps recognize and deal with these underlying issues which could be psychological, behavioral or medication related. A team of specialists will work with you throughout the program.

Medically supervised weight loss is also beneficial if you are morbidly obese and scheduled to undergo weight loss surgery. It is usually recommended before surgery to help you lose some weight and determine your willingness to make the necessary changes in diet, behavior and lifestyle. Following surgery, it helps you lose weight and keep the weight off.