Choose Your Own Adventure: 3 Medical Approaches To Weight Loss

Many people who face ongoing struggles with their weight have tried every strategy available with limited results. Trying a medical approach to weight loss may be the tool you need to not only kickstart your weight loss, but find a strategy that helps you reach your long-term goals.

Medically-Supervised Diets

Medically-supervised diets typically consist of a very-low caloric diet (VLCD) that is designed to help you lose weight quickly, especially if you have many pounds to lose. Once you are at or near your goal, the objective is to increase your calorie intake slowly until you reach maintenance. A VLCD is not recommended without medical supervision, because it can be difficult to be certain you are eating the appropriate amount of nutrients and do not have any medical conditions that would complicate your journey. Some programs consist of pre-made meals and meal replacement shakes, which can help you stay on track. Meal plans allow you to create your own meals, while continuing to feel full.

Medications

Another approach to weight loss is the use of medications and/or supplements, which can be used to decrease your appetite and increase your metabolism. This approach is used in addition to a plan for decreasing your caloric intake and exercising, but calorie restriction may not be as significant as a VLCD. The use of appetite suppressants can allow you to reduce the amount of food you eat without feel deprived, which is a common problem for people starting a weight loss journey. Metabolism-boosters, such as thermogenics, enhance the activities you already do. Additionally, these supplements typically contain caffeine or other stimulants that an give you more energy to engage in exercise.

Weight Loss Procedures

There are numerous types of weight loss procedures, which can be minimally-invasive or surgical. One of the least-invasive method is the gastric balloon, which is a relatively new procedure. The balloon is inserted into the stomach during an outpatient procedure and using an endoscope. After the balloon is placed in the stomach, it is inflated, so it takes up space and decreases the amount of food you can consume. Sometimes the balloon is used to jump-start weight loss, or in patients who need to lose weight before they can have a different weight loss procedure, such as bariatric surgery. Once six months have elapsed, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the maintenance phase, or continued weight loss, is the next step.

Medical intervention can be necessary for many people who have tried to lose weight on their own without success. There are various approaches available to help you find the best strategy for your needs. For more help, contact a company like Center for Psychiatry & Weight Management today.