MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS

​Lifestyle Medicine in Weight Management

Lifestyle medicine is a branch of medicine dealing with research, prevention, treatment, and reversal of diseases caused by lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical inactivity, and chronic stress. In the context of weight management, lifestyle medicine focuses on a holistic approach that includes:

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•  Dietary Changes:  Adopting a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Reducing intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-caloric but nutrient-poor food items.

• Physical Activity: Incorporating regular physical activity tailored to the individual's ability and preference. This could range from structured exercise programs to incorporating more movement into daily life.

• Behavioral Changes: Utilizing strategies to change food behaviors and eating habits through counseling, support groups, and sometimes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

• Stress Management: Implementing techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress, which can be a significant factor in weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

• Sleep Hygiene: Addressing sleep patterns and quality, as poor sleep can affect weight management by altering hormones that regulate hunger and appetite.

 

Medications
The use of medications in medical weight loss is typically reserved for individuals who have not achieved sufficient weight loss through lifestyle modifications alone or who have significant health risks due to their weight. These medications are approved by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. Let Dr Canyon and her team help to develop a plan that is right for you and a medication to assist you if needed. 

1. Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave): Combines an opioid antagonist with an antidepressant to reduce appetite and control cravings.

2. Phentermine: . Belongs to a class of drugs known as sympathomimetic amines, which are similar in structure to amphetamines to reduce appetite. 

3. Semaglutide (Wegovy): Another GLP-1 receptor agonist with a higher efficacy profile for weight loss, also administered via injection.

4. Tirzepetide (Zepbound): Another GLP-1 receptor agonist with a higher efficacy profile for weight loss, also administered via injection.

 

Best Practices and Recommendations

• Individualized Approach: Each individual's body responds differently to weight loss strategies. Personalizing the approach based on genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors is crucial.

• Integrating Medications with Lifestyle Changes: Medications can be effective tools but should be used in conjunction with comprehensive lifestyle changes for sustainable weight management.

• Long-term Commitment: Weight management is a long-term commitment rather than a quick fix. Strategies should be sustainable and adaptable to changes in life circumstances.

• Monitoring and Support: Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals and ongoing support through counseling or support groups can significantly enhance success rates.