At Peak By MD, we believe that weight loss should not be a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a personalized journey that takes into account your unique body and lifestyle
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss refers to a comprehensive, scientifically based approach to weight management that is supervised or directed by healthcare professionals, typically including physicians, dietitians, and other specialists. Guided by our experienced medical professionals, we aim to provide a comprehensive, science-backed program tailored to your individual needs. This approach is distinct from commercial weight loss programs or self-directed dieting due to several key aspects.
Our approach to medical weight loss begins with a thorough investigation of how your metabolism is currently operating based on several key factors:
- Hormones
- Diet & Nutrition
- Movement & Exercise
- Rest & Recovery
- Stress Management
All of these factors have a direct impact on our overall health and are a driving force in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Our medical weight loss program is designed to focus on each of these areas while giving your metabolism a boost in the right direction.
The goal of medical weight loss is not only to kick-start your weight loss journey but also to learn how to create better lifestyle habits that will last. We have different weight loss options based on your specific goals and needs.
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR DIETING OR COMMERCIAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS?
Medically supervised weight loss programs differ from regular dieting or commercial weight loss programs in several key ways:
- Personalized Medical Assessment and Oversight:
- Medically supervised programs begin with a comprehensive medical assessment. This includes evaluating the patient’s medical history, current health conditions, medications, and specific risk factors. Regular dieting or commercial programs might not provide such in-depth medical evaluation.
- Customized Plan Based on Individual Health Needs:
- These programs offer personalized plans tailored to the individual’s unique health needs, considering factors like metabolism, medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), and lifestyle. Commercial diets are often one-size-fits-all and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with specific health concerns.
- Professional Healthcare Team Involvement:
- Medically supervised programs involve a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and sometimes psychologists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of weight loss and health are addressed. In contrast, commercial programs may not offer this level of professional guidance.
- Focus on Long-Term Health and Weight Maintenance:
- Medically supervised programs emphasize sustainable weight loss and long-term health improvements, rather than quick fixes. They often include education on healthy eating, behavior change, and lifestyle modifications, which are crucial for maintaining weight loss. Commercial programs may focus more on short-term results.
- Monitoring and Management of Medical Conditions:
- These programs are equipped to monitor and manage existing medical conditions, adjusting treatment plans as necessary during the weight loss process. This aspect is particularly important for patients with conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes.
- Use of Medical Interventions When Appropriate:
- If needed, medically supervised programs can include prescription weight loss medications or recommend surgical options, which are managed by healthcare professionals. These options are not typically part of regular dieting or commercial programs.
- Insurance Coverage and Cost:
- Depending on the individual’s insurance plan and the nature of the weight loss program, some of the costs of medically supervised weight loss may be covered by insurance, which is less likely with commercial weight loss programs.
- Regular Follow-Up and Support:
- Medically supervised programs usually include regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress, adjust the plan as needed, and provide ongoing support and motivation. Commercial programs might offer support but not at the same personalized or professional level.
In summary, medically supervised weight loss programs offer a more personalized, comprehensive, and medically informed approach to weight loss, tailored to individual health needs and monitored by healthcare professionals. This contrasts with regular dieting or commercial programs, which may be more generic, less personalized, and lack professional medical oversight.
Semaglutide & Tirzepatide
This comes from a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists, which means it acts on parts of the body that contain GLP-1 receptors, such as the pancreas, heart, blood vessels, gut, kidneys, lungs, fat tissue, and central nervous system. It increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which will aid in better energy management. It also acts on your brain and gut to make you feel full faster and for longer.
Tirzepatide is a newer version of GLP-1 agonists that also contain GIP agonists, which have similar properties and effects, however, produce more impact on fat loss and satiety.
A healthy approach is to aim to lose 1-2 lbs per week.
Lipotropic Injections
Also known as MIC or Lipo+, these are once-weekly injectables that are known for their energy-producing and fat-burning properties. Lipotropic injections are a great adjunct to any medical weight loss regimen, as they have minimal if any side effects.
Combined with moderate exercise and a calorie-deficit diet, you can expect to lose an additional 2-3 lbs per week, making lipotropic injections a great option if you are looking to lose a few pounds quickly.
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS FAQ
Medical weight loss is a program supervised by a medical professional that aims to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight through various interventions. These interventions may include dietary changes, physical activity, recommendations, medication management, and behavioral counseling. Medical weight loss programs are often recommended for individuals who are overweight or obese and have been unsuccessful in their attempts to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise methods. The goal of medical weight loss is to improve overall health and reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Peak By MD offers Semaglutide, which is an analog of the hormone glucagon-like peptide GLP-1. GLP-1 is naturally produced in the small intestine and works by stimulating insulin secretion while inhibiting glucagon secretion ultimately resulting in lower blood sugar levels. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in brand-name medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®, but we provide the more cost-effective generic version that is preferred by both patients and insurance companies. This weekly injection helps regulate insulin and glycemic control while also decreasing patient appetite
Although originally intended for treating type 2 diabetes, we also offer Semaglutide as a weight loss solution. In June 2021, the FDA approved Seatide for weight loss as a supplement to other weight loss treatments, such as diet and exercise. Our experienced physicians will assess whether Semaglutide is a suitable part of your weight loss plan
If our physicians determine that Semaglutide is right for you we will administer your first injection. You can then decide whether you prefer administering the weekly Semaglutide injection yourself, or receiving it at our clinic we offer Semaglutide injections to both men and women.
Semaglutide and Ozempic are not exactly the same but they are related. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic which is a brand-name medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists which work by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in the body, called GLP-1. GLP-1 is released after a meal and helps to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucagon production.
Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication that contains Semaglutide as its active ingredient. It is designed to help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
While Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic, there may be some differences between Ozempic and other medications that contain Semaglutide. For example, the dosing and administration of Semaglutide may vary depending on the specific medication and the condition being treated.
It’s important to note that Semaglutide and Ozempic should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, and according to the prescribed dosage and administration instructions.
Research indicates that Semaglutide can aid in:
Slowing down the emptying of the stomach
Controlling cravings
Improving control of eating habits
Reducing appetite
Increasing insulin release
Enhancing glycemic control
Dr. Robert Kushner, a professor of medicine and medical education at Northwestern University. Fineberg School of Medicine in Chicago has stated that “Semaglutide is the most impactful medication for the treatment of obesity with 32% of participants losing at least 20% of their initial weight. It could be a game changer for those who struggle with obesity, which affects over 40% of American adults.”
Semaglutide is the most effective when used as a part of a comprehensive medical weight loss program that may include exercise, behavioral changes, calorie restrictions, and dietary modifications, as determined by your healthcare provider.
Semaglutide is a medication that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of obesity. It works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 in the body, which helps to regulate appetite and food intake.
Semaglutide has been shown to be safe and effective for weight loss in clinical trials. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants who took Semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to just 2.4% for those who took a placebo.
While Semaglutide can have potential side effects, it is generally considered safe when used as directed by a healthcare provider. The safety of Semaglutide for weight loss has been evaluated in clinical trials which have shown that the medication can be effective for weight loss with a relatively low risk of serious side effects.
If you are in good health, not pregnant or breast-feeding, and do not have any known allergies to the ingredients, then, using Semaglutide, should be safe for you. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any other medications you’re taking or any chronic health conditions, or allergies you may have before using Semaglutide. Also, inform your prescribing doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of or has been diagnosed with MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) which is a condition that causes tumors in multiple glands in the body.
The injection of Semaglutide, which is available as Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, or Ozempic®, is typically administered once a week. However, the dosage and treatment plan will be tailored to your specific medical weight loss needs by your prescribing provider. At Peak By MD, you have the option to receive your injections at our clinic or receive instructions on how to administer the injections at home.