Weight Management
Quality Care
Have you been struggling with weight loss? Women gain weight for a variety of reasons, so not everyone is going to lose weight the same way. The problem is usually multi-factorial. So the solution must be the same. Our goal is to help each woman identify some root causes, and see how we can help with diet, exercise and medication treatment. We have multiple options that will be considered based on BMI, medical history, etc. We expect the most popular programs to be those noted below.
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GLP-1
For many women, this medication is a game changer in the struggle for sustained weight loss. GLP-1 is a member of a drug class that has been used for diabetes management for over a decade- GLP-1 RAs (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists). The weight loss effects of these agents have been known for some time, however, GLP-1 appears to the the "best-in-class" GLP-1 RA for weight loss and was recently approved by the FDA under the brand name Wegovy.
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HOW DOES IT WORK?
GLP-1 works by mimicking the effect of "feeling full" resulting in a decreased caloric intake. It will delay gastric emptying by reducing glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. The delay in gastric emptying can reduce appetite, improve control of eating, and reduce food cravings.
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HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
It is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. No need to be afraid. These are very straightforward injections with a VERY SMALL NEEDLE into the abdominal area. There is a big advantage to the weekly dosing: you don't have to remember your medication every day and the GLP-1 is working 24/7, suppressing your appetite without the stimulant effects of typical weight loss medication.
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DOES GLP-1 HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, tiredness, upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas and heartburn. Please note that most of these are manageable with proper dosing and some of them overlap with the intended effect of "feeling full".
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ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR GLP-1?
There are only two qualifications for GLP-1:
1. A BMI over 30 and no weight-related complications
2. A BMI over 27 with weight-related complications
If your BMI does not meet those numbers, you may still qualify if your body composition determined in the office shows excess fat.
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IS THERE ANYONE THAT CAN'T TAKE GLP-1?
There are rare circumstances where GLP-1 cannot be used. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2.
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OTHER OPTIONS
For those that do not want to do injections, there are several oral options with various price points, but all are affordable for the majority of people.
If you are interested in discussing how to get started on your weight loss journey, call the office and schedule a consultation.