The topic of weight loss, especially regarding celebrity extreme weight loss, has recently gained significant attention in the news and on social media. This increased interest in weight loss is driven in part by the rising popularity of FDA-approved weight loss medications like Wegovy® and Zepbound ®. While weight loss medications are not a novel concept —consumers have long been exposed to various diet fads and herbal supplements promising weight loss — the critical question remains: what is the most effective method for losing weight?
According to Dr. Nicole Franklin, PsyD, LP, ABPP, assistant medical director at the McLaren Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, “Choosing the most effective method for losing weight really depends on the individual, including their overall health, current weight, and specific goals.”
Nearly 1 in 3 adults are overweight, and approximately 9.2% of these individuals are classified as severely obese. The body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to estimate and monitor body fat. A BMI ranging from 18 to 24 is generally considered within the healthy weight range, while a BMI over 40 indicates severe obesity. Having a BMI greater than 40 is associated with conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), these conditions are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death.
For individuals, who have a BMI greater than 30 (or 27 with a weight related condition) seeking to lose between 30-50 pounds, may find benefit from adding a GLP-1 weight loss medication to their treatment regimen. Yet, while Dr. Franklin said they have seen some great benefits to using these weight loss medications, these medications may not be suited for everyone. Thus, it is essential that any weight loss medication is part of a broader treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, and it should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
“There is still a lot more data we need to review when considering the impact of long-term use of GPL-1 weight loss medications. For example, preliminary results suggest that GPL-1 weight loss medications are not suitable for all as many individuals experience various gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation post-consumption of these medications,” said Dr. Franklin. “Weight loss surgical options may be more suited for those who do not respond well to the available GPL-1 weight loss medications.”
LONG TERM WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTION
Bariatric surgery can be a great option for patients looking to lose 60 to100 or more pounds whose BMI is 35 or higher.
“Our goal is to provide our patients with a long-term solution that works best for them,” said Dr. Franklin.
The McLaren Bariatric and Metabolic Institute provides two common surgical options – sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure ─ to help patients lose weight and get the support they need to keep the excess weight off for good.
Patients meet with a surgeon to learn more about their surgical options, have routine meetings with a dietitian to learn more about healthy eating, and consult with Dr. Franklin who completes a psychiatric evaluation and provides counseling support based on the individual needs of the patient.
“Counseling gives you the opportunity to explore barriers to long-lasting behavior change,” said Dr. Franklin. “Often times obesity is not necessarily a reflection of the patient or their habits; there are several factors that contribute to weight gain including genetic predisposition, metabolic changes, fluctuations in hormones as we age, and even socioeconomic factors. Thus, it is important that we treat the whole person and provide the support and resources that patients need to get healthier and be successful.”
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