A successful weight loss journey starts with choosing the right doctor and program. When considering medical weight loss, you likely have many questions about what to expect. What makes a quality program? Are there risks? Will insurance cover any costs? We're here to help answer some of the most common questions to ask when meeting a potential medical weight loss provider.
Medical weight loss combines personalized care, physician supervision, lifestyle changes, counseling, and sometimes prescription meds for optimal, lasting success. This gives you layers of support missing from commercial diets or apps.
Look for a board-certified bariatric physician or endocrinologist with extra training in obesity medicine and nutrition. Avoid any provider lacking proper credentials or who pushes gimmicks over evidence-based care.
This may seem obvious, but you need to understand the doctor's history helping people successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term. A doctor’s credentials mean nothing without a strong track record. Ask the doctor what percentage of their patient's reach their target weight loss goals.
Components often include:
Reputable programs create fully personalized plans to address each patient's unique situation.
Realistic goals are 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week. However, results vary based on factors like:
Patients losing just 5-10% of their body weight can see huge health gains like lower cholesterol, improved diabetes control, reduced joint pain, and decreased risk for serious diseases.
Many insurance plans cover some or all of an obesity medicine program, including:
Verify your benefits in advance. We provide eligibility assessments and work with insurance providers to maximize coverage. Most patients end up paying very little out-of-pocket once insurance reimbursements are factored in.
When properly managed by an expert physician, medical weight loss plans see very few side effects. However, possible issues (typically mild) with prescription medications can include headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, or insomnia. We minimize risks through medical oversight, education, appropriate dosing, and follow-ups. Let your doctor know if any bothersome symptoms occur.
Great question. Actually, the maintenance period is just as important as the initial weight loss phase. During this stage, the doctor should slowly reduce your medication dosage while introducing lifestyle reinforcement tactics to ensure you keep the weight off long-term. The goal isn’t just helping you lose weight quickly—it’s arming you with the tools and knowledge to maintain your success for life.
If you're ready to learn more about medical weight loss, contact our practice to ask questions and explore your options. We offer customized programs to help patients finally reach their weight loss goals. Contact us today to get started and see if your insurance will cover your weight loss!
