Weight Loss 

 

Obesity is determined by calculating the body mass index (BMI). Millions of American struggle every day to lose weight. Weight loss occurs when you consistently consume fewer calories than you burn each day. Diet, exercise, and behavioral changes is the initial recommended approach.  However, this may be harder to maintain for some. Therefore, with medical support weight loss may be easier to achieve. 

 

 

BMI Interpretation:

BMI is body weight (in kg) divided by height (in meters) squared)

 

If BMI is-

Less than 18.5: Under weight

18.5 and less than 25: Normal weight

25 and less than 30: Overweight

30 and less than 35: Class I Obesity

35 and less than 40: Class II Obesity

Greater than 40: Class III Obesity or Morbid Obesity

 

 

Treatment Options

The goal of therapy is to prevent or reverse the complications of obesity, improve health, and quality of life. Comprehensive lifestyle change is the initial treatment and continues to be the mainstay for individuals with obesity. Adding medication therapy can be considered in those with:

BMI of 30 or greater

BMI of 27 or more and you have a disease or condition that may be related to your weight such as diabetes or high blood and have not met weight loss goals (Lost at least 5% of total body weight within 3-6 months after lifestyle changes).

 

FDA approved medications we prescribe:

 

Contrave- is an FDA-approved treatment that works by curtailing hunger responses in the brain and improving self-control. It may increase the risk of becoming suicidal especially in young adults 18-24. It can also raise high blood pressure and heart rate. 

 

Orlistat- alters fat digestion by inhibiting pancreatic lipases, fat is not completely hydrolyzed and fat excretion is increased. The pre-dominant side effect of this medication is the Gastrointestinal (including cramps, flatus, and oily spotting).

 

We do not prescribe controlled substances like phentermine