Weight Loss Therapy

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As we age, it can become increasingly challenging to stay in shape. Our bodies start to shift, and we may find ourselves struggling more than ever before. Extra weight brings down your self-esteem and saps the energy out of you, not to mention that it has a detrimental effect on your sex life – even worse than smoking!

Moreover, being overweight puts you in danger of various health issues ranging from heart problems, stroke, diabetes, and cancer to Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Our medical professionals and nutritionists at MDLifespan are proud to have used Weight Loss Therapy for over two decades, successfully aiding thousands of customers in healthfully achieving their weight loss goals – without relying solely on traditional dieting or exercise methods. If you want experienced guidance on your journey towards better health, we invite you to trust us with the results-driven approach that has served our clients well.

Weight Loss Therapy

Weight Loss Therapy is designed to help you make substantial changes in your lifestyle. While it can be challenging to transition from what you know and enjoy, this therapy provides support as you adjust, providing the necessary resources and guidance.

The lifestyle changes associated with Weight Loss Therapy are based on a balanced approach to nutrition, including increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet, reducing heavily processed foods, eliminating refined sugars and trans fats, and limiting your intake of saturated fats.

Additionally, the therapy encourages increased physical activity by walking or cycling for at least 30 minutes each day.

As longevity specialists, we support you every step of the way for a successful outcome. Our team pre-screens patients to exclude any underlying health issues that could hinder weight loss goals. We monitor your progress while adhering to the diet plan. Lastly, we assist with readjustment into lifestyle options that preserve individuals’ strength and vibrancy for life.

Solutions for Weight Loss Therapy

We carefully consider each patient’s medical profile, nutrition habits, and lifestyle to determine if medication prescriptions are necessary and appropriate to reach their desired goals efficiently. Our team follows strict protocols when prescribing medications and these may include the following:

HCG — Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

HCG, a female hormone produced during pregnancy, is the key to sustainable energy for mothers-to-be. It helps stabilize their metabolism to access their fat stores while protecting their muscles simultaneously.

The HCG diet injections mimic this response in people trying to lose or optimize weight; when combined with healthy eating habits and regular exercise, they can burn fat quickly and efficiently without sacrificing muscle mass.

Combination therapy of HCG and diet has been studied using multiple dosage forms, but no definitive answer has been given as to if HCG is an effective weight loss program.  Our experience at MDLifespan is that most people using HCG have significant weight loss in the prescribed period of time.  Our experience is also that patients should avoid repeated rounds of HCG as patients tend to have less weight loss on subsequent rounds of treatment.

Most people in the program are initially prescribed a daily dose of 250IU. Over time, however, we will tailor the plan to ensure it is optimal for you – adjusting your HCG injections and food levels as needed based on results and reactions monitored along the way.

Semaglutide

Ozempic (brand name of Semaglutide) is an injectable medication that, in combination with diet and exercise, can help you manage your blood sugar levels and attain a healthier weight. It belongs to the class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.

Semaglutide works in two ways: it suppresses glucagon, which reduces the release of sugar into your bloodstream, encouraging fat burning, and it slows down gastric emptying – making you feel fuller for longer. This combination of effects decreases food intake, as you don’t need or want as much when feeling full.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide is given by weekly subcutaneous injection. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are hormones involved in blood sugar control. In a 72-week trial in participants with obesity, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of Tirzepatide once weekly provided substantial and sustained reductions in body weight.

Tirzepatide activates the GLP-1 and GIP receptors and is an analog of a gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), a human hormone that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas. This activates the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, improving blood sugar control. Studies show that Tirzepatide can reduce appetite, improve the management of eating, reduce food cravings, and improve glycemic control. Some studies show adverse side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

What to Expect from Weight Loss Therapy

Before Starting the HCG Program

The HCG incorporates a low-calorie diet that does not include fat. Most patients may feel tired, nauseous, and easily irritated during the initial days of this program. But as soon as the HCG acts and all toxins flush out, they start feeling healthier! Unlike Semaglutide therapy, you can shed 0.5-1 pound per day with an HCG weight loss plan.

To ensure that our patients are burning fat and not muscle, we strongly encourage them to complete a body composition every two weeks. If necessary, our team will adjust the dosage of HCG accordingly and suggest dietary changes for optimal results.

Before Starting the Semaglutide Program

As you progress in Semaglutide, you will eventually hit the optimal dose of 2.4 mg once weekly during clinical trials. In a phase 3 trial that measured effects over 20 weeks, most participants achieved their full dosage and experienced weight loss simultaneously as they increased their intake.

Across the remaining 48 weeks, they observed further weight loss while taking the full dose. It’s essential to remember that Loss your weight takes time and yields optimal results when paired with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Sometimes, medication might not be effective for you or cause adverse reactions making it difficult to take the entire prescribed dosage.

Before Starting the Tirzepatide Program

Like Semaglutide, this next-generation GLP-1 & GP medication was originally designed to treat Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Before starting the Tirzepatide Weight Loss Program, you will meet with our Weight Loss Team. Your appointments are a progress check-in, make program adjustments, or answer any questions.

Precautions for Weight Loss Therapy

Our Weight Loss Therapies are tailored to every patient’s unique needs and health ambitions. To ensure safety, it is suggested that all patients consult with their healthcare provider before beginning this program to be evaluated for suitability.

Weight Loss Therapies are not recommended for individuals under 16, pregnant or nursing women, those taking heart or seizure medication, and people undergoing active cancer treatment. Additionally, suppose you are a woman relying on oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy but cannot use other methods during the Weight Loss Therapy program. In that case, it is advised that you refrain from undertaking this program due to its potential interference with your birth control efficacy.

Possible Side Effects of Weight Loss Therapy

Occasionally, patients on Weight Loss Therapy using HCG will experience symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, especially at the beginning. In terms of taking the medication, while there may be swelling or redness in the injection site (uncommon, but if this happens, contact your provider), there are no adverse side effects to taking this naturally occurring hormone. The medication injected is minimal, so no tapering off is required. You should contact your provider if negative symptoms persist for a few days or worsen.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are considered safe and effective when used as instructed. But safe does not mean that there are no risks. Both medications carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors occurring in rodents (with unknown risk in humans). Both medications should not be used if you or your family have a history of certain thyroid cancers or if you have type-1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide should be used cautiously for people on other medications to lower blood sugar.

The common side effects of Semaglutide are:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation

When to See a Doctor for Weight Loss Therapy

The bottom line

While no magic weight loss pill currently exists, available medications can help. But you should use them with diet and exercise to get the most benefit and set you up for long-term results.

Remember that these medications may not be covered by insurance, and some are expensive. If you want a prescription to help you lose weight, you should talk to your provider to see which is best for you.

It is very unlikely that you will experience adverse reactions or side effects while on the Weight Loss Therapies. But if life-threatening symptoms arise, call 911 immediately or seek medical care from your nearest emergency department.