More than 45 million Americans go on a diet each year. About half of them resort to fad diets to reach the desired weight. But despite their efforts, obesity rates are on the rise.
The truth is that most diets fail in the long run. If losing weight was that easy, you'd already be lean.
The only way to shed excess pounds and keep them off is to change your lifestyle—and that's there a health professional can help,
Physicians and other health experts can create a medical weight loss program tailored to your needs. Depending on your age and other factors, they may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or medications.
Interested to find out more? Below are five signs you're a good candidate for medical weight loss. Let's dive in!
1. You're Obese or Overweight
About 42% of the population is obese, and millions of other people are overweight.
These conditions can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic ailments. You may also find it difficult to move around and do simple things, such as taking a brisk walk or carrying your groceries home.
Chances are, you may qualify for medical weight loss if you're obese or overweight. A health professional can recommend custom meal plans, appetite suppressants, and lifestyle changes to help you achieve a normal weight.
2. You Have Obesity-Related Conditions
One of the major benefits of medical weight loss is its ability to improve overall health.
Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and other conditions are more common among obese and overweight people. Medical weight loss can help with these conditions and enhance your quality of life.
For example, if you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend a diet low in simple carbs and high in protein or healthy fats. But if you suffer from kidney disease, you may need a moderate-protein diet.
Your doctor is the only one who can recommend the best course of action.
3. You Are Ready to Change Your Lifestyle
Many dieters fail simply because they don't stick to healthy eating and regular exercise. Weight loss takes time. You can't expect to get leaner and fitter overnight.
Medical weight loss can help you achieve the target weight, but it's not a silver bullet. You still need to clean up your diet, get active, and make lasting lifestyle changes.
4. You Have Tried to Lose Weight on Your Own
A good candidate for medical weight loss is someone who has already tried to make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and working out.
Dietitians and other medical experts can assess your lifestyle, food preferences, and overall health. Then they will use this information to create a personalized meal plan.
They may also prescribe FDA-approved medications to balance your hormones or help you stay full longer.
5. You Lack Motivation
When you enroll in a medical weight loss program, you receive ongoing support.
It's much easier to get in shape when you have the chance to work with a health professional.
He will not only keep you accountable but also help you avoid common mistakes and make sure you stay on track.
Medical Weight Loss Might Be the Answer to Your Needs
Weight loss comes with its share of challenges, especially if you're obese or living with a chronic disease.
Daily stress, emotional eating, and other factors only make things worse. But this doesn't mean you should give up.
Consider enrolling in a medical weight loss program to get leaner and healthier. Reach out to our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help!