What Is Medical Weight Loss

Studies show that an estimated 2 billion adults are overweight worldwide. Of this group, approximately 700 million are considered to be obese. Obesity is defined as having an excessively high amount of body fat, which can lead to other serious health problems, including diabetes, cancer, strokes and heart attacks, among others. Because there are so many risk factors associated with being overweight, it is imperative in some cases to lose weight quickly, safely and effectively. It is for this reason that Austin Preferred Integrative Medicine offers multiple weight loss options in Austin.

While the providers at Austin Preferred typically use a natural, holistic approach, they also realize people respond differently to certain techniques. It is for this reason that we offer personalized weight loss programs using both natural and medical weight loss techniques.

Our most popular 12 week program consists of an initial medical evaluation, blood work, customized nutrition plan, customized exercise plan, smart phone app for tracking, supplement recommendations, monthly follow up visits, monthly body composition scans, and prescription medication if appropriate.

This regimen is designed to suppress food cravings while stimulating the body’s fat-burning properties. Although some patients experience rapid weight loss in the first four weeks, results often vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Consultations

During your first visit, you will meet with a provider to discuss your weight loss goals. The provider will use a body composition analysis scale to help determine your ideal weight as well as your ideal caloric intake. Laboratory studies will be ordered to ensure medical weight loss is a safe and appropriate option for you. The provider will work with you to create a plan that will help you to achieve your goals, while also working with your lifestyle. 

After the provider has reviewed your labs, an in person review of findings will be scheduled. At this visit, a nutrition and exercise plan will be selected for you, and medications can be prescribed to aid weight loss if needed or appropriate. You will also gain access to a smart phone app that will allow you to track your diet, weight, measurements, as well as message the provider with any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process. 

Certain medications can be prescribed to help complement the lifestyle changes that are recommended. Weight loss medications are often given at the beginning of your weight loss journey, and are not intended to be the only method of weight loss used.

Weight loss is difficult on your own, that’s why you will set up 3 monthly follow up visits to monitor your progress and make changes if necessary to help you to be successful. A new body composition scan will be taken at each visit to measure your progress and allow for adjustments to your plan. On average, medical weight loss plans span 12 weeks, though some patients elect to continue for a longer period of time. Although some patients experience rapid weight loss in the first four weeks, results often vary and cannot be guaranteed.