At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, Dr. Abbasinejad recognizes that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall wellness, mobility, and quality of life. Contrave works by combining two distinct medications—naltrexone and bupropion—to target two key areas of the brain involved in hunger and reward signals.

• Naltrexone (Opioid Antagonist): Targets the brain’s “reward pathway” to block the pleasurable feelings associated with eating. This is particularly effective for individuals who experience emotional or reward-driven eating and persistent food cravings.

• Bupropion (Antidepressant): Alters neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the appetite centers of the brain. It activates specific neurons in the hypothalamus to signal fullness and help regulate overall energy balance.

By incorporating Contrave into a customized treatment plan with ongoing dietary and lifestyle support, Dr. Abbasinejad helps patients quiet “food noise” and take control of their eating habits.

Contrave is an FDA-approved prescription medication indicated for chronic weight management in adults who meet specific Body Mass Index (BMI) qualifications:
BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher (classified as obesity)

BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher (classified as overweight) with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

During your consultation, Dr. Abbasinejad reviews your medical history to ensure safe administration. Contrave is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals with a history of seizure disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia), or those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking conflicting medications should avoid Contrave.

In clinical trials lasting 56 weeks, patients combining Contrave with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise achieved significantly greater weight loss compared to lifestyle changes alone:

• Average Weight Loss: Patients lost between 5.4% and 8.1% of their starting body weight (compared to 1.3% to 4.9% in placebo groups).

• Significant Outcomes: Approximately 40% of adults lost at least 5% of their starting weight after one year, and over 15% achieved a weight loss exceeding 10%.

Dr. Abbasinejad carefully tracks your progress at key milestones. If at least 5% of starting weight has not been lost after 12 weeks on the maximum tolerated dose, she re-evaluates the overall treatment strategy to explore alternative options.

Getting started with Contrave at Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab involves a thorough, physician-led process:

• Initial Medical Consultation: Dr. Abbasinejad conducts a comprehensive medical evaluation, assessing your BMI, reviewing current medications, and discussing your past weight loss attempts.

• Customized Health Plan: If Contrave is recommended, she integrates the prescription into a structured program complete with individualized nutrition planning and physical activity guidance.

• Ongoing Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Abbasinejad to monitor your body weight, track improvements in weight-related health conditions, manage any medication side effects, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Take the next step toward better health, improved mobility, and sustainable weight management with Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad, MD. We serve patients from Fayetteville NC, Woodfield NC, Hope Mills NC, Fort Bragg NC, Eastover NC, and surrounding areas.