The disease of obesity is characterized by an excessive amount of body fat. The problem of obesity goes beyond cosmetics. As a result, there is an increased risk of other diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.

Weight loss can be difficult for many people for a variety of reasons. Diet, physical activity, and exercise choices all contribute to obesity, along with inherited and physiological factors.

Obesity-related health problems can be reduced or prevented even with modest weight loss. Losing weight can be achieved by eating healthier, exercising more, and changing your behavior. Obesity can also be treated with prescription medications and weight-loss procedures.

Typically, you’ll hear people refer to body mass index (BMI) when discussing obesity, but in reality this has little to do with your overall metabolic health. An obesity medicine physician will evaluate your overall metabolic health by looking at labs like your cholesterol, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C among others as well as your body composition more than just looking at your BMI. 

Medications for weight loss should be used alongside diet, exercise, and behavior changes, not instead of them. Your doctor will consider your health history and possible side effects when selecting a medication for you.

In the United States, some common medications include phentermine, Topamax, Contrave, Qsymia, Saxenda, Wegovy and Zepbound.

The effects of weight-loss medications may wane over time, and they may not work for everyone. It is possible to regain much or all of the weight you lost when you stop taking a weight-loss medication in the absence of a proper weight loss management plan.

There are many causes that lead to obesity. The important thing to note is that we now know that it is not any one thing, and it certainly is NOT the lack of willpower of the individual. We know that many factors are at play including genetics, exposure to different environmental toxins, our increasingly sedentary lifestyle as well as ultra processed foods. Certain medications can also lead to overweight and obesity as well as certain medical diagnoses and comorbidities. This is why it is important to see a physician who is board certified in obesity medicine so she can conduct a thorough history to see what may be contributing to your struggle with weight. Weight Loss is not a “one size fits all” type of treatment strategy. 

Ask your doctor about obesity management if you’re concerned about your weight. Discuss your weight loss options with your doctor after evaluating your health risks.

Your obesity specialist will customize your plan according to your preferences and needs. Nutrition, exercise, behavior changes, and medicines will all be part of your plan. It is possible that he or she will recommend weight loss surgery. Treatment plans are created to treat obesity and its related health conditions. A custom plan to manage and treat obesity will be developed by the doctor and patient. Each patient’s weight loss journey is unique and for that reason weight loss plans are developed with your health and lifestyle in mind.

Obesity services are available at Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab. We serve patients from Fayetteville NC, Hope Mills NC, Cedar Creek NC, Eastover NC, Woodfield NC, and Fenix NC.