How Does Medical Weight Loss Work?

Most people have heard about the weight loss and dietary programs available to help them lose weight fast. These one size fits all approaches often do not account for their patients’ lifestyles and medical needs. 

At Essential Med Aesthetics, Dr. Cobbinah treats her patients with extensive knowledge and a personalized approach. As a member of the Obesity Medicine Association, Dr. Cobbinah understands the individual causes and methods that reduce and maintains your weight through her multidisciplinary weight loss program. 

What Causes Weight Gain?

While weight gain often is associated with the intake of calories exceeding the energy expended to reduce fat, various factors contribute to continuous weight gain. Some of the factors include: 

• Depression and other mental health concerns
• Eating disorders
• Stress or anxiety
• Genetic factors
• Lack of sleep
• Hormonal imbalances
• Certain medications

Depending on your genetics and hormones, fat may linger in the abdomen, thighs, or hips even after committing to a healthy diet and exercise routine. Some people are more efficient in burning calories than others, making a customized plan crucial to targeting and reducing fat. 

How Does Medical Weight Loss Work?

When committing to losing weight, Dr. Cobbinah focuses on the four pillars of Obesity Medicine: nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, and medication. These scientifically-based pillars use our knowledge of the human body and mind to overcome obstacles that hinder efficient weight loss. 

Each person’s body and life are different, requiring a customized approach. During your first month, Dr. Cobbinah meets with you weekly to supervise your program and help you safely lose weight. As time goes on, your visits may become less frequent. 

During your appointments, Dr. Cobbinah discusses your nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification, along with providing guidance and accountability to ensure your success. Each pillar fulfills a need for your body to adapt to its new environment and lifestyle. 

Nutrition

There are numerous diets for reducing fat and encouraging weight loss. One of the most commonly known is the one-meal-a-day diet. This diet, while effective for some, may provide the opposite effect. Some patients notice weight gain due to a slowed metabolism as the body tries to adapt to the lack of food.

Most diets focus on limiting food intake, but others can focus more on the types of food you eat. You can enjoy your meals without worrying about being hungry. By focusing on the types of food and the amount you intake, you can control your diet rather than reduce it. 

Dr. Cobbinah may ask you to use a dietary journal to track your progress regarding what you eat, how much, what times, and the environment you are in. This journal serves you more than only tracking what you eat, but also notes any environmental factors that could contribute to your diet. 

Some patients struggle with losing weight due to easy access to fatty or processed foods. You may see more long-term results by modifying your environment along with your diet. Some environmental changes that may help you maintain your diet include:

• Preparing meals at home
• Estimating or measuring portion sizes
• Learning to recognize fat content in menu items
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Eliminating smoking
• Modifying your work route to avoid temptations

Dr. Cobbinah discusses with you during your meetings various methods that could help improve your diet and lifestyle to accomplish your health and weight goals. Please consult with her about any dietary changes to ensure your success. 

Physical Activity

Depending on your usual activities with work and hobbies, you may need to increase the intensity, duration, frequency, and type of exercise you participate in. Certain medical conditions, physical limitations, and individual preferences affect your routine.

In the beginning, you will gradually build up your workout routine, especially if you need to be adjusted to intense physical activity. The most challenging part of this step is the mental game. Many patients struggle with overcoming obesity due to mental limitations more than physical ones. 

Environmental changes encouraging continual exercises, such as walking in open spaces or user-friendly facilities, can help improve your confidence and build your mental strength and physical health. 

Behavior Modification

Behavior modification provides lifelong habits that reinforce and ensures continued weight maintenance. As mentioned earlier, the food diary allows patients to track how they are feeling and where they are as they eat. The log monitors any environmental factors contributing to overeating or “cheating” on their diets. 

Some patients may choose to have specific places where they eat and avoid eating outside of that spot. Having a place with the sole purpose of eating allows them to regulate absent-minded consumption or snacking. Filling your home and everyday environments with healthier options can also limit temptations. 

Changing your routines allows your mind to adjust to your new lifestyle and start anew. A rebirth approach often helps reinforce new and healthier habits. We also recommend finding a positive support system that will encourage your journey without harsh judgment. Your mental strength is as important as your physical health. 

Medication

Almost all prescription drugs for weight loss suppress appetite or enhance satisfaction with meals. Dr. Cobbinah carefully selects your medications to help your journey with your medical history, family history, and lifestyle in mind. 

We do not recommend self-prescribing or changing your dosage without explicit instruction from Dr. Cobbinah. Her expertise allows you to lose weight safely and limit any medication side effects. 

The medications may also help with hormonal or genetic factors contributing to weight gain. Many patients fail to lose weight due to factors outside of their control. Talk to Dr. Cobbinah about your options as you take the journey together. 

How Can I Lose Fat in Specific Areas?

Many patients are successful with their weight loss program, but some may still struggle with pockets of fat that do not respond to their changes in lifestyle. Other techniques, such as our truSculpt® iD treatments, can target these pockets. 

The body sculpting treatment targets areas such as bra lines, back rolls, muffin tops, arms, and thighs. You may also experience a reduction in cellulite and an improvement in skin quality after treatments. 

To learn more about how to lose weight, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobbinah at Essential Med Aesthetics. 

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about medical weight loss, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.