"I've tried everything and still can't seem to lose weight."
As an obesity medicine specialist, I hear this on a daily basis as women stress and struggle with their weight. For many women, they feel like they know how to lose weight, but staying on a plan can be difficult. In many cases, I recommend the use of FDA-approved weight loss medications.
There are several different types of weight loss medications that help women by a variety of different mechanisms and are usually well tolerated. This past year, the FDA approved Wegovy for weight loss in patients with high BMI and ongoing medical issues such as elevated blood sugars or high blood pressure. In the obesity medicine world, this medication has been described as a "game changer." The drug contains the active ingredient, semaglutide, which has been used for years for blood sugar control in patients with diabetes. The study showed the average patient lost about 15% of their initial body weight with ongoing lifestyle changes, which could mean about 30-pound weight loss for a woman with a starting weight of 200 pounds.
Most of the time, my patients on weight loss drugs describe less hunger and less cravings for excessive portions and junk food. Whether my patients are taking Wegovy or one of the other weight loss medications, they tell me their "weight lost journey is just easier."
With women's ever-growing to-do list, a weight loss plan that is "just easier" is at least worth a conversation.
To set up a weight loss consultation or to register for a weight loss program with Dr. Egan, visit true. Women's Health or call 616.330.1700.
Written by Celia M. Egan, MD, DABOM, NAMS, Obesity Medicine Specialist and Internist, true. Women's Health.
Courtesy of true. Women's Health.
