HIM
Published on February 2024
Weight Loss Therapy Overview
Losing weight is challenging, especially when you are not noticing results with diet and exercise. Weight loss therapy helps patients who struggle to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. Under medical supervision, weight loss medication works by slowing down digestion and suppressing the appetite. Plastic surgeons at HIM Plastic Surgery provide personalized weight loss plans that can help patients get to and maintain their target weight.
How Does Weight Loss Therapy Work?
Weight loss therapy is a combination of weight loss medication and exercise programs designed to target excess weight. The most commonly prescribed weight loss medications are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. GLP-1s agonists work in different ways, such as:
Suppressing appetite: GLP-1s affect the body’s hunger signals to help turn off and the limit “food noise” patients experience between meals.
Increasing feelings of fullness: GLP-1 receptor agonists slow down digestion to reduce cravings and to maintain a level of satiety.
Increasing fat metabolism: GLP-1 analogs enhance the metabolism of visceral fat and promote weight loss.
Regulating hormones: GLP-1s mimic naturally occurring hormones to control blood sugar levels and regulate appetite.
What Are the Benefits of Weight Loss Therapy?
Weight loss therapy provides a non-surgical option for weight loss. Weight loss therapy can improve conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and joint pain. By obtaining a healthy weight, patients also can experience increases in energy, confidence and overall sense of well-being.
Am I a Candidate For Weight Loss Therapy?
If you are struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise, weight loss therapy may be a valuable tool on your weight loss journey. Candidates that benefit from weight loss therapy are those that are motivated to maintain a healthy weight and are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes. Patients are not candidates for weight loss therapy if they suffer from an eating disorder, have diabetic retinopathy, have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or have a strong family history or personal history of endocrine disorders.
What are the Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are usually well tolerated. Patients may experience the following side effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Hypoglycemia
- Indigestion
- Pancreatitis
- Worsening of retinopathy
How to Start Weight Loss Therapy?
The first step of your weight loss journey includes a consultation with a plastic surgeon at HIM Plastic Surgery. During your virtual or in-person consultation, our team will assess your medical conditions and learn more about your weight loss goals. Your plastic surgeon will then provide a weight loss plan which includes an exercise routine and weight loss medications to maximize your success in obtaining your target weight.
How Do I Take Weight Loss Medication?
Weight loss medications are typically administered with weekly or daily injections depending on the specific medication. Injections are performed in areas of excess body tissue such as the upper arm, thigh or stomach. Doses are typically usually increased monthly to promote further weight loss.
Do I Need To Adjust My Diet With Weight Loss Therapy?
While taking weight loss medication it is important to maintain a diet rich in protein and vitamins. Ensuring adequate protein intake and adhering to a workout protocol will help decrease muscle mass wasting and increase fat metabolism.
Will I Regain My Weight When I Stop Weight Loss Therapy?
After you have reached your target weight, it is important to maintain lifestyle changes of your diet and exercise routine to avoid weight gain. It is encouraged to slowly taper your medication to give your body’s metabolism time to adjust.
Why Choose HIM Plastic Surgery?
At HIM Plastic Surgery, our team of experienced, highly trained experts provide a comprehensive plan individualized to your weight loss goals. Whether you are looking to lose a few pounds prior to a significant event such as a wedding or you are ready to undergo a total body transformation, our experts give you the support and guidance you need to achieve your goals.
Schedule A Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with HIM Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX is simple! Contact our office directly or use our consultation request form to book a facelift consultation. We prioritize patient comfort and confidentiality, ensuring a professional, supportive, and informative experience from the very first visit.
