Weight Management

Comprehensive Weight Management: Combining Medications, Exercise, and Dietary Changes

Managing weight effectively involves more than just cutting calories—it's about creating sustainable, healthy habits that support your body’s metabolism, hormonal balance, and energy needs. For individuals struggling with excess weight or obesity, a comprehensive approach that includes adjunct medications, regular physical activity, and targeted dietary changes can lead to more successful and lasting outcomes.

1. The Foundation: Nutrition and Dietary Changes

Healthy eating is the cornerstone of any weight management plan. The goal is to develop a personalized and sustainable dietary approach that supports weight loss while maintaining muscle, energy, and metabolic health.

Key Strategies:

Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasize lean proteins, fresh vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Portion Control: Monitor serving sizes to avoid overeating, even with healthy foods.
Limit Processed Foods: Reduce intake of sugary beverages, processed snacks, and fast food.
Balanced Macronutrients: Ensure meals have the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to keep blood sugar stable and promote satiety.
Mindful Eating: Pay attention to hunger cues and avoid emotional eating patterns.

2. Physical Activity: Building Strength and Burning Calories

Exercise not only helps burn calories—it also improves mood, builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and supports long-term weight maintenance.

Recommended Guidelines:

Aerobic Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity exercise (such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling).
Strength Training: Include resistance exercises 2–3 times/week to build muscle and support metabolic health.
Lifestyle Activity: Incorporate movement throughout your day—take stairs, stretch regularly, and stay active during work breaks.
Progress Gradually: Start where you are and increase intensity or duration over time, based on your fitness level.

3. Adjunct Medications: A Powerful Tool When Needed

For some individuals, especially those with a BMI of ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related health conditions, FDA-approved weight-loss medications can help jumpstart and maintain weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.

Medication Considerations:

Medications are not a replacement for healthy habits—they enhance the effectiveness of diet and exercise.
Side effects, contraindications, and individual response vary.
Not all medications are appropriate for everyone; our providers will help you choose the safest and most effective option.
Depending on insurance coverage or self pay options, there may be addtional costs for the visit or medication.

4. Support, Monitoring, and Adjustments

Ongoing monitoring by our healthcare team is essential. Weight loss is not always linear, and your plan may need adjustments based on results, side effects, or life changes. Tracking metrics like weight, body composition, blood pressure, blood sugar, and lab markers helps guide the journey.

Final Thoughts

Weight management is not about quick fixes—it's about creating a healthy, empowered lifestyle that supports your physical and emotional well-being. Medications can provide valuable support, but their effectiveness is greatly enhanced when combined with consistent nutrition, physical activity, and a supportive care team.

Whether you are just beginning your journey or looking for a new approach after past struggles, you don’t have to go it alone. Talk to your healthcare provider to explore options and build a plan that works for you.

Give us a call today to get scheduled.