The basics of medical weight loss
By Taylor Shewchuk
Every January, we’re encouraged to make New Year’s resolutions with an emphasis on health and wellness. While some people have success keeping their resolutions and accomplishing their goals, many lose motivation and determination to stick with them past February.
One of the most common resolutions is to lose weight. Fad diets, supplements, diet pills and questionable (sometimes even dangerous) advice from “experts” has created a huge industry around dieting. Unfortunately, many of these techniques and products don’t produce results, leaving people who want to lose weight unsuccessful.
But there are options. Medical weight loss programs, like the one offered through the MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Weight-Loss Surgery Center, offer a structured, supported medical approach to weight loss.
What is medical weight loss?
In medical weight loss, a multidisciplinary team works together to create personalized plans for each patient. These plans incorporate diet, activity, behavior and sometimes medication to create lasting changes and improve quality of life.
Medical weight loss takes many factors into account. Personalized plans are determined by your sex, age, health history, economic status and a variety of other demographic information. Plans also include strategies to help you make lifestyle changes and form healthy habits. By taking the whole person into consideration, the medical team can provide recommendations and strategies tailored to you.
Who qualifies for medical weight loss?
Anybody interested in achieving a healthy weight may be a candidate for a medical weight loss program. At the MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Weight-Loss Surgery Center, the first step for those interested in the medical weight loss program is to book an introductory appointment with Shobhana Gaur, MD, an obesity medicine and non-surgical weight loss specialist, to review your medical and weight history, previous weight loss attempts (if any) and goals. Dr. Gaur then develops a plan incorporating visits with her as well as the nutrition counseling team. The plan’s length depends on your specific goals. Some medical weight loss journeys are relatively short, while others may span months or even years.
Will my insurance cover a medical weight loss program?
Insurance often requires that you have comorbidities (other diseases or medical conditions) to cover participation in a medical weight loss program. MultiCare works with each patient to determine insurance coverage. The MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Weight-Loss Surgery Center also accepts referrals from primary care providers. If you’re wondering if this program is for you, talk to your doctor.
If you’ve been exploring options for reaching a healthy weight, or have been unsuccessful in your past efforts to reach your health weight goals, a medical weight loss program may be what you’re looking for. Prioritize your health and wellness in 2022 by setting up an appointment with Dr. Gaur to learn more about your weight loss options.
Visit the MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Weight-Loss Surgery Center location page for details and contact information.
