Weight Loss Program
A FEW WORDS FROM ONE OF OUR FOUNDERS AND CEO:
If we just consider the field of Pain Management alone, by far, the most common pain complaint is low back pain.
And arguably, the main contributor to spine and joint pain, for that matter, is the load on our backs and joints… essentially the weight on them.
As a practicing Pain Specialist for over 15 years, I have myself seen numerous patients present to me after substantial weight loss… and they look and feel great!
One day, I asked a patient how they were able to take and keep the weight off… and they told me their secret to success.
And the reality is that it wasn’t a secret at all.
We have all seen the drug commercials and have probably heard of the celebrities shedding weight through the off-label use of these medications.
It is through the use of “Semaglutides” (aka GLP-1 agonists) and now “Tirzepatides” (aka GLP-1/GIP agonists).
I will get into the differences of what all that means in a bit.
You see, Semaglutides do not have side effects of anxiety, depression, insomnia, palpitations, and a racing heart... as seen with the older weight loss medications and stimulants.
Weight loss of 25-30% of starting weight is possible because of the drug's effect on appetite, fullness, cravings, and metabolism.
Our Weight Loss Program
What Are Some Other Benefits?
In addition to weight loss and the elimination of cravings, Semaglutide therapy is associated with several other significant health benefits. These include:
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Improvements in blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
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Reduction of blood pressure.
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Improvement in other cardiovascular markers.
Furthermore, Semaglutide therapy may offer additional potential benefits, such as:
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Reduction of cholesterol levels and improvement of lipid disorders.
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Improvement in fatty liver disease.
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Reduction of the risk of heart disease and kidney disease.
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Delaying the progression of diabetes-related nephropathy.
Additionally, ongoing research is exploring numerous other potential benefits of Semaglutide therapy.
What Should I Expect?
The aim of most weight reduction programs has increasingly shifted from improvement to the elimination of many of the metabolic and mechanical co-morbidities of obesity.
As mentioned above, the goal has shifted to also include the normalization of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides WITHOUT medications (of course, other than Semaglutides) as well as improvements in fatty liver and polycystic ovary dysfunction.
Just as exciting are the improvements in the mechanical co-morbidities related to the actual loss of fat deposits from around the neck, abdomen, and legs.
This reduction in fat mass results in improvements in sleep apnea, back pain, and arthritis of the hips and knees.
A review of the extensive literature reveals that the metabolic benefits require less weight loss and occur sooner than mechanical improvements.
Diabetics find better control of their blood sugar and pre-diabetics often return to normal.
As weight continues to fall, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol levels normalize.
When weight loss approaches 10%, many patients need to reduce or eliminate medications for hypertension and diabetes (again, of course other than Semaglutides).
All anti-obesity medications aim to achieve a healthy body composition rather than merely losing weight.
Studies showed that Semaglutides significantly reduce total body fat by a ratio of over 1.5 times that of lean body mass. And visceral fat (aka fat inside the abdomen) was also reduced.
“Therefore, total body fat reduction is significantly more than reduction in lean body mass.” Even though this may be true, there still remains the need for nutritional support such as Herbalife® GLP-1 Nutrition Companion.
Why is it critical to understand the advantages of maintaining a healthy weight?
First and foremost, recognizing the health implications of being overweight or obese can serve as a catalyst for initiating a weight loss regimen. Subsequently, maintaining awareness of the multifaceted benefits of weight reduction can bolster adherence to the program. Moreover, acknowledging the non-physical transformations, such as improvements in self-image and self-esteem, underscores the holistic impact of weight loss interventions.
The remarkable efficacy of Semaglutides can be attributed to several factors, including their multi-organ action, absence of drug tolerance commonly observed with other weight loss medications, minimal occurrence of significant side effects, and profound effects on appetite regulation, cravings, and satiety. Designed for prolonged use akin to other medications for chronic conditions, Semaglutides offer a promising avenue for sustainable weight management.
This compelling narrative prompted a comprehensive exploration of GLP-1, also known as Glucagon Like Peptide-1, owing to its role as a receptor agonist. Essentially, an agonist is a pharmaceutical agent that interacts with specific receptors to elicit physiological responses.
In June 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for Wegovy® (semaglutide) injections for chronic weight management, drawing upon data from the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) clinical trial program. Notably, participants in the STEP 1 trial achieved a noteworthy average weight loss of 14.9% of body weight over a 68-week period.
Similarly, Tirzepatide garnered FDA approval under the brand name Mounjaro® on May 13, 2022, primarily indicated for Type 2 Diabetes management. Rigorous 72-week trials demonstrated substantial and sustained reductions in body weight, irrespective of the administered dosage. This success prompted further FDA approval for Tirzepatide, now available as Zepbound™, designated for chronic weight management. Studies indicated that one in three patients receiving Zepbound™ experienced a remarkable weight loss exceeding 25% of their initial body weight.
These groundbreaking advancements have redefined weight loss goals, surpassing the previously accepted 5% benchmark. Prior to the emergence of these medications, few options could consistently achieve weight reductions exceeding 5%, with none sustaining long-term efficacy beyond a few months. Bariatric surgery remained the sole intervention capable of delivering consistent and substantial results.
Absolute contraindications for treatment include type one diabetes, a history or family history of medullary C-cell type thyroid cancer, and complications related to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN-2). Moreover, individuals with allergies to any glucagon-like peptide medications should refrain from their usage, constituting additional contraindications.
In summary, the advent of Semaglutides and Tirzepatide represents a paradigm shift in weight management, offering unprecedented efficacy with a favorable safety profile. While contraindications exist, careful consideration and medical consultation ensure optimal patient outcomes in the pursuit of sustainable weight loss.