MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS
Medical Weight Loss Program & Medications
The physicians at Hope Health & Wellness can provide various weight loss medications to assist in your individualized weight loss program.
Many patients want to lose weight quickly and often need a “kick start” in order to get the motivation needed to continue on your weight loss journey. Those patients desiring a “kick start” will be prescribed certain medications and monitored closely in order for them to achieve the maximum amount of weight loss safely. We will monitor each patient to make sure that the weight loss medications are being taken safely and efficiently. It is our belief that our methods of phasing the administering of weight loss medications prevent the body from building a tolerance to that medication and can alleviate any potential side effects.
The Medication We Use
Phentermine (Fastin, Adipex)
Phentermine is a prescription-only medication that is approved for short term use as an appetite suppressant for the management of obesity. Phentermine has been available on the market since the 1950s. It works for weight loss by telling your brain that you are not hungry.
B12 / MIC (methionine, inositol, choline) Injection
B12 and MIC is an injection of vitamins, and amino acids that is an important part of the Hope Health & Wellness Weight Loss Program. It ensures your body receives all the necessary nutrients to keep you at your energetic best. Many of these nutrients are not readily absorbed when taken orally and need to be taken by injection. B12 B6 and MIC injections are safe, effective and keep your body well-balanced. They help increase energy as well as contribute to the success of your weight loss plan. This injection is also referred to as a lipotropic nutrient. A lipotropic nutrient is one that promotes or encourages the export of fat from the liver. Lipotropics are necessary for the maintenance of a healthy liver as well as burning the exported fat for additional energy. Without lipotropics such as choline and inositol, fats and bile can become trapped in the liver, causing severe problems such as cirrhosis and blocking fat metabolism. This can also lead to bloating, belching and stomach distention.
Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids
Below are the naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals and amino acids that you will receive in your weekly injection.
Vitamin B12 – regulates the formation of red blood cells and helps in the utilization of iron, preventing anemia. It is an important component of the body system, because it is required for proper digestion, absorption and synthesis of foods, protein synthesis, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Methionine – an antioxidant amino acid that neutralizes free radicals. It aids in breaking down fat, removing heavy metals from the body and with digestion. It is one of the important amino acids that increase energy and lean muscle mass.
Inositol – a vitamin that is vital for metabolism of fat and cholesterol. It also prevents hardening of the arteries and been shown to help in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Choline – plays a major role in cardiovascular health. In addition to minimizing excess fat in the liver through its fat and cholesterol metabolic properties, it aids in hormone production.
Other Cutting Edge Medications
Our weight loss program may also include certain natural human hormones, which will be administered via subcutaneous injections, Intramuscular injections or even creams. We’ve found that this approach works very well as a complement to a careful diet and regular exercise.
How Does It Work?
We perform a complete wellness blood workup which will help guide us in the medications or supplements needed to safely help you lose the weight you desire.
After receiving the “kick start” medications and being on the program for the first 30 days, you may want to be introduced to our revolutionary Ideal Protein Weight Loss system. This is where you will be paired with one of our weight loss coaches that will show you how to eat properly for the ultimate weight loss experience. Click on this link to learn more about the Ideal Protein System.
Metabolic Syndrome
What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a group of five risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The five risk factors are:
- increased blood pressure (greater than 130/85 mmHg)
- high blood sugar levels (insulin resistance)
- excess fat around the waist
- high triglyceride levels
- low levels of good cholesterol, or HDL
Having one of these risk factors does not mean that you have metabolic syndrome. However, having one will increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Having three or more of these factors will result in a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and it will increase your risk of health complications.
The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that 43 percent of adults currently have metabolic syndrome.
What are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome?
The risk factors for metabolic syndrome are related to obesity. The two most important risk factors are defined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as:
- central obesity, or excess fat around the middle and upper parts of the body
- insulin resistance, which makes it difficult for the body to use sugar
There are other factors that can increase your risk for metabolic syndrome. These include:
- age
- family history of metabolic syndrome
- not getting enough exercise
- women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome
How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?
To diagnose metabolic syndrome, your doctor will need to perform several different tests. The results of these tests will be used to look for three or more signs of the disorder. Your doctor may check one or more of the following:
- waist circumference
- fasting blood triglycerides
- cholesterol levels
- blood pressure
- fasting glucose level
Abnormalities noted on three or more of these tests will indicate the presence of metabolic syndrome.
What are the complications of metabolic syndrome?
The complications that may result from metabolic syndrome are frequently serious and long-term (chronic). They include:
- hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- diabetes
- heart attack
- kidney disease
- stroke
- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- peripheral artery disease
- cardiovascular disease
If diabetes develops, you may be at risk for additional health complications, including:
- eye damage (retinopathy)
- nerve damage (neuropathy)
- kidney disease
- amputation of limbs
How is metabolic syndrome treated?
If you are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, the goal of treatment will be to reduce your risk of developing further health complications. Our Medical team will recommend lifestyle changes that will likely include losing between 10 – 15 percent of your current weight. Learn about our Metabolic Syndrome weight loss program. It’s also important to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five to seven days a week. If you are a smoker, we highly suggest that you quit.
What is the outlook for patients with metabolic syndrome?
The outlook for people with metabolic syndrome can be quite good if symptoms are managed. People who take their doctor’s advice, eat right, exercise, stop smoking, and lose weight will reduce their chances of developing serious health problems such as a heart attack or stroke.
Although symptom management will reduce health complications, most people with this condition have a long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. If you develop this condition, you will need to be monitored by your doctor to help prevent serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke.
How can metabolic syndrome be prevented?
Preventing metabolic syndrome is certainly possible. Maintaining a healthy waist circumference and blood pressure and cholesterol levels reduce your risk for metabolic syndrome. Exercise and weight loss can aid in these efforts and decrease insulin resistance.
Prevention of metabolic syndrome will also require that you have regular physical exams. Your doctor can measure your blood pressure and complete blood work that may indicate the early development of metabolic syndrome. Early diagnosis of the condition and treatment will reduce health complications over the long term.