by Sally Martin, Diet Counselor
Medical weight loss encourages losing weight through a healthy combination of diet, behavior modification and medical intervention. Weight loss doctors in Arizona who are experts in the science of obesity can help pinpoint the causes of weight gain in your life. Medical weight loss programs give patients access to innovative tools and strategies that can help you lose weight.
It is important to understand that obesity is a medical problem that can lead to further health complications. Medical weight loss in AZ utilizes nutritional counseling, personal fitness training, psychiatry and internal medicine to make basic lifestyle changes for better health. Clinics in Tucson and Phoenix offer doctor-supervised weight loss programs, including bariatric surgery options.
Living in Arizona, there are often medical conditions that increase a person’s risk of becoming obese. Medical weight loss clinics specialize in identifying and successfully treating these often unrecognized medical conditions.
Through medical weight loss, a team of doctors will address the biological, psychological and behavioral issues that have led you to becoming overweight or obese. An accredited center for medical weight loss will have a staff of trained doctors who know how to diagnose and treat chronically overweight individuals.
The best medical weight loss and wellness programs in the Phoenix or Tucson metro area should include nutritional counseling to help you develop healthier eating habits. Medical weight control programs may also include weight loss tablets like appetite suppressants that encourage weight loss.
Alternatively, OPTIFAST® meal replacement products are often recommended as part of supervised weight loss in order to cut calories while giving you greater control over your eating habits. A properly-administered OPTIFAST weight loss program includes ongoing guidance and support.
The OPTIFAST meal replacement products are also a good option as part of medically-supervised weight loss. Optifast meals and shakes constitute a VLCD (very low calorie diet) that takes the place of standard food. The OPTIFAST program helps you to cut calories, control hunger and lose weight.
Your medical weight loss program starts with a free consultation at a medical weight loss center near you. During that initial appointment, weight management doctors will review your personal and medical history and determine what weight loss program is best-suited for you, whether you live in Scottsdale or Tempe.
This initial screening will include an assessment of what medications you are currently taking and any underlying health issues that are preventing weight loss. Your BMI (Body Mass Index) will also be recorded. People in Tucson who are overweight have several clinics and doctors to choose from.
Barry, age 47, Tucson AZ
“A medical weight loss program was the best choice for me because the doctors controlled everything I ate. All my meals were prepared for me. I didn’t feel alone because I knew the doctors would be there to support me every step of the way.
“Initially, the food plan was an adjustment because I was so used to overeating. I had cravings for certain foods, but through counseling, my doctor taught me how to deal with them without giving up and bingeing on food.
“As I progressed on the medically-supervised weight loss program, the food cravings diminished and were easier for me to control. As part of an overall healthier lifestyle, I knew I needed to start an exercise program, so I joined a gym in my area. I also started going for daily walks to lose weight, which helped a lot.
“10 months later, I am proud to report that I have lost 100 pounds and still want to lose more! The best part about losing weight with the help of a weight loss clinic is how healthy I look and feel. I can climb stairs a lot more easily now. I have a lot more self-confidence when I look in the mirror.
“The doctors at the weight loss clinic gave me the tools I needed to lose weight and I couldn’t have done it without their support. I encourage anyone in the same situation to seek out a weight management doctor. Doing so changed my life!”
Angela, age 32, Tempe, AZ
“During each of my visits to the weight loss clinic in Phoenix, the doctors gave me the tools and support I needed to lose weight and keep it off. What impressed me was that the physician actually understood how to treat the medical issues associated with being extremely overweight.
“The success of the Arizona weight loss program for me was a combination of the prepared diet meals which enabled me to see results quickly, and the behavioral counseling sessions that helped me understand the deeper psychological basis for my weight gain.
“The counselors celebrated my success, and picked me up when I was feeling down or fell off the program for a few days.
“With the change in my eating habits and thought process regarding food, I am now able to make appropriate diet choices and continue to maintain my health new weight.
“I lost 87 pounds and went from wearing plus-size to regular size clothing and get compliments all the time about my new look. Sometimes people even have a hard time recognizing me!”
The price of doctor-supervised weight loss varies to a great degree, depending on the length of the program and the services provided. The cost can range from a few hundred dollars a month to several thousand. It is important to take your time and visit several clinics until you find the one that suits your budget.
Ideally, the medical professionals at the clinic will develop a customized weight-loss program for you that includes diet, physical activity, behavior change, psychological counseling, and weight loss medication. In addition to weight management, the AZ weight loss center in your area may offer nutrition therapy for managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
(published October 18, 2017)