Weight loss can feel deeply personal, like something you should be able to manage on your own. With so many diet plans, weight loss products and motivational posts online, it can be tempting to think the right mix of research and willpower will lead to lasting results. But for many people, the journey is far more complex.
If your best efforts haven't yielded the results you want, you're not alone. It's okay to not have all the answers, and it's okay to ask for help finding them.
We'll start with the basics.
Medical professionals generally define being overweight as having a body mass index (BMI) over 25 and obese as having a BMI over 30. But this measurement, which doesn't account for body composition or factors like age, ethnicity and sex, can't tell the whole story. A doctor can put this number in the context of your overall health.
Obesity can affect nearly every system in your body, raising the risk for complications like heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and certain cancers. The earliest warning signs, however, often show up in everyday life:
- Breathing and Sleep Problems: Extra weight can strain your heart, lungs and airway, leading to breathing difficulties and lower-quality sleep.
- Constant Fatigue and Low Energy: Persistent fatigue may signal that your body is carrying more than it can comfortably handle.
- Joint Pain and Mobility Issues: Added stress on your joints increases the risk of arthritis and can make everyday movement more difficult.
- Chronic Health Conditions: These conditions are common in people with obesity. Fortunately, even modest weight loss can help manage or, in some cases, reverse them.
- Declining Quality of Life: Beyond physical health, weight can take a toll on confidence, relationships and emotional well-being.
If you recognize yourself in these signs and have earnestly tried traditional weight loss methods, it's natural to wonder why your efforts haven't worked.
The reality is that weight management is shaped by many factors:
These challenges highlight why physician-assisted weight loss can be so valuable. Your body and circumstances may require a more tailored approach.
Several kinds of doctors can help with weight loss and management. Primary care physicians can provide initial evaluations, guidance and referrals, while specialists in obesity medicine or bariatric surgery offer more targeted care.
You may want to talk to your doctor about assistance with your weight loss journey if you're tired of trying on your own.
Physician-assisted weight loss refers to the full spectrum of clinical programs designed to help patients lose weight safely and effectively. It will look different for everyone, with care plans tailored to individual health needs and combining a range of services. Depending on your circumstances, specialists at a weight loss center may encourage:
At LifeBridge Health's Center for Medical & Surgical Weight Loss, our team offers comprehensive support in all of these areas, beginning with the early conversations about which approach may make sense for you.