Understanding Medical Weight Loss
Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and Newport Beach
Understanding medical weight loss is important for improving your quality of life. Medical weight loss is a convenient treatment that mimics the natural hormones in your body to help your metabolism process excess fat. As more Americans struggle with obesity, medically assisted weight loss programs have become increasingly popular. Approximately 30% of American adults are overweight, (1) and our medical weight-loss program may include GLP-1 medications when clinically appropriate and prescribed following an individualized medical evaluation. Treatment options, eligibility, potential benefits, risks, and alternatives vary by patient, and no specific weight-loss result is guaranteed.
At AsandraMD, our holistic approach to medical weight loss has helped many patients finally achieve their weight loss goals. Dr. Christopher Asandra is well known for his transformative and innovative weight loss treatments. With convenient weekly injections and lifestyle changes, you can finally address stubborn fat and improve your health.
Contact our office or call (424) 542-8881 to get started at our locations in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach.
Contents
Why Lifestyle Changes Matter for Weight Loss
It is important to understand that weight loss medications are more effective when combined with consistent, impactful lifestyle changes. (3) For example, you may see better results after making the following adjustments:
- Sleep habits: Getting enough sleep is important for helping your body function properly and recover from exercise.
- Exercise routine: Consistent exercise can help your body build muscle and burn excess fat.
- Stress levels: High cortisol levels can affect your metabolic function and lead to unhealthy eating habits or food cravings that cause weight gain, so you should try to reduce your stress levels.
- Meals: Eating nutritious, balanced meals can increase your energy levels and support healthy metabolic function.
If you would like to undergo medically assisted weight loss, you should be prepared to make these lifestyle changes to allow the medication to work at its fullest potential. The type of weight loss treatment that is best for you will depend on your medical history.
How GLP-1 Medications Work
- Appetite Regulation: GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a naturally occurring hormone that slows stomach emptying and signals fullness to the brain, making it easier to manage calorie intake.
- Weight Loss Outcomes: In 52-week clinical trials, participants using weekly GLP-1 injections alongside diet and exercise lost an average of 15% or more of their body weight.
- Metabolic Benefits: In addition to weight management, these medications help improve blood sugar control and reduce health risks associated with type 2 diabetes.
- Administration: Treatment typically involves a single subcutaneous injection once per week under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for GLP-1 are individuals who are:
- Overweight, obese, or have at least one weight-related condition
- Willing to exercise consistently and eat nutritious meals
- Able to commit to a long-term medication
- Have realistic expectations about the results weight loss medication can achieve
Personal Consultation
During your consultation at AsandraMD in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach, we will review your medical history and ask about your weight loss goals. Please come prepared to discuss any current medications you are taking and the results you would like to achieve with a medically assisted weight loss program.
We will also need to discuss your lifestyle and how you can incorporate healthy meals and consistent exercise into your daily routine. We can provide resources to help you make the lifestyle changes necessary for success. Certain medical conditions may impact your candidacy for medically assisted weight loss. In this case, we can discuss an alternative that would work best for you. Please come with any questions you may have about the treatment or our practice.
Procedure
Most patients receive their GLP-1 injection in the upper arm, abdomen, or thighs. We will cleanse the skin and administer the medication. It is often possible to carry out these injections yourself, in the comfort of your own home, but if you wish to come into the office that can be easily arranged. We recommend that you schedule the injection every week at the same time for the best results.
After Treatment
After a GLP-1 treatment, you can return to your normal, daily routine. However, it can take a little time for your body to adjust to the medication. Some patients experience temporary nausea or diarrhea after their first treatment. The length of your weight loss treatment will depend on the amount of weight you need to lose and your aesthetic goals.
Results
After consistently receiving the skinny shot, you will notice that your appetite has reduced significantly, and, over time, you may see substantial weight loss. Maintaining consistency with your weekly appointments will be important for achieving your desired results and optimizing your metabolism. Many individuals also report greater energy levels, improved mood, and a renewed motivation to engage in physical activities after being on this kind of medication.
After achieving your weight loss goals, you may want to consider ceasing your medication regimen. However, it is important to keep in mind that GLP-1’s effectiveness will wear off if you discontinue the medication, meaning your appetite could return to the way it was before. To mitigate any potential weight regain, you will need to continue to be mindful of your diet and try to exercise regularly.
Rejuvenating Your Body After Massive Weight Loss
TruSculptID
TruSculptID is a body contouring treatment that helps your body eliminate excess fat with radiofrequency energy. The treatment alters the structure of your fat cells with radiofrequency and heat–lipolysis. The body flushes the cells through your lymphatic system over the next few weeks. Although TruSculptID is not a weight loss treatment, it can sculpt your body strategically in areas where you would like to reduce pockets of fat. During the treatment, we will place a small applicator over the area you would like to treat– common areas include the abdomen, flanks, back, arms, or thighs.
Cost of Medical Weight Loss in Beverly Hills
The cost of your medical weight loss treatment will depend on the length of your treatment and your weight loss goals. We can provide an all-inclusive quote for your treatment session during your consultation.
Contact our office or call (424) 542-8881 to get started at our locations in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach.
FAQ
How quickly can I expect to see results from medical weight loss?
Some patients begin to notice changes in their appetite and weight within a few weeks of starting the medication, while others may take slightly longer. More significant results are usually evident within three to six months, but some patients may see fuller results after a year on the medication.
How will I know if GLP-1 is right for me?
We can determine if the medication is a good fit for you based on individual factors and medical history, which we will consider during your consultation.
References
- Overweight & Obesity Statistics | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity#:~:text=Nearly%201%20in%203%20adults%20(30.7%25)%20are%20overweight.&text=More%20than%202%20in%205%20adults%20(42.4%25)%20have%20obesity.
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Wadden TA, Chao AM, Moore MB, et al. The Role of Lifestyle Modification with Second-Generation Anti-obesity Medications: Comparisons, Questions, and Clinical Opportunities. Current Obesity Reports. Published online December 2, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00534-z
- Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2206038