Several different forms of weight loss programs are available through your doctor. Medications can be prescribed that give patients a jump-start on weight loss. For some overweight patients, surgery may be a good option. Bariatric surgery makes it impossible for people to overeat as the stomach is shrunk. With all medical weight loss programs, diet and exercise are also addressed. Often, patients have limited knowledge of proper diet and exercise and require some counseling to educate them.
Appetite suppressants
Most medical weight loss programs involve the supervised prescribed use of appetite suppressants. Many obese people simply cannot override the hunger mechanism that has become overactive. Prescription appetite suppressants are more powerful than the over-the-counter variety and can help break the overeating cycle. They are commonly prescribed on a short-term basis so patients do not rely on them completely for their weight loss as well as because of potential side effects.
Fat absorption blockers
Another common form of prescription weight loss medication is fat molecule absorption blockers. These medications work to bind to some of the fat molecules or absorption sites to prevent the body from absorbing the fat. Patients can continue to eat the foods they enjoy without actually receiving all the fat from them. These medications can have the side effect of loose or oily stool and diarrhea when extremely fatty food is eaten.
Bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is a now-common medical procedure where surgeons mechanically shrink the patient's stomach. The procedure is done by stapling the stomach, making the portion that holds food about the size of a shot glass. In some cases, part of the small intestine, which absorbs nutrients, is bypassed, resulting in more rapid weight loss. Another popular form of the procedure is to band the stomach so it will only hold a small amount of food before the person feels full. Both procedures are accompanied by a very modified diet to accommodate the now much smaller stomach.
Diet
All the above-mentioned diet plans are used in conjunction with some or a lot of diet modification. The idea of using prescription medications is to give the patient a jump-start on adapting better eating habits. Patients are counseled in making smarter choices in their meal planning and what constitutes good nutrition (i.e., eating lean proteins and lots of fruits and vegetables instead of fast foods or high-fat foods).
Exercise
Weight loss patients are also encouraged to get moving as much as possible. Many overweight people do not exercise or exercise very little. Along with medication and diet counseling, patients are given a basic exercise regimen with many options so they can find a workout that works for them. Sometimes simple changes, like going for walks or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can have a substantial effect on weight loss.
