Obesity Medicine

Obesity is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide and contributing to numerous chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Primary care providers play a critical role in addressing obesity, providing patients with the support, resources, and guidance they need to manage their weight and improve their overall health. 

Obesity medicine, a field of medicine that focuses on the treatment and management of obesity, has become increasingly important in primary care clinics, where healthcare providers work to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and develop healthy habits that promote long-term wellness. Learn more about how AllCare’s providers approach obesity medicine, including the medications and strategies used by our healthcare providers to address this complex and multifaceted health issue.

FDA-Approved Medications for Obesity

Phentermine

Phentermine (Adipex) is a CNS stimulant medication that helps with weight loss by reducing the sensation of hunger and providing an energy boost that lasts all day.

Topiramate

Topiramate (Topamax) is a seizure medication that has a "side effect" of weight loss. This is thought to be partly due to its effect on altering taste sensation, making sweets less addictive. The combination of topiramate and phentermine (Qsymia) is FDA-approved for long-term management of obesity. In clinical trials, 70% of patients on Qsymia lost at least 5% of their weight, compared to 20% in the placebo group.

Naltrexone/Bupropion

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor blocker used for its "side effect" of appetite suppression, while bupropion is a depression medication that is also used for smoking cessation. The combination of naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) is FDA-approved for weight loss. In clinical studies, women who took this medication lost an average of 6.2% of their body weight, while those in the placebo group lost 1.2%.

Saxenda/Wegovy

Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Wegovy) are injectable diabetes medications that are also FDA-approved for weight loss treatment in patients who have at least one obesity-related medical condition. In clinical studies, people on Saxenda lost an average of 18.5 lbs over 56 weeks, while the placebo group lost only 6 lbs. Note that all the studies mentioned involved participants being on a diet and exercise program.

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is an ADHD medication that is FDA-approved for moderate to severe binge eating disorders.

Nutritional Intervention

Our providers may recommend various diets such as low-carb, paleo, or intermittent fasting. Many patients say, "I don't eat that much," but physicians understand that "what" you eat may matter more than "how much" you eat.

Diet and Exercise for Weight Loss

Frequent and regular exercise is essential for achieving optimal health outcomes, as it provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. Exercise helps to strengthen muscles, increase cardiovascular health, improve flexibility and balance, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Regular exercise also has a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving overall well-being.

Weight Loss Surgical Options

Bariatric surgery is a medical weight loss option that produces significant weight loss long-term (5 years or more). AllCare refers patients to obesity surgery centers when certain criteria are met. In general, patients must have a BMI > 40 or a BMI > 35 with comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or disabling knee pain. Most bariatric programs require approximately 6 months of preoperative medical weight loss attempts and support/information sessions where candidates can learn from medical staff and patients who have already had the surgery.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

During this surgery, food is rerouted to bypass most of the stomach/proximal duodenum, and the distal portion of the stomach is removed.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

This surgery is a simplified version of the above with fewer anatomical alterations. During this operation, 80% of the stomach is stapled and removed.

Bariatric Surgery Results

The end result of both surgeries is anatomical changes that produce early satiety and significant weight loss of 80-120 lb on average over the first year. Approximately 98% of obesity-related diabetes is cured as a result of weight loss surgery.  This weight loss can also cure or significantly improve cases of preexisting sleep apnea, hypertension, knee pain, and much more.

Make an Appointment Today

If you’d like to learn more about our weight reduction services, call us today to schedule a consultation. Our specialists can provide the latest information on weight loss surgery and answer any questions you have. We look forward to helping you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.