There’s Help for Chronic Obesity

RENEW

There’s Help for Chronic Obesity

by Rob Seals DMS-c, PA-C, Salud Spa

Oebesity is a very tricky and longterm disease.

Most people with obesity cannot keep the weight off long term, as seen in several different studies. Many factors go into weight gain and loss, including hormones, activity, family history, diet, injuries, medical conditions and other contributing factors.

Pharmacotherapy can have a role in obesity management. On June 4, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy (semaglutide) injection for chronic weight management.

The patient must be overweight or obese with at least one qualifying condition — high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. The patient must have a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater with one weight-related ailment.

The medication is combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The most important part is consistently eating a healthy diet and regular exercise, along with supplements and including muscle resistance exercises.

It is very hard for people to get motivated, and having a good coach, mentor or accountability partner has increased compliance. Patients with medical conditions that affect metabolism need to be controlled as well.

Many insurance companies are now covering certain medications for obesity with other cardiac risk factors.

It is important to start with your medical professional or weight loss experts, then:

*Have a sound plan for a weight-loss healthy diet.

*Have a continuous and efficient exercise program built especially for you.

*Control your medical issues that are risk factors for cardiovascular events and death.