In as much as many may consider the aspect of losing weight as being mainly aesthetic, most people also know that it is a very essential step towards correcting their health profiles.
Although a healthy diet and regular physical activity can go a long way in sustaining good health, they may not totally help people suffering from obesity, or any other related disorder. In such cases, other treatments such as medications for weight loss can help the patient.
VIVA Wellness weight loss has however in the recent past taken its place among the known medically managed weight loss clinics.
In this article, information will be included about some weight loss medications including the mechanics of such medications, advantages, as well as other benefits and risks that may be expected, and how including such medications in a weight loss program is likely to be effective.
The Role of Medications in Weight Loss
Anti-obesity drugs are recommended to be taken by those with high BMI and those with some complicating factors that include diabetes and hypertension among others.
- These drugs are intended to help in the management of weight loss through mechanisms such as suppression of appetite, prevention of fat intake, or having the feeling of satiety.
- However, this can be taken with a pinch of salt because these medications do not act alone. Hormonal pills are even more effective when they are taken together with other measures such as a healthy diet and exercise.
- For instance, the VIVA Wellness weight loss program incorporates these medications into a wellness plan that captures different aspects of wellness that enable individuals to lose weight without necessarily having to adhere to a particular and rigid diet plan in the long term.
Types of Weight Loss Medications
1. Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants are among the most widely use medications for weight loss. These drugs work by affecting the brain's signals related to hunger, making individuals feel full sooner and thus consume fewer calories. Some of the most common appetite suppressants include:
- Phentermine: Phentermine is one of the oldest known appetite suppressants available in the market for the last few years. The effectiveness is due to the fact that it triggers the production of norepinephrine, a brain chemical that indicates that it is time to decrease appetite. Currently phentermine is usually prescribe for a short-term treatment as an adjunct to dieting programs.
- Diethylpropion: Diethylpropion also like Phentermine belongs to the appetite suppressing category and directly aids in reduction of calorie intake. Most commonly it is only regularly use for a short period of time during weight reduction plans combined with exercise.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): Liraglutide in the past used for type 2 diabetes treatment has been Certified for use as an anti-obesity drug under the trade name SAXENDA. It operates through the blocking of hormone that controls the feelings of hunger thus reducing the number of meals that are taken.
These appetite suppressants can be an effective part of the VIVA Wellness weight loss program, helping patients control their cravings while making necessary lifestyle changes.
2. Fat Absorption Inhibitors
The fat absorption inhibitors operate by inhibiting the enzyme known as lipase which is in charge of breaking of fats in the gastrointestinal tract. So therefore a part of the fats that a person consumes is not absorbed into the body and therefore is excrete out.
The most common fat absorption inhibitor is of the substance, which is able to decrease the amount of fats absorbed, the most frequently used one is:
- Orlistat (Alli, Xenical): Orlistat is sold without prescription as Alli and it comes in the prescription form known as Xenical. It clings to the fat and cuts its absorption by approximately one third which can help in the weight loss programme, if you go on a low calorie diet. However, Orlistat seems to be associate with gastrointestinal side effect including oily stools and flatulence..
Orlistat may be include in the VIVA Wellness weight loss regimen for patients who need help managing their dietary fat intake as part of their weight loss journey.
3. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Other options that are relatively new for weight-reducing medication include a GLP-1 receptor antagonist that is modelle on the hormone GLP-1 that regulates appetite and the level of glucose in the blood. These statistical data show that such medications cause an increased sense of fullness, slow down the peristalsis, and those taking them consume fewer calories.
Notable GLP-1 receptor agonists include: Some of the notable GLP-1 receptor agonist are:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been shown to produce significant weight loss in clinical trials. It is administer via injection and helps users feel fuller for longer, reducing their overall calorie intake.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): As mentioned earlier, Liraglutide is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist and has proven to be effective in aiding weight loss. It is typically prescribe to individuals who have not had success with other weight loss methods.
The VIVA Wellness weight loss program may incorporate GLP-1 receptor agonists for patients who require a more aggressive approach to weight loss, particularly those with underlying metabolic conditions.
Benefits of Weight Loss Medications
When used appropriately and under medical supervision, weight loss medications can offer several benefits:
- Significant Weight Reduction: Many patients experience substantial weight loss when using these medications in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
- Health Improvements: Weight loss medications can lead to better management of conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Motivation Boost: Seeing the initial results from medication can motivate individuals to stick to their weight loss plans and adopt healthier habits.
- Long-Term Weight Maintenance: Some weight loss medications can be use long-term to help maintain weight loss and prevent regaining lost weight.
Despite these benefits, weight loss medications are not suitable for everyone. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to determine if they are appropriate for your situation.
Potential Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications
Like all medications, those used for weight loss come with potential side effects. Common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Medications like Orlistat can cause issues such as oily stools, diarrhea, and flatulence due to the unabsorbed fat passing through the digestive system.
- Increased Heart Rate: Some appetite suppressants, like Phentermine, can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may be concerning for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.
- Nausea and Vomiting: GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to nausea and vomiting, particularly when starting the medication or increasing the dose.
- Mood Changes: Certain weight loss medications can affect mood, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, or depression.
It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting a weight loss medication. The VIVA Wellness weight loss program includes careful monitoring to manage any adverse effects that may arise during treatment.
Incorporating Medications into a Comprehensive Weight Loss Plan
Weight loss medications should therefore be seen as complementary to other strategies including diet, exercise and changes in behavior.
Here are some steps to creating an effective weight loss plan:Here are some steps to creating an effective weight loss plan:
1. Dietary Adjustments
- A proper diet that is free from bad cholesterol is one of the major necessities in the process of losing body mass.
- Choose fresh foods including vegetables, fruits, lean meats, whole grain and fresh fruits and avoid foods that are process, foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
- This aspect is also critical for meals portion size particularly for clients taking appetite suppressants within the VIVA Wellness weight loss plan.
2. Exercise Routine
- A regular exercise schedule is very vital in weight reduction and in general health of a person.
- When it comes to aerobic exercises, make sure that you are doing a total of 150 + minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, this could include walking, swimming, cycling, etc.
- Strength training exercises also prove useful in this case since they aid in development of muscles that in turn helps in the burning of fats in the body.
3. Behavioral Support
- That is why it is important to insist on the psychological aspects of eating to sustain the outcome.
- Cognitive and behavioral treatments like CBT, mindfulness and stress management would enable the people learn how to reverse their emotional eating and restore healthy relations with food.
4. Medical Supervision
- Due to the side effects and proper dosage required in taking weight loss products, these products should be taken under the recommendation of a physician.
- This output demands follow-ups so as to check the results, modify the treatment plan and manage side effects.
- The weight reduction services of the VIVA Wellness program contain the proceeding adequate medical management that is require for the patients to be able to achieve their goals in the right manner and in a healthy way as well.
Conclusion
Weight loss medications are most useful to people experiencing obesity or overweight heath complications. Although they can be helpful they should not be regard as a substitute for lifestyle modification. Weight loss plans such as VIVA Wellness weight loss involve the use of medicines in conjunction with exercise, improved eating habits and lifestyle changes and this make the programs more effective.
As with any weight loss medication, it is imperative to talk to a health care practitioner before taking any of these products. These drugs are best taken under the guidance of a physician when use in combination with diet modifications, exercise regimen and weight reduction programs.
Lastly, weight loss medications can offer a significant amount of help toward a person’s weight loss goals but their efficacy is highest when used in a context of multiple elements that can enhance it.