It’s a new year and time to set (and achieve) those new year’s resolutions!
Losing weight is one of the most common new year’s resolutions, but it’s one that can be very difficult to keep. Many don’t know where to start, while others need someone to hold them accountable and to cheer them on along the way.
That’s where medical weight management comes in. While most Google searches for weight loss will serve you with dozens of ads for the latest fad diet or books, medical weight management isn’t an option many have tried – because it’s not trendy and we don’t have celebrity endorsements. But it works.
That’s why we asked Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Payne with WakeMed Physician Practices – Primary Care to spend a few minutes with us explaining the value of working with a physician to lose weight. As an expert bariatrician who also specializes in stress management, Dr. Lowe-Payne’s patients often lose ten percent of their body weight in just 12 weeks.
“What I love about medical bariatrics is the ability to really help patients understand WHY their previous efforts have failed – and use that information to develop a personalized plan that WILL work for long-term weight loss,” explains Dr. Lowe-Payne.
7 Things We LOVE About Medically-Supervised Weight Loss
Medical bariatrics is an emerging field that involves working with patients to medically (not surgically) manage your weight.
Physicians who are specially-trained in medical bariatrics are primary care doctors who have several years of additional training dedicated exclusively to medical weight management and counseling.
Here are a few things we love about medically-supervised weight loss.
#1 – A Healthy Option
Medically-supervised weight management is led by specially-trained physicians who understand that weight management is a complex process that can only be successful when you take a person’s full health profile into consideration – including underlying medical conditions and health concerns, metabolic rate, and much more.
#2 – A Diverse Set of Tools
Physicians not only have medical training that you don’t have access to through other diet programs, we also take the time to determine WHY you’ve been struggling with weight loss. Whether it’s medical or psycho-social factors, a result of stress or time management, or a behavioral issue, determining the “WHY” can often pave the road to long-term success.
Physicians also have tools such as prescription medications that can really help patients who just can’t lose weight on their own. These tools must be used with the guidance and supervision of a physician who knows you personally and understands your health history and can monitor your progress on a routine basis.
#3 – Personalized Approach
Successful weight loss looks different for every patient – some patients absolutely cannot commit to an exercise program. Other patients need nutritional guidance or counseling to be successful. Many patients don’t want to use medication therapy. Finally, everyone’s metabolism is a little different.
By getting to know patients personally, a physician can help navigate these preferences to develop a customized program that will actually work. It’s very rewarding for both the physician and the patient.
#4 – A Setting That Works For You
Some people prefer the support and accountability that comes with a group visit. Others want to work through the challenging process of achieving a healthy weight in a more private setting – working one-on-one with a physician. The ability to choose either option or a combination of both can help improve your success.
#5 – The Side Effects are the Best
You won’t find a horrendously long list of side effects here. Our patients’ side effects include greater self-confidence, improved quality of life and a feeling of empowerment in other areas of their lives, not to mention the improvement of other medical conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, depression and anxiety. Some patients significantly reduce their risk for heart disease and other serious health problems and others are able to reduce or eliminate the use of certain medications after losing weight.
#6 – Coverage Through Insurance/Health Plan
Medically-supervised weight management is covered through most medical insurance plans. Most patients simply pay a primary care co-pay for each visit, making it an extremely affordable weight loss program.
#7 – Ongoing Maintenance
In most cases, patients maintain a relationship with their primary care physician for many years. For patients who partner with this same physician for weight management, the ongoing guidance and support from a partner who knows your history can be very helpful for long-term success.
Learn more about the nutrition services we offer, including nutrition and weight management for adults as well as bariatric surgery options.
About Tiffany Lowe-Payne, DO
Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Payne is board certified in medical bariatrics and specializes in stress management. She is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, which means she takes a whole person approach to helping her patients lose weight. Weight management options include seeing her one-on-one or participating in a small group setting – all for the cost of a primary care co-pay. To learn more, call (919) 350-1000.
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