Medical Weight Loss: How a Physician-Supervised Program Works
Even modest weight loss can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. How a physician-supervised program and GLP-1 medications fit together.
For many people, even a modest weight loss can lead to measurable improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Choosing a weight loss program supervised by a physician is a great way to make sure you're in capable hands — with a medical professional who can answer your questions and take care of you through the entire process. Medically supervised programs can help people who continue to struggle with weight loss. Our programs are all medically supervised and developed by doctors.
InBody Body Composition
Our medical weight loss program uses InBody technology to track fat loss and your metabolic metrics. The InBody system gives a complete view of your body composition — body water, protein, minerals and body fat — all of which are closely related to your health.
Lipotropic Injections
Lipotropic injections are vitamin supplements that some patients add to a medically supervised weight loss plan. They are not a weight loss treatment on their own.
- Lipotropic injections include vitamin B12, plus other vitamins and nutrients involved in metabolism.
- They are given as an injection rather than taken by mouth.
- They are meant to complement nutrition, activity and medical care, and are not recommended without a supervised weight loss program.
Medications
GLP-1s for Weight Loss
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have shown significant weight loss in clinical trials of the FDA-approved products, though individual results vary. These medications act on key metabolic pathways, which makes them different from other weight loss medications like phentermine. They mimic natural hormones in the body to help reduce appetite and support blood sugar control. Like all medications, they carry possible side effects, and not everyone is a candidate.
Some patients receive a compounded version prepared by a licensed pharmacy. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved: the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality, and they are not the same as the brand-name products studied in those trials. Your provider will explain which option fits your situation.
Phentermine
Phentermine is the most commonly used appetite suppressant. It acts on the hypothalamus and certain neurotransmitters to help reduce hunger.
Phentermine/Topiramate
This combination pairs phentermine with topiramate (the generic form of Topamax) for longer-lasting appetite control. Topiramate has a variety of uses, including migraine prevention and seizure control. Combined with phentermine, it can extend appetite control throughout the day and help patients feel fuller on fewer calories.
Whether any medication is right for you depends on your health history and a visit with a provider.
Ready to get started? Book a weight loss consultation with Dr. Idoniboye.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. Talk with your provider about your own health.