New Year, New You: Is Medically Supervised Weight Loss Right for You?

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to lose weight? If so, you’re in good company. Last year, about 25% of adults living across the United States reported the same. However, setting a goal and achieving it are two different things, and without the right plan in place, it can be challenging to stay on track and see your resolution through.

The good news is that with a structure and professional guidance, you can lose weight and keep it off. A medically supervised weight loss program can provide that support.

At OG Health in Greenwood Village, Colorado, concierge medicine physician Oswaldo "Ozzie" A. Grenardo, MD, MBA, MSHA, FAAFP, specializes in weight loss management. Read on to learn how medically supervised weight loss works, who can benefit, and what getting started involves.

What is medically supervised weight loss?

Medically supervised weight loss, also known as weight loss management, is a personalized program designed to help you shed pounds and keep them off. It usually includes:

Customized nutrition advice

Changing your relationship with food is key to effectively losing weight, but if you aren’t a nutrition expert, knowing where to begin can be challenging. As part of your weight loss program, Dr. Ozzie teaches you how to eat better.

This often involves substituting processed foods and other less-healthy items with a balanced diet that features whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Exercise guidance

Losing weight requires you to burn more calories than you consume, and exercise can help you achieve that balance. Before making any recommendations, Dr. Ozzie assesses your health history and fitness levels. The goal is to help you move safely with activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or others that match your current fitness level.

Medication management

Diet and exercise can help you build healthy habits, but may not always produce significant weight loss. If you have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or metabolic disease, prescription medication may support your efforts. GLP-1 drugs, like Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, can help some patients stay on track under a doctor’s supervision.

Behavioral counseling

Losing weight doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lengthy process that requires focus and commitment, and breaking old habits isn’t easy. Working with a qualified mental health professional can help you maintain perspective and stay focused on your goals.

No two medically supervised weight loss plans look exactly alike. Dr. Ozzie monitors your progress at routine checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed to ensure lasting results.

Who is a candidate for medically supervised weight loss?

You may be a good candidate for medically supervised weight loss if you have:

Difficulty losing weight on your own
Weight-related health issues or a family history of chronic disease
Tried conventional weight loss methods without success

It’s important to remember that a medically supervised weight loss program isn’t a quick fix. Instead, it’s a program that teaches you how to make healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes. This slow but steady approach may take several weeks or months to show results, but the effort up front can pay off in the long run.

Getting started with medically supervised weight loss

Before recommending medically supervised weight loss, Dr. Ozzie reviews your health history, discusses your goals, and completes a comprehensive physical exam. He may also order blood tests or other labs to get a complete picture of your health.

After gathering that information, Dr. Ozzie develops a personalized weight loss plan, including nutrition guidance, exercise recommendations, care coordination with a mental health professional, and, if necessary, prescription medication.

We can help you lose weight once and for all

Are you tired of trying to lose weight without achieving lasting results? A medically supervised weight loss program could be exactly what you’ve been missing. Contact us by calling 303-625-7976 or booking your appointment online today to get started. Telemedicine appointments are also available.