Surgery is not on the only route you can take when it comes to weight management. Weight loss medication is available, and when combined with additional support, it can be an incredibly effective way to lose weight, improve your health outcomes, and boost your overall well-being.
When discussing metabolism in the context of weight gain, it often refers to metabolic rate—the rate at which your body burns calories to sustain its basic functions at rest, known as the basal metabolic rate (BMR). A higher metabolic rate generally means your body burns more calories even when you’re not physically active, which can contribute to weight loss or make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. However, some people may have a slower metabolism, meaning their bodies burn fewer calories at rest. This can make it easier for them to gain weight, as they need fewer calories to maintain their current weight. Factors such as genetics, age, gender, body composition, and hormonal fluctuations can influence metabolic rate. It’s important to note that while metabolism plays a role in weight gain, it’s not the sole determinant. Other factors such as diet, physical activity level, overall health, and lifestyle habits also significantly contribute to weight management.
Weight loss medications may be used when patients need short-term weight loss and lifestyle efforts on their own have not been enough to achieve their weight loss goals.
Medications are considered for patients who:
Some options can help curb hunger, diminish appetite, and prolong the feeling of fullness. Others can impede your body’s ability to absorb fat from consumed foods. New injectable treatments for weight loss function by retarding stomach emptying, thereby extending the sensation of fullness.
Australia has approved various weight loss medications, but regulations from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) prevent physicians from listing them online. This is why it’s crucial to book an appointment with us to meet with our expert weight loss team. Following an evaluation, our doctors will explain the advantages and possible drawbacks of these medications before starting any treatment.
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that individuals who obtain medications from online sources or internet weight loss clinics often fail to sustain the benefits over time. Consistent monitoring and regular follow-ups with a specialist are paramount for achieving long-term success in weight loss endeavours.
While appetite suppressants can be effective in reducing hunger and aiding weight loss efforts, relying solely on them without addressing other aspects of weight management may not lead to sustainable or healthy results for several reasons:
Incomplete Solution: Weight management involves multiple factors such as diet, physical activity, behaviour modification, and addressing underlying health conditions. Using an appetite suppressant alone does not address these other components, which are crucial for long-term success.
Limited Effectiveness: Appetite suppressants may help reduce feelings of hunger and control calorie intake in the short term, but they are not a permanent solution. Over time, the body may adapt to the medication, leading to diminished effects. Additionally, once the medication is discontinued, appetite may return to previous levels, potentially leading to weight regain.
Potential Side Effects: Like any medication, appetite suppressants can have side effects and risks, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Using them without medical supervision or for prolonged periods can pose health risks.
Psychological Factors: Weight management is not just about physical hunger; it also involves emotional and psychological factors such as stress eating, boredom eating, and habits developed over time. Appetite suppressants do not address these underlying issues, which may lead to continued struggles with food and weight management.
Lack of Lifestyle Changes: Sustainable weight loss and maintenance require adopting healthier lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep. Relying solely on appetite suppressants may neglect the importance of these lifestyle changes.
Risk of Dependency: Depending solely on appetite suppressants to control food intake may lead to dependency and a reliance on external factors rather than developing internal cues for hunger and satiety.
"Appetite suppressants can be useful tools in a comprehensive weight management program, but they should not be used as a standalone solution. Instead, they should be integrated into a holistic approach that addresses diet, exercise, behaviour modification, and overall lifestyle changes for sustainable and healthy weight loss. Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as doctors and dietitians, can help individuals develop personalised plans that prioritise their overall health and well-being."
Metabolic Program - Six Months | Private Clinic | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 x Dietetic Reviews, 5 x Exercise Physiologist Reviews, 2 Clinical Hypnotherapist Reviews | $1100.00 (Rebates may be applicable via medicare/private health extras) |
