Medical Weight Loss Doctor in Canton MA

Medical weight loss programs are a safe and effective option for a wide range of individuals who have struggled to achieve and maintain a healthy weight on their own. The ideal candidates for a medically supervised program are typically those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related comorbidity. A comorbidity is an existing health condition that is caused or worsened by excess weight, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. These programs are also well-suited for people who have tried traditional diets and exercise regimens without success. Beyond these physical metrics, good candidates are individuals who are committed to making a long-term change and are willing to engage with a healthcare team. They understand that medical weight loss is not a quick fix but a comprehensive journey that involves working with a doctor to address the various factors—including metabolism, hormones, and lifestyle—that contribute to weight gain.

Medical weight loss is a powerful tool for supporting healthy lifestyle changes because it provides a foundation of professional guidance and accountability. Unlike commercial diets, a medical program is tailored to your unique health profile. Your doctor will begin by conducting a thorough medical evaluation, including blood work and a review of your health history, to identify any metabolic or hormonal issues that may be hindering your weight loss. This information is used to create a personalized plan that includes:

• Customized Diet Plans: A nutritional strategy that is designed for your specific health needs and preferences, often guided by a registered dietitian.
• Prescription Medications: When appropriate, medications may be prescribed to help manage appetite, cravings, or other factors.
• Fitness Recommendations: A safe and effective exercise plan is developed with your current health and fitness level in mind.
• Behavioral Counseling: Guidance from a professional to help you address the psychological aspects of eating and weight gain.

This holistic approach helps you build sustainable habits, providing the structure and support you need to make lasting changes.

Tracking progress in a medical weight loss program goes far beyond simply stepping on a scale. It’s a comprehensive process that monitors your overall health and well-being, ensuring that weight loss is both effective and safe. Your doctor and healthcare team will use a variety of metrics to monitor your progress, including:

• Body Composition Analysis: This can involve using a scale that measures not just your total weight but also your body fat percentage and muscle mass. This is a more accurate way to measure progress than weight alone.
• Vital Signs: Regular monitoring of your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs to ensure that your health is improving as you lose weight.
• Blood Work: Periodic blood tests to check key health indicators such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and hormone levels. This helps to confirm that your program is having a positive impact on your overall health and to adjust medications as needed.
• Lifestyle Check-ins: Your doctor or a health coach will check in on a regular basis to discuss your diet and exercise habits, address any challenges you’re facing, and celebrate your successes.

This multifaceted approach to tracking provides a complete picture of your health, motivating you and helping your doctor make informed decisions about your ongoing care.

Medical weight loss and surgical weight loss options, such as bariatric surgery, are two distinct approaches to treating obesity. The primary difference is that medical weight loss relies on a combination of professional guidance, lifestyle changes, and medication, without altering your body’s anatomy. It is generally less invasive and carries fewer risks than surgery. It focuses on helping the patient achieve weight loss through long-term, sustainable behavioral changes, with a doctor providing the tools and support to overcome metabolic and hormonal challenges. Surgical weight loss, on the other hand, involves a significant and permanent change to your digestive system. While it can result in a more rapid and dramatic weight loss, it is also a major medical procedure that comes with potential complications and requires a lifelong commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes. Medical weight loss is often recommended as a first-line treatment, while surgery is typically reserved for individuals with severe obesity who have not found success with other methods and for whom the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks.

Visit Integra Primary Care for supportive medical weight loss tailored to your goals. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 95 Washington St, Ste 204, Canton, MA 02021. We serve patients from Sharon MA, Stoughton MA, Norwood MA, Walpole MA, Randolph MA, Mansfield MA, Dedham MA, and surrounding cities.