With excess weight comes the risk of many health complications. For example, one study found that for obese women, there was a 62% greater chance of early death from cardiovascular complications (as compared to the population as a whole).
However, this need not be your experience. Medically assisted weight loss is a great option for those who can’t lose weight traditionally but hope to reduce their risk of health complications. Read on, and talk to your doctor, to find out if this might be a good option for you.
Benefits of Losing Weight
The CDC says that even a 5 to 10 percent loss in total body weight can have huge implications for physical health. Even a modest weight loss can lower your blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and result in improved mood and better sleep. Some other benefits include:
- Blood sugar regulation (good for diabetes patients)
- Decreased risk of stroke
- Improved joint health, resulting in increased mobility
- Decreased risk of liver, pancreatic, and kidney cancers
Your doctor can determine exactly what areas might be of risk for you personally, and decide if medically assisted weight loss is a good approach for you.
However, for some, traditional weight loss isn’t quite enough to get rid of the weight. When the body intakes fewer calories than it expends, fat cells begin to shrink and their contents are used for energy. Sometimes, traditional methods like simple diet and exercise aren’t enough to rectify the problem.
In cases like these, doctors will sometimes recommend physician assisted weight loss. This can mean a variety of treatments, from prescription medicine to surgery. No matter the specific approach, the treatment is always coupled with behavioral modifications like diet and exercise.
How Much does Medically Assisted Weight Loss Cost?
Depending on what route your doctor recommends, insurance may or may not help you pay for treatment. Check with your individual insurance plan to see what’s covered.
For prescription weight loss pills, the average annual cost across brands is around $1500. These pills work by a variety of methods. They can reduce appetite, increase fat burn, and even reduce the absorption of nutrients.
For gastric bypass surgery, the cost can be much higher. In this operation, doctors “tie off” your lower stomach, allowing you to feel fuller faster, hopefully resulting in weight loss. The average cost can be anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000.
When coupled with behavioral changes, tools like prescription pills and weight loss surgery can help you lose and keep off the weight.
How to Lose Weight Safely
Although losing weight is a great way to reduce your risk of health complications, it doesn’t come without its own perils. Make sure you’re losing weight safely. This means educating yourself on proper diet and exercise practices, and being careful to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Medically assisted weight loss is a great way to safely lose weight. With the help and advice of an experienced physician, you’ll be able to navigate the procedure with ease.