Original article by NYBG RD, Shara Lazar. Click here to view the original post.
If you are exploring the idea of a medically supervised weight loss program it is important to be an informed consumer. Unlike some purchases, this will be an investment in yourself so you want to have a clear list of your personal needs and the expectations you have of the program.
Components of a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program
One of the things to share during the initial meeting is a history of previously followed weight loss programs and which have been the most and least effective. Since I work for a practice that provides a MWL program, I always ask patients why they think this program will be different. This helps them to better understand their own needs and then together the members of the clinical team can help the patient to set realistic goals.
NYBG has a medical weight loss program that includes several people on its interdisciplinary team. This article will describe the role of each practitioner and how each member plays a part in the process.
The physician will first meet with the patient and assess if the patient is a suitable candidate for the program and discuss possible options. This meeting will include a review of their health history, diagnosis, prescribed therapies, a request for recent blood work and a review of weight loss plans previously followed by the patient. As an example from our program, a MWL plan usually consists of various phases and initially may include some meal replacement food or drink.
Protein shakes have become very popular and are used as part of many weight loss programs. I think that a patient should ask questions about products and supplements being prescribed as part of the program. Any supplements that promise weight loss should be discussed in detail so that a patient fully understands what they are putting in their body and how these products may actually facilitate weight loss if used consistently. Protein shakes are just an easy way to replace unhealthy selections and can actually be used indefinitely.
Many programs like ours sell their own products and these are often comparable to various products sold online or in local stores. The reason these products are effective is because they are replacing unhealthy food choices and they are mostly comprised of protein, which can increase satiety.
For example, if a patient starts drinking a shake for breakfast in place of a breakfast sandwich they are now consuming approximately 160 calories instead of 500 calories found in that sandwich. This significant reduction in calories and nutrients like fat and carbohydrates will result in weight loss. The next phase of the diet should help the patient transition to eating whole foods with more control since they have had a chance to detox for a few weeks. The physician will also determine if weight loss medications are