Medical Weight Loss

If you’re carrying a significant amount of extra weight, medical weight loss can help you achieve impressive health and wellness benefits. For residents of Arlington, Texas, Lewis Nyantika, APRN, FNP-C, Maryline Ongangi, APRN, FNP-C, and the team at Primecare Family Practice are a wonderful resource for the very best in medical weight loss. Book your visit today using the online scheduling tool, or call the office to check appointment availability.

What health risks do being overweight or obese cause?

Carrying extra pounds increases your risk of many different health issues. According to extensive research, being categorized as overweight or obese increases your risk of the following health problems:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Sexual dysfunction
• Depression
• Kidney disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Cancer

These are just some of the health issues with a clear link to being overweight or obese. When you take steps to reach a healthier weight, you not only reduce your risk of these issues but also improve the way your body feels and functions every day.  

How is medical weight loss different?

Fad diets achieve (often temporary) results by dramatically reducing your daily caloric intake. Extreme exercise plans achieve (often temporary) results by placing your body under considerable strain to burn more calories than you take in. 

Neither of these options are sustainable for most people over the long term. Though you might lose weight on these plans, the pounds are likely to come back quickly once you go back to normal routines.

The medical weight loss approach places your health at the center of the process. It begins with a thorough assessment of your current weight, as well as your weight loss goals. 

Your practitioner works closely with you to find ways to improve your nutrition and incorporate more activity into your daily routines. The goal isn’t to lose weight as quickly as possible but to improve the ways you fuel and use your body to boost your chances of attaining lasting weight management.

What role does medication play in medical weight loss?

Medications can help you as you navigate your weight loss journey. Some drugs work to decrease your appetite, helping you get through those initial weeks as you adjust to a new nutrition plan.

Others help you feel fuller for longer periods of time that satisfy you even when eating smaller meals. There are also medications that alter the way your body processes dietary fats. 

Drug therapy is a powerful tool for some, but it isn’t a good fit for everyone. When you rely on Primecare Family Practice for medical weight loss, you have the full support and guidance of the team as you set, reach, and expand your weight loss goals. 

When you’re ready to begin, book your visit with a simple call or click.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)

receptor agonists. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in

response to eating. One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which

reduces blood glucose (sugar). GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the

brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness.

There are currently three FDA-approved semaglutide products:

• Ozempic injection and Rybelsus tablets are approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to diet and exercise. Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart disease.
• Wegovy injection is approved to help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity or some adults with excess weight (overweight), who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose weight and keep the weight off, in addition to diet and exercise.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for weight loss.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are hormones involved in blood-sugar control. After a person has eaten, these hormones are secreted by cells of the intestines, and in turn cause the secretion of insulin. Tirzepatide is a long-acting GIP-analogue that activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, leading to improved blood-sugar control.

• Mounjaro is approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to diet and exercise. Mounjaro is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart disease.
• Zepbound is approved to help adults with obesity or some adults with excess weight (overweight), who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose weight and keep the weight off, in addition to diet and exercise.