Losing weight is hard. Actually, really hard. And with all the confusion out there about the best ways to lose weight, it can be even harder to
separate fact from fiction. This causes lots of myths and misconceptions about medical weight loss
specifically.
As a top medical weight loss clinic in Atlanta, we want to clear up some of the most common medical weight loss myths floating around out there. Read on as we explore the reality behind the hype - and hopefully learn a thing or two that could help get your own weight loss journey on track!
This myth might scare some folks away from medical weight loss programs like ours. And we get it - weight loss already costs enough as it is! But actually, medical weight loss can be way more affordable than things like fad diets or commercial diet programs.
How come? Well for one, expenses like prepackaged meals, shakes, bars, or other diet products can really add up over time. Not to mention the cost of hitting the gym every single day or hiring personal trainers left and right. Medical weight loss takes a more customized approach, helping you lose weight in a way that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Some patients worry that medical weight loss automatically means taking strong medicines like phentermine or other pills with major side effects. But that bad rap just isn't true. The right medical weight loss program offers access to medications only when appropriate and clinically indicated. For many patients, that might mean helpful drugs like Contrave, Saxenda, or Wegovy. But for others, success with safe over-the-counter aids plus nutritional and behavioral counseling works like a charm.
Starvation diets or extreme calorie restriction plans have no place in legitimate medical weight loss care. Any program demanding 500 calories per day or bizarre grapefruit-only regimens should be avoided! Effective medical weight loss takes a moderate, balanced approach to nutrition. That means reasonable calorie reduction, not deprivation; encouraging healthy whole foods without banning entire food groups altogether. Moderation and variety helps patients lose weight safely while developing sustainable lifestyle habits. No starvation required!
Some myths paint medical weight loss clinics as militant bootcamps run by drill sergeant doctors. But actually, the best medical weight loss providers empower patients to take charge of their own success. That means setting weight loss goals together, mapping out nutrition and exercise plans that fit your real life, and adjusting along the way based on how your unique body responds. Medical weight loss combines clinical expertise with your personal needs and preferences - not the other way around!
Some naysayers argue that medical weight loss leans too hard on prescription meds or injections rather than nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle factors. Now those elements absolutely do play a role for patients who need them. But a truly comprehensive medical weight loss program starts with the foundations first - things like healthy eating, activity goals, stress management, and sleep hygiene. Medications offer help down the line, not replace healthy habits altogether. Prioritizing nutrition, movement, and lifestyle balance helps make weight loss more natural and sustainable over time.
Critics also blast medical weight loss for only generating temporary results. They’ll say patients lose some weight initially, but end up gaining it all back later on. In some cases with subpar programs, maybe so! But medical weight loss done right equips patients with the knowledge and tools for lifelong success. Following the intensive jumpstart phase, medical weight loss transitions folks into a lifestyle maintenance program. This helps cement new healthy behaviors and provides accountability to stop those sneaky pounds from creeping back on. With support from our clinicians and registered dietitians, patients learn how to keep weight off for good!
Some skeptics out there might have you believing medical weight loss requires giving up everything tasty for sad celery sticks and plain chicken breast forever. That type of restrictive mentality definitely does not jive with our style of care - or most people’s lives! Finding room for cravings and comfort foods (in moderation, of course) helps make weight loss sustainable, not miserable. The idea is learning balance between nutritious low-calorie choices and occasional treats that make an eating plan livable. So take a deep breath - medical weight loss doesn’t have to mean kissing French fries goodbye for eternity!
People will believe almost anything when it comes to weight loss. And there are some crazy myths floating around about medical weight loss specifically! Below we debunk 5 of the absolute craziest, silliest, most bonkers medical weight loss myths that are just plain untrue:
Myth #1: Medical weight loss can help you lose 100+ pounds in a month - Not a chance! Rapid weight loss over 2-3+ pounds per week raises major health red flags. Safe, sustainable medical weight loss aims for 1-2 pounds of fat loss weekly.
Myth #2: Liposuction is all part of medical weight loss - While some surgical weight loss programs might incorporate lipo, credible medical weight loss prioritizes nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change first and foremost. Actual fat removal procedures are typically a last resort.
Myth #3: Medical weight loss "cures" obesity forever - Obesity is a chronic disease requiring lifelong lifestyle management. Much like diabetes or hypertension, skillful self-care helps keep symptoms under control, but there is no one-and-done "cure."
Myth #4: Bariatric surgery is mandatory - Medical weight loss services certainly help prepare candidates for bariatric procedures. However, not every patient needs or wants to go the surgical route. Less invasive options can work very well for many folks.
Myth #5: Medical weight loss bans things like carbs and sugar permanently - Moderation and balance allows room for some carbs and sugar in medical weight loss nutrition plans. Although options emphasize more nutrient-dense choices overall, total restriction or demonization of foods sets patients up for failure.
The bottom line: Medical weight loss deserves way more fact-checking and way less silly fiction!
As you can see by now, medical weight loss has earned some bad reps over the years that just don’t match reality. At our experienced Atlanta weight loss clinic, we take a customized, holistic approach focused on each patient's unique needs - not cookie-cutter quick fixes, deprivation tactics, or one-size-fits-all gimmicks. Our proven programs help everyday folks like you lose weight, gain health, and transform their lifestyles with guidance from compassionate medical experts.
If you’re tired of struggling with frustrating weight loss hurdles alone, we invite you to explore how our medical weight loss services can help. Most insurance plans cover our comprehensive care. Call us today to ask about eligibility and schedule a risk-free consultation to start your weight loss success story!
