Can medications play a role in modern weight-loss journeys?
June 19, 2024Categories: Blog Posts
Tags: Bariatrics
A weight-loss journey can be both rewarding and frustrating. Many people start by following a trendy diet or building a fitness routine, only to quit due to a lack of results. Weight-loss medications, which reduce the overactive hunger signals to the brain, have grown in popularity.
Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic bariatric surgeon Prashanth Ramachandra, MD, addresses concerns about the long-term use of these medications and how they can support bariatric surgery candidates in maintaining a healthy diet, lifestyle and weight.
The role of weight-loss medications and bariatric surgery
Weight-loss medications may be recommended to patients before opting for surgery.
“There are no established qualifications for any kind of medical weight-loss therapy,” Dr. Ramachandra says. “Weight-loss medications may be prescribed on an individual basis depending on both BMI and medical history.”
The course of therapy can vary.
“In general, the course of medication lasts less than one year,” Dr. Ramachandra explains. If the patient is having a procedure, “we require that these medicines are stopped at least two weeks before surgery,” he adds.
Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic’s team of physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians and nutrition coordinators work closely with patients to help control and moderate any potential side effects.
Addressing concerns with younger generations
Dr. Ramachandra notes a concerning trend in younger patients who request prescription weight-loss medications. Similar to diet pills or laxatives, weight-loss medications can cause a person to hyperfocus on body image and food intake. Putting too much attention on food and physical appearance can trigger unhealthy feelings about food, and can lead to eating disorders.
“At Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, we have an open-door policy where patients can contact us by phone, text, email or in-person to discuss any questions, issues or concerns,” Dr. Ramachandra says. “We attempt to identify eating disorders early so we can address them with follow-up care, nutrition visits and support groups.”
Creating lifelong healthy habits
For any individual on a weight-loss journey, whether it’s a trendy diet, prescription medication or bariatric surgery, the fear of regaining weight can be significant. The providers and support staff at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic work with each patient to create a personalized plan that includes strategies for sustainable lifelong habits.
Schedule an Appointment
For more information about bariatric and nutrition services at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic or to schedule an appointment, visit one of these locations: