Health

Medical Intervention for Obesity

Published

4 years ago

June 5, 2021

More than 40% of the adult population in America is overweight. Excess fat in your body puts your health at risk because you might develop chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or cancer. However, you can manage your weight with your health specialist at Nova Physician Wellness Center who will develop a specific weight loss program for you.

What causes obesity?

Obesity is a long-term medical condition caused by excess fat in your body. Many factors cause obesity, including:

Lack of exercise. When you fail to take part in physical activity, a lot of fat accumulates in your body, making you overweight.

Consuming excess food. Overeating foods that contain high calories, such as potato fries and candy, puts you at a higher risk of being obese.

Medications. Different medicines may cause weight gain. For example, antidepressants are used to treat depression, anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine are used to manage seizures, contraceptives are used in family planning, and medicines are used to lower high blood pressure.

Genetics. You are likely to develop obesity if your parents are obese because genes control hormones that regulate fat in your body.

Being overweight puts your health at risk and could result in:

Sleep apnea makes breathing difficult and may cause snoring while you sleep
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular diseases like stroke
Osteoarthritis
Diabetes
Cancer
Gallstones
Gout

Losing weight can be challenging because you can have a relapse after some time. For long-term successful weight loss, your doctor at Nova Physician Wellness Center will work with a dietitian to develop an effective program to help shed extra fat in your body or use medications that enhance weight loss.

Your doctor will calculate the amount of fat in your body using methods like:

Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA): You will stand on a scale with footpads that will send an electrical current through your body to calculate your body fat percentage.
Skin calipers: This technique is used to measure the thickness of fat under your skin, using a metal tool.

There are different methods that your doctor may recommend to help burn your calories, for example, the use of pills such as:

Lorcaserin will suppress your need to eat and help you lose bodyweight. You may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and a dry mouth.

Qsymia and Phentermine. Your doctor will recommend that you combine the two drugs for long-term use. Phentermine will help lower your appetite level, which will stop you from eating frequently.

Orlistat limits the amount of fat absorbed in your body. You may experience diarrhea, bloating, and stomach aches. Your doctor may suggest that you take multivitamins while using this medicine.

If your body does not respond to the medicine in 12 weeks, your doctor may suggest a surgical procedure. There are different types of surgery for weight loss, including:

Gastric bypass – Your surgeon will create a pouch above your stomach which causes you to eat small amounts of food and alters food processing in your body

Gastric band – Your doctor will reduce the size of your stomach by placing a band on top of your stomach. This will cause you to consume less food.

While taking medicines may help reduce your body fat, your physician may recommend that you take part in physical activity that includes:

Aerobic exercises involving walking or jogging. You can also use a treadmill to work out.
Yoga involves meditation, physical postures, and breathing techniques
Recreational activities like swimming and playing football
Doing house chores like cleaning

Your dietician will develop a meal plan containing foods with a low caloric density, such as vegetable soup, oats, Greek yogurt, berries, chia seeds, and eggs.

It is possible to lose weight and protect yourself from the risk of developing severe conditions like diabetes and strokes. Book a session with your health specialist at Nova Physician Wellness Center and start your weight loss journey.

Health

Finding Your Best Fit: Are GLP-1 Medications Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?

Published

1 week ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Over the past few years, a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has been gaining attention, not only for treating type 2 diabetes but also in the field of weight management.

With obesity affecting “at least one in five adults (20%) in each U.S. state,” according to the CDC, many individuals are seeking effective solutions that can complement diet and exercise. Two of the most discussed options are GLP-1 injections for weight loss and GLP-1/GIP for weight loss, both of which have shown promising results.

However, deciding if these medications are right for you isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s essential to determine if GLP-1s are right for you to get you to be your best self in 2025. SimpleFixRx — a healthcare service dedicated to personalized options — can help you explore GLP-1s therapy as part of your 2025 broader health plan.

Understanding GLP-1 receptor agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists were initially designed to help regulate blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes by mimicking a hormone that controls insulin secretion, slows digestion, and reduces appetite. The recent spotlight on GLP-1 injectors for weight loss and GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss stems from studies showing that these medications can help many people achieve significant, sustained weight loss — often in the 10-15 percent range or more of their body weight — when paired with healthier eating habits and increased physical activity.

Key benefits:

Enhanced blood sugar control: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, these medications can significantly lower hemoglobin A1C levels.

Appetite regulation: By slowing gastric emptying and impacting appetite signals, GLP-1s can help reduce unhealthy food cravings.

Possible cardiovascular benefits: Some research suggests that certain GLP-1s may offer heart-protective effects, reducing the risk of cardiac events.

Who can benefit from GLP-1?

GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a promising option for individuals facing various metabolic and weight-related challenges. Whether you’re dealing with type 2 diabetes or seeking a meaningful way to jump-start weight loss, therapies like GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss and GLP-1 injections for weight loss could help bridge the gap where traditional diet and exercise might fall short.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes

GLP-1s remain a staple in controlling high blood sugar for patients who’ve struggled with traditional oral medications or lifestyle measures alone. If you have type 2 diabetes, speak with your healthcare provider to see if adding a GLP-1 might improve your overall management plan.

Those with obesity or weight-related health concerns

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above — or you’re overweight (BMI 25–29.9) and have additional complications like prediabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol — GLP-1s might be a strong consideration. The appetite-suppressing effects often help jump-start weight loss.

People seeking a catalyst for lifestyle changes

Even if you haven’t succeeded with traditional diets or exercise routines, medications such as GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss or GLP-1 injections for weight loss may help you regain momentum. Still, a commitment to long-term lifestyle improvements — such as more balanced eating and regular physical activity — is vital to achieving the best results.

Patients with hard-to-control metabolic factors

Some people face genetic or metabolic hurdles that make weight management exceptionally challenging. GLP-1s can help bridge that gap, providing extra support where willpower and standard lifestyle interventions might not suffice on their own.

By combining medical guidance, like that from the experts of SimpleFixRx, with regular follow-ups and a commitment to healthier habits, eligible patients may find these therapies to be a game-changer in achieving sustainable weight management and better overall health.

GLP Squared

Some compound pharmacies are now combining options for GLP medications, allowing for the microdosing of a combination of GLP and GLP1/GIP. Microdosing has numerous benefits for patients, including reduced nausea, a more steady release of medication, and decreased inflammation, among others. SimpleFix does offer GLP squared, and it is less expensive than GLP1/ GIP alone.

The SimpleFixRx approach

SimpleFixRx specializes in providing personalized healthcare solutions, including access to GLP-1 therapies, through a convenient, patient-centered platform. Their team of licensed healthcare providers works closely with patients to:

Assess eligibility: SimpleFixRx professionals review each patient’s medical history, lifestyle habits, and specific health goals to determine if GLP-1 therapy is appropriate.

Offer comprehensive care plans: Beyond prescribing medications, SimpleFixRx aims to create a holistic approach that includes nutritional guidance and exercise plans, ensuring GLP-1 therapy is supported by healthier daily habits.

Monitor progress: Through regular follow-up appointments, patients can collaborate with the SimpleFixRx team to fine-tune their regimen and address any side effects or emerging concerns.

Potential side effects and considerations

While GLP-1s offer noteworthy benefits, they aren’t free of potential drawbacks. The most frequently reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and, in some cases, vomiting — especially when first beginning treatment — but these often ease as your body adjusts. Other, more serious risks include pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, though these are generally less common.

Your medical history and personal goals should guide any decision to start GLP-1 therapy. Certain gastrointestinal or thyroid conditions, for instance, could make these medications less suitable. Women who are or might become pregnant also need specialized guidance, as safety data for pregnancy remains limited.

Making the decision with SimpleFixRx

Dr. Garrett H. Garner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., a board-certified OB/GYN with over two decades of experience in North Texas, highlights the importance of individualized care. “We take the time to review each patient’s medical history, dietary habits, and long-term health objectives. Medications like GLP-1/ GIP or GLP-1 can be game-changers — but they work best within a broader strategy that includes nutrition, exercise, and regular follow-up.”

Before you opt for any GLP-1 medication, consider asking your healthcare provider or a service like SimpleFixRx these five questions:

“Am I a good candidate for GLP-1s based on my health profile?”
“How will this therapy interact with other treatments or conditions I have?”
“What lifestyle changes, if any, should I implement to maximize the benefits?”
“Which medication — GLP-1/ GIP vs. GLP-1 — would best suit my needs?”
“How often should I schedule follow-up appointments to assess progress and adjust my treatment plan?”

By partnering with a dedicated healthcare service like SimpleFixRx, you can gain access to expert guidance, personalized care plans, and ongoing support — all crucial components to long-term success.

These therapies are tools, not magic solutions, as sustainable progress often hinges on a combination of effective medication, mindful eating, regular physical activity, and consistent medical oversight. However, with the proper support structure and commitment, GLP-1 medications can be a transformative part of your journey toward better health.