Verywell Health
Angela Fitch, MD, is board-certified in obesity medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
Genetics, hormone imbalances, and metabolic issues can also contribute to the disease.
And for many, lifestyle change alone isn’t enough to lose weight and keep it off.
Verywell Health
Am I a Good Candidate for Weight Loss Medications?
I understand that excess weight isn’t always because of eating too many calories or not exercising.
It is obesity treatment.
We are treating a chronic disease, not just trying to lose weight.
People should work to improve health issues and become leaner, not lighter.
The focus should be on body composition and well-beingnot on a number on the scale.
About 90% of people will need ongoing medication if they wish to keep the disease treated.
So, you must continue working with your healthcare team to maintain your weight loss in the long term.
I recommend getting care from someone it’s possible for you to see regularly.
As a chronic disease, it requires long-term disease management, not episodic short-term care.
I want you to know that it is not weight loss medication.
It is obesity treatment.
We are treating a chronic disease, not just trying to lose weight.
What to Ask Your Medical Provider About Weight Loss Medication?
Ask to have treatment.
Being proactive and informed as a patient means talking to your healthcare provider about medication for obesity treatment.
Obesity Medicine Association.Why obesity is a disease.
