The Science of Weight Loss: Medical Solutions for Your Journey

Are you struggling with weight loss and seeking an effective solution that goes beyond quick fixes and empty promises? With all the new weight loss aids emerging we often get asked, “Do you give weight loss injections?” – the short answer is yes, but here at Lake Charles Primary Care, we offer much more than just injections. We offer a structured, physician-directed medical weight loss program. Today, we’re here to shed light on this program, which is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthier body weight safely and effectively. Additionally, we’ll explain how not all “weight loss injections” are created equal.

Medical Weight Loss: The Safe, Sustainable Approach

Medical weight loss, also known as medically supervised weight loss, is a comprehensive strategy to manage your weight. Lake Charles Primary Care’s Medical Weight Loss Program is led by experienced physicians and focuses on achieving and maintaining a healthier body weight while improving overall health and reducing the risks associated with obesity. We offer a reliable weight management option with Semaglutide injections. However, we don’t merely hand out injections; we offer education, counseling, and regular in-office visits to ensure you’re progressing safely towards your goals. Our clinic focuses on health and wellness, and we want you to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way. 

B12 Injections: Dispelling the Myths 

Many patients inquire about B12 injections, believing they can increase energy and promote weight loss. While vitamin B12 is indeed essential for overall health, B12 injections do not play a role in an evidence-based medical weight loss program. This is why Lake Charles Primary Care does not offer them as a weight loss solution. B12 supplementation is only indicated for individuals with documented B12 deficiency, and most people can absorb B12 through oral supplements available over the counter. B12 injections are reserved for rare cases of B12 deficiency where oral absorption is not feasible. It’s important to note that B12 deficiency does not cause obesity, so B12 injections are not an effective part of a medical weight loss program.

GLP-1 Agonists: Weight Loss with Health Benefits

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Monjouro, were initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, they have proven to be extremely effective for weight loss in most individuals. Many patients experience substantial weight loss, sometimes exceeding 15% of their body weight. Beyond weight loss, these medications offer cardiovascular benefits, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death. While some patients may experience minor side effects (most commonly GI related), they are generally well-tolerated. At Lake Charles Primary Care, we administer these injections and have witnessed impressive results with minimal adverse effects. 

Stimulants: A Short-Term Solution with Risks 

Stimulants like Phentermine can have positive effects on weight loss by temporarily boosting metabolism, suppressing appetite, and increasing energy expenditure. However, the downside is that tolerance to these medications can develop quickly, requiring higher and potentially unsafe doses. Many individuals also experience side effects, such as elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety. For these reasons, stimulants are not a recommended choice for long-term weight loss and maintenance.

Diet and Exercise: The Foundation of a Healthy Lifestyle

Diet and exercise remain fundamental components of a healthy lifestyle and can be effective for weight loss when done correctly and consistently. We encourage our patients to incorporate diet and exercise into their comprehensive weight loss strategy. However, we understand that, for various medical and behavioral reasons, diet and exercise alone may not always be sufficient to reach your goals.

At Lake Charles Primary Care, we combine diet and exercise with the proven effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists to help you achieve your weight loss goals safely and successfully. Our medical weight loss program offers a well-rounded approach that considers your individual needs and ensures you receive the support and guidance necessary for long-lasting results.

Ready to embark on your weight loss journey?

Explore our medical weight loss program, which combines semaglutide injections (similar to GLP-1 agonists) with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Book your appointment today or call (337) 990-8002 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals while improving your overall health and well-being. Your path to a healthier, happier you begins here.