W8MD’s 5 Proven Measures for Effective Weight Loss

Lose weight

If you’re struggling with being overweight or obese, it’s essential to know your options. While countless weight loss products are sold every year, only a few categories of treatments are scientifically proven to work. At W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa, we focus on 5 proven, evidence-based measures for successful weight loss:

Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCD)
Increased Physical Activity
Behavioral Therapy
Prescription Medications
Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery)

1. Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)

A Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) is a medically supervised diet that restricts calorie intake to around 800 calories per day. Unlike typical weight loss diets, VLCDs replace all meals with prepared formulas, such as liquid shakes or bars. This approach is often used for rapid weight loss in obese individuals and requires close supervision by a healthcare provider.

Benefits of VLCD:

Promotes quick weight loss
Helps jump-start obesity treatment
Designed to provide essential nutrients while reducing calorie intake

However, VLCDs should only be followed for short periods, typically up to 12 weeks. Always consult your doctor before starting any VLCD program.

2. Low-Calorie Diet (LCD)

A Low-Calorie Diet (LCD) typically provides between 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day for women and 1,200 to 1,600 calories per day for men. This diet is less restrictive than VLCDs and can include regular foods along with meal replacements. LCDs are a sustainable way to reduce calorie intake while still allowing for more variety in your meals.

Benefits of LCD:

Easier to follow than a VLCD
Can be tailored to individual needs based on age, weight, and activity level
Promotes gradual weight loss without drastic caloric restrictions

3. Behavioral Therapy

For many people, weight gain is linked to behavioral factors such as emotional eating or food addiction. Behavior therapy helps individuals recognize and address these triggers, offering tools to make healthier food choices and change long-standing habits.

Behavioral therapy can include strategies like:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Stress management techniques
Mindful eating practices

This therapy often works best when combined with diet changes and increased physical activity.

W8MD weight loss doctors

4. Prescription Medications for Weight Loss

Prescription weight-loss medications are often used as part of a comprehensive weight management program. Some FDA-approved medications, such as Phentermine, Topiramate, and the new Qsymia, are designed to support weight loss by suppressing appetite or increasing feelings of fullness.

Common Weight-Loss Medications:

Phentermine: A widely prescribed appetite suppressant
Qsymia: A combination of phentermine and topiramate
GLP1 weight loss injections of Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide
Diethylpropion
Phendimetrazine
Contrave etc.

GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections

GLP-1 weight loss injections have gained significant attention as an effective treatment for obesity. These medications, such as Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), are designed to mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.

How GLP-1 Injections Work:

Suppress appetite: They help reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness.
Regulate blood sugar: GLP-1 medications help control blood sugar levels in people with or without diabetes.
Promote weight loss: These injections support sustainable weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity.

GLP-1 injections are FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes).

These medications are generally prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or more who also have an obesity-related condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Other Prescription Medications:

Lipase inhibitors like Xenical (Orlistat) block fat absorption and reduce calorie intake.
Certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants have shown weight-loss effects, although their use is off-label.

5. Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery)

For some individuals, weight-loss surgery may be the most effective option. Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, significantly reduces the size of the stomach, forcing patients to follow a VLCD post-surgery. This method is typically recommended for individuals with severe obesity (BMI of 40 or more) or those who are unable to lose weight through other means.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery:

Significant weight loss
Long-term improvement in obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes
Helps patients maintain weight loss through post-surgery lifestyle changes

Key to Success: Combining These Measures

For most people, non-surgical weight loss options that combine the above strategies (except surgery) are the most effective way to achieve and maintain weight loss. Under the careful supervision of an obesity medicine-trained physician, a comprehensive approach can provide lasting results.

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

At W8MD, we specialize in medically supervised weight loss programs that combine diet, physical activity, behavioral therapy, and prescription medications—all tailored to meet your unique needs. We offer comprehensive support and guidance throughout your weight loss journey, helping you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey Today
If you’re ready to take control of your weight and improve your health, W8MD Weight Loss Centers is here to help. Visit www.w8md.com