What are Weight Loss Treatments?
Weight Loss Treatments are non-surgical options to fight obesity. Whether it be a prescription pill or weekly injection, Elite Medicine offers several options for weight loss treatments for our Cinncinati patients, which we have explained in further detail below. After coming in for your consultation, Dr. Ridge will help you decide which one is best for you.
Adipex-P
Adipex-P is typically taken before breakfast or an hour or two after breakfast. This prescription is intended for short-term use and your appetite suppression may wear off after a few weeks when you stop taking it. You can expect to see some real changes in about 12 weeks or less of use and is not a viable substitution for routine exercise and a healthy diet.
We can not recommend this treatment for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of heart disease, have had a previous stroke, have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, extreme agitation or nervousness, a history of drug abuse, or if you are currently taking other diet pills.
Contrave
Contrave is an appetite suppressant that is made of a combination of bupropion and naltrexone. When taking this medication, you should always follow Dr. Ridge’s instructions, which will include only taking the tablet whole, taking more than two tablets at once, and avoiding taking it with high-fat meals, among other important directions. If you do not notice losing at least 5% of your body fat within three months of treatment, you should speak with Dr. Ridge about considering other options.
You should not use Contrave if you are pregnant, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, an eating disorder, opioid addiction, have bulimia or anorexia nervosa, are taking an MAOI, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, or seizure medication, or a sedative. This medication is not intended as a substitute for a healthy and active lifestyle.
Qsymia
Qsymia is another combination medication that is an extended-release capsule. It is made with phentermine (appetite suppressant) and topiramate (anti-seizure medication). When combined with diet and exercise, this medication has had some positive results in combating obesity in some adults and children over the age of 12. While Qsymia will not treat the following conditions, it is a good option for patients with weight-related medical problems, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
When taking Qsymia, you should do it every morning (with or without food) and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration or kidney stones. After about two weeks, Dr. Ridge will slowly increase your dosage. Much like Contrave, if you or Dr. Ridge don’t see improvement in your weight loss after about 12 weeks, you may need to consider alternative weight loss options to avoid complications.
Qsymia is not to be taken if you are pregnant, are allergic to phentermine or topiramate, have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, or if you have glaucoma or an overactive thyroid.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy is an FDA-approved Semaglutide injection that is prescribed by Dr. Ridge and can be used in obese adults and teenagers. The treatment works by regulating your appetite and reducing calorie intake to help with your weight management. Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist which is a manufactured form of a naturally occurring hormone your body makes in your brain to regulate food intake. When administered, it activates receptors in your brain which lowers your appetite and reduces the calories you consume. This treatment helps weight management when combined with a decreased-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
The single-use injections need to be administered once a week on the same day but do not have to be at the same time every week. It can be taken with or without food or drink. You will need to inject Wegovy in either your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, and you should change the location of your injection every week to achieve the best results; you may perform it in the same area but try to avoid the exact same location every time. Most patients will require this treatment for at least four months, with the dosage increasing every month, or until Dr. Ridge feels like you should stop taking the injections.
Wegovy should not be used if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of a stomach or intestinal disorder, pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy (eye problems caused by diabetes), medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer), or have or have had depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues.
