Weight Loss Program

 

With two convenient locations in Lexington and Georgetown our Advanced Skin & Vein Care Centers can help you achieve your health and beauty goals. Stop by one of our locations where our clinic staff and physicians are dedicated to helping people lose weight. A physician supervised medical weight loss program is the safest and wisest way to lose weight and maintain the loss. With nutritional products and strategies available only to medical doctors, results that no commercial program can match are obtained. As you begin to lose weight, not only will you feel better about your appearance, you will be on the road to better health!

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Approximately 70% of American adults have obesity or overweight. Having obesity or overweight is a serious health issue associated with some leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Losing 5% to 10% of body weight through diet and exercise has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in adult patients with obesity or overweight.

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Weight Gain Factor #1: Bad Food Selections

The Quantity-Quality Rule:

One of the shortcomings of most commercial or "magazine" diet plans is they focus primarily on the quantity of certain food groups we consume. This is an important factor to monitor but unfortunately, even if you were to dramatically reduce the quantity of food you take in, if the quality is poor (processed foods or foods laced with insecticides and steroids) it will disrupt your hormonal balance (e.g. insulin & estrogen) resulting in unwanted fat/weight gain.

Fast Food Equals Fast Weight Gain:

They make it taste great. There's a particular chemistry of cheese, meat and bread that creates significant pleasure response on the brain. The sad trade-off is that a single fast food meal with fries and a soda can surpass the number of calories needed for the entire day.

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Weight Gain Factor #2: Increased Stress Levels

Likely you’re aware of the many health complications such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease that can result from prolonged levels of stress.

One of the b-products of our stress is a chemical called cortisol, which is secreted by our adrenal glands and is a contributing factor to why we pack on the pounds! In brief, cortisol causes us to gain weight by activating our fat cells to go into survival mode and store fat.

Cortisol causes that stubborn “belly fat” to become even more resistant to our weight loss efforts. Making lifestyle changes that will reduce the stress you live with will affect cortisol levels and enhance weight loss programs.

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Weight Gain Factor #3: Lack of Sleep

Our brain releases certain hormones that help our body repair. One such hormone is called human growth hormone (HGH). Among many things, HGH is responsible for tissue repair and growth (it increases our muscle and bone mass). It also helps decrease body fat, particularly around the abdominal area.

Insufficient sleep lowers HGH levels, preventing their beneficial impact in reducing body fat.

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Weight Gain Factor #4: Low Basal Metabolic Rate

When you hear someone say they have a slow metabolism, they are actually referring to their Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). By definition, your BMR is the number of calories your body burns per day when at rest.

A slow BMR then would result in your body storing fuel as fat, whereas a fast BMR will burn this fuel (or fat) and create energy. Several factors can influence your BMR, ranging from exercise to hormones (the major ones being the thyroid hormones).

So, one way you can increase a slow BMR is through exercise. Another way is by evaluating your thyroid levels, and if they are low, balance them naturally or with medication.

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Weight Gain Factor #5: Hormone Disturbances

Hormones stimulate, regulate and control thousands of functions in our body, weight management being one of them. Once the delicate balance between them is disturbed (as in the case of menopause), weight gain often ensues.

For instance, research has proved that low thyroid function and subsequent decreased thyroid hormone levels slows your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), causing you to gain weight and resist weight loss.

Another example we also pointed out earlier is that stress and increased cortisol levels (your stress hormone) have been shown to not only cause increased fat storage but also affect serotonin levels. This hormone, known as the "feel good hormone", is released by your brain and plays an important part in managing your weight by signaling when your stomach is full. Without it, your brain thinks your body is still hungry, causing you to eat more. Over time, this leads to weight gain.

Another hormone that is a culprit when out of balance is insulin. Released from the pancreas in response to changes in blood sugar levels, over time, a diet high in sugar and low in protein can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and cause the pancreas to release too much insulin, resulting in increased fat storage and subsequent decreased fat breakdown.

Other hormonal changes occur as we age. As men and women age, decreased hormone levels such as growth hormone, testosterone, and in women, estrogen and progesterone, lead to weight gain that is very difficult to shed.

The trick to real weight loss when a hormone imbalance is the cause is to minimize your “fat-storing” hormones and boost the levels of your "fat-burning" hormones.

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Weight Gain Factor #6: Genetics

Does obesity run in your family? If so, realize one thing: Just because you may have a genetic predisposition to BEING Overweight doesn’t mean you have to BE overweight.

You may be genetically resistant to Leptin, a hormone that controls appetite and fat storage, or you could inherit a susceptibility to medical conditions that can lead to obesity.

More than likely you’ve just inherited some bad lifestyle habits (like a high-carbohydrate diet and lack of exercise). And that’s good news since you can change your habits, not your genes!

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Weight Gain Factor #7: Not Enough or the Wrong Type of Exercise

Are you tired of not getting the results you want with your exercise program? Well the problem might not be you, but actually your exercise program.

Without a doubt, regular exercise is important in any weight loss program. In fact, it’s almost impossible to lose weight or even maintain your current weight (not to mention current health in general) without physical activity.

As far as duration is concerned, although any amount of activity is better than none, it’s best to start slow and work up to 30-60 minutes of activity a day (at least 3 days per week dedicated to cardiovascular work), at increasing levels of intensity. Dr. Sedgh has found that this strategy mobilizes fat better than other workout strategies!

With regards to which type of exercise is best, the key is creating a program that’s right for your body type.

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Weight Gain Factor #8: Lack of Proper Monitoring of Your Weight Loss and Exercise Programs

Neglecting to track and monitor daily food intake is one of the main reasons most people cannot lose weight and keep it off, no matter what program they follow?

This fact was proved in a landmark research study carried out by Kaiser Permanente.

In this year-long study on weight loss, 2,037 overweight people were enrolled in a weight loss program. They were advised to eat just 500 fewer calories a day and exercise for 30 minutes.

However, some of the volunteers were also given instructions to count calories, either once a week, 2-3 days a week, 3-4 days a week, or 5 days a week, while another group of volunteers were not instructed to keep track of their food intake at all.

At the end of the program, which consisted of a full year of dieting and exercising, the people who didn’t monitor their daily caloric intake at all actually weighed more than they had at the beginning of the study!

As far as the other groups are concerned, those who monitored their calorie consumption only one day a week neither gained weight nor lost weight! Meanwhile, those who counted calories three to four days a week lost, on average, about ten pounds!

Those who counted calories five or more days a week fared the best, dropping an average of 23 pounds.

Pretty amazing! Just imagine if they would have been told to monitor their exercise program as well!

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Weight Gain Factor #9: Failure to Stay Involved in the Progress of Your Program

The success of your weight loss program will depend heavily on your active involvement. Dr. Sedgh can supply the start up tools such as medication, hormone balancing if required and a dietary program along with recommended exercise. He can also assist you with your goals by participating in your progress.

By forming a partnership with accountable monitoring, ongoing adjustments to your program and good old fashioned emotional support, it is possible for you to realize a healthier, slimmer body. But this requires your commitment to follow through with your scheduled appointments, your calorie tracking and food selection and taking better care of yourself in all areas of your life.

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Your Weight Loss Program Begins with:

• A comprehensive examination (including family history)

• Thyroid testing to rule out weight gain caused by hypothyroidism

• Lab work up including Chemistry, Liver and Kidney function tests, Lipid Profile, and complete blood count.

• BMI analysis. Body Mass Index indicates percentage of body fat.

  • We use digital analysis device to determine the body fat loss goals. Body composition analyzer/scales provide detailed body composition analysis – weight, impedance, body fat %, body mass index, fat mass and fat-free mass.

  • For a very basic online BMI calculator, click here

• A current analysis of your present dietary and exercise habits

• Weight goals and timeline

• Diet plan and exercise program with our affiliated Dietician. 

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Medical Obesity Treatment Options

Currently there are 10 FDA-approved anti-obesity medications in the US: phentermine, diethylpropion, benzphetamine, phendimetrazine, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate ER (Qsymia), bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), setmelanotide (Imcivree), and now semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic).

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If you’re considering semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic) injections for weight loss, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to see results. The short answer is that it depends on each individual. Every patient is different, with different body types and lifestyle habits. Generally speaking, it takes around 8-12 weeks of steady use for Semaglutide to begin working. Weight loss is a complex process, and the speed at which you see results will depend on a variety of factors, including your starting weight, your diet, and your exercise habits. The key is consistency; if you stay consistent in taking your injections and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you should see great results over time! 

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How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (2.4-Mg Dose) that helps regulate appetite and metabolism and is sold under the brand name Weygovy. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 receptor agonist) in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It works by mimicking the hormone responsible for sending signals of satiety (fullness) to the brain.

Semaglutide also reduces the speed at which food passes through the digestive system. In simpler terms, semaglutide prolongs digestion, helping to maintain your feeling of fullness for a longer period. So when you take semaglutide injections, you feel fuller faster and are less likely to overeat. In addition to regulating appetite, semaglutide helps the body break down and use fat more efficiently, aiding in weight management. Semaglutide is a clinically proven treatment for patients with obesity and a body mass index of 30 or more or at least 27 with one weight-related comorbidity like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. 

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The Results You Can Expect from Semaglutide

It typically takes about two weeks for semaglutide to start working in the body. While taking semaglutide, some people begin to see results within the first eight weeks, but most begin to see results within 12 weeks. Clinical trials have shown that study participants taking a weekly dose of semaglutide had an average reduction in body weight of 5-10 percent. This means that if you take semaglutide for a year or more, you may experience up to 15 percent total weight loss—which is great news for those looking for long-term results from their weight loss efforts! In addition to taking Semaglutide injections, it is also essential that you maintain a healthy lifestyle for them to be effective. That means eating nutritious meals and exercising regularly. Eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables can help curb cravings, while exercising can burn off extra calories and help keep your metabolism high so that you can continue losing weight even after you stop taking the injections.

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Is it Safe?

Given the physical effects of semaglutide, a valid question to ask is whether it is safe. Semaglutide is typically safe for most people; however, like any medication, it carries certain risks and side effects. Semaglutide may be prescribed to individuals with heart, kidney, liver, and endocrine-related medical conditions; however, you should discuss your medical history with your provider before beginning the drug.

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What Are the Side Effects of Semaglutide?

The most common side effects of semaglutide are nausea and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days or weeks of treatment. Other possible side effects include diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and low blood sugar levels. These side effects are also usually mild and temporary. However, if you experience severe side effects or side effects that don’t go away after a week or two of treatment, be sure to contact your doctor.

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Try Semaglutide Injections for Weight Loss!

Before trying other extreme options, such as bariatric surgery, talk to your doctor about semaglutide injections. Semaglutide is an effective way to jumpstart your weight loss journey with fast results – often seeing positive changes within four weeks! 

As with any medication, results vary from person to person based on individual factors like age, activity level, and overall health status, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what timeline is best for you personally when considering Semaglutide injections as a form of treatment for obesity. Most people expect to see results within 12 weeks of starting treatment. That said, semaglutide should always be taken along with regular exercise and healthy eating habits for optimal results. Ultimately though, if you’re looking for a quick way to get started on shedding those extra pounds, then semaglutide might just be what you need!If you are ready to start your weight loss journey and are searching for a weight loss clinic Lexington, KY, or a weight loss clinic near me, call (859) 554-0519. We look forward to helping you with all of your wellness needs.

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How Much Does Semaglutide Cost?

Semaglutide is a relatively new drug that can be quite expensive and hardly covered by insurance companies for weight loss. It is sold under the brand name Wegovy or Ozempic, but it is available as a generic under the name semaglutide. On average, GoodRx lists the monthly retail price for Wegovy as $1399 and for Ozempic $999. At Advanced Skin & Vein Care Centers, we offer generic Semaglutide at $110 per dose (once per week), for a monthly total of $440. 

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Compounding Weight Loss Products we offer:

7Keto DHEA

Lipo Mino: pyridoxine (B6) ,methionine, inositol, choline, B12 Cyanocobalamin, carnitine, thiamine B1, riboflavin

Lipo Trim: Acetyl Carnitine, Methyl B12, Leucine, Arginine, Inositol, Choline, Methionine, Betaine, B1, Folic acid

Lipo Plus: pyridoxine (B6), methionine, inositol, choline, carnitine, thiamine B1, riboflavin B2, Methyl B12

Lipo Stat Plus: methionine, inositol, choline, B6, Cyanocobalamin.

Naltrexone, Sermorelin, Lipo-Trim SL Spray