Losing weight can be a difficult task, but it’s even harder when you have to worry about the cost of medical weight loss programs. Fortunately, there are ways to lose weight without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we will discuss the cost of medical weight loss programs and how to find affordable options.

• What to expect when you go for medical weight loss
• How much does medical weight loss cost on average?
• What is the difference between surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures?
• What are the different weight loss programs?
• How to choose the right weight loss procedure for you?

What to expect when you go for medical weight loss

When you go for medical weight loss, you can expect to consult with a doctor or specialist who will help you develop a plan tailored specifically for you. Medical weight loss plans usually involve dietary changes, lifestyle revision, and prescription medications, so it’s important to have a professional help you create a safe and effective plan.

You can expect that doctors would offer individual nutritional counseling and supervised meal replacement programs. Medications to maximize weight loss success are also available when appropriate. Every person receives a thorough medical and lifestyle consultation and long-term weight loss planning.

Follow-up visits take place at weight loss clinics, but you can also choose to have an online doctor visit, especially during this pandemic. These virtual visits are paid out-of-pocket and are not covered by insurance.

Your weight loss doctor works with you in collaboration with your primary care physician and exercise mentors and gets advice from nutritionists, psychologists, and other specialty providers as necessary. A typical weight loss program welcomes anyone who has a weight concern and hopes to gain a sense of control over his or her weight.

How much does medical weight loss cost on average?

This is a difficult question because the medical weight loss costs can vary greatly depending on the location, type of program, and the number of services included. Some would rely on the amount of weight shed ($77 to $169 per pound) or type of subscription program, while other established companies, like Weight Watchers, Noom, Jenny Craig, and Nutrisystem, charge by the month. However, just to give you an insight on how much you might spend on most medical weight loss programs cost, we can estimate that they would fall between $1,000 and $5,000 per month.

We have to admit that a typical medical weight loss program can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. Some programs offer a sliding scale fee based on income, and others offer discounts for paying in advance or referring friends. In addition, many insurance companies may offer to cover some of the program costs. Some doctors even offer discounts to patients who pay in cash.

Don’t let your weight loss program cost stop you from achieving your healthy weight. Medical weight loss costs are an investment in yourself, and the benefits of losing weight far outweigh the costs you may incur.

What is the difference between surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures?

There are a few main differences you should know about when it comes to surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures.

Cost

Right off the bat, we can say that surgical weight loss procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery are typically more expensive than non-surgical procedures.

Effectiveness

Because weight-loss surgical procedures literally take unwanted fat out of the body (liposuction) and anatomically change the size of your stomach to curb appetite and satiety (gastric bypass), the surgical weight loss system can easily be more effective in achieving long-term removal of excess weight.

Risks

Of course, non-surgical procedures are less risky and involve less downtime than an invasive weight loss journey.

Side effects

Because surgical procedures are invasive, they may cause some side effects, such as scarring, pain, swelling, or a short-term limited range of motion. Meanwhile, you can expect that non-surgical procedures typically do not have any of these side effects.

Time

You can easily see acute weight loss changes with gastric bypass surgery or liposuction in a matter of weeks post-operation. On the other hand, non-surgical weight loss procedures typically require more patience and effort to achieve long-term results.

Overall, both types of procedures are effective in helping people achieve their weight loss goals, but each person should carefully weigh the pros and cons before choosing a weight loss procedure.

What are the different weight loss programs?

Several different medical weight loss programs are available, and each one has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the best weight loss programs include the following services:

• comprehensive medical assessment (with diagnostic and lab works)
• nutritional assessment
• exercise counseling
• meal planning (individualized diet plan)
• wellness monitoring (weight management dependent on one’s medical history)
• prescription medications (including nutritional supplements)

Here are some of the programs that a medical weight loss clinic may offer:

Meal plan replacement program

Research shows that nutritionally balanced, low-calorie food choices help maintain weight loss. Your weight loss specialist may recommend low-calorie diet options to effectively promote weight loss.

Medical evaluation of weight-related conditions and their medication

If you have diabetes, anxiety, seizure disorders, osteoarthritis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and high blood pressure, there is a possibility that your health condition influences your weight gain. Many drugs used to treat these problems also lead to weight gain. There may be alternate drugs or methods of managing certain diseases that allow you to use less medication. Medical professionals for weight loss management can help you address these conditions while you lose weight and optimize your overall health. They can collaborate with your primary care doctor to recommend appropriate methods.

Metabolic rate analysis

Metabolism analysis aids in determining your metabolic rate, which is dependent on excess fat, muscle mass, age, gender, and water retention. Your metabolic rate influences how many calories your body burns at rest.

Weight loss medication

Medications that suppress appetite would help you stick to a new diet plan. Medications are a weight reduction treatment that works best when combined with a complete weight management plan that includes dietary modifications and exercise.

Mindful eating and nutritional planning

You will discuss your eating habits, what triggers your eating ‘binges,’ and how to distinguish “head hunger,” which is wanting to eat even though you’re not truly hungry. The answers would then be aligned to your body’s true metabolic needs. You also discuss ways to manage stress that does not include food.

Self-monitoring guide

The bathroom scale, meal diaries, and label reading can help you attain and maintain your weight reduction objectives. This program assists you in determining which self-monitoring tools are appropriate for you and how frequently you should use them.

Exercise program

Setting exercise goals that are aligned to your current fitness level can be beneficial and convenient, especially if you have access to your local gym. They can also advise what home gym equipment and machines you may want to purchase for your exercise routines.

How to choose the right weight-loss procedure for you

When looking for a medical weight loss procedure, it is important to think about what you want to get out of the program. Some of the key factors to consider would include the following:

• How much weight do you want to lose?
• What are your health goals?
• Do you want to improve your health?
• How much time do you want to spend on the program?
• How much money are you willing to spend on the program?

Once you have answered these questions, you can narrow down your options.

We hope this article helped you understand different options that you can consider for medical weight loss. Remember: there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to losing weight; finding the type of treatment that works best for your body will require patience and diligence!

References:

https://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/magee/services/medical-weight-loss

https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/weight-loss-program-average-cost/

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity

https://www.upmc.com/services/bariatrics/nonsurgical

https://nooranimedicalcenter.com/medical-weight-loss-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-work/