When it comes to weight loss, the lure of quick fixes and miracle cures is strong, but the reality is far more complex and rewarding.
In this episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now, Stephanie Bostic, APRN, FNP-BC, nurse practitioner and bariatric program coordinator at St. Dominic’s Weight Loss Solutions clinic in Jackson, joined us to address several misconceptions about weight loss.
Rapid Weight Loss Is Not Healthy or Sustainable
One misconception is the belief that significant weight loss can be achieved quickly and healthily.
“The biggest misconception is that you’re going to come in here, we’re just going to give you whatever you want, and you’re going to lose 50 pounds in a week. It doesn’t work like that,” Bostic says. “A large part of weight loss is consistency.”
A healthy weight loss rate is typically between 8 to 10 pounds per month, which indicates consistent effort and lifestyle changes. Anything beyond this can be unrealistic and potentially harmful.
Medication Alone Is Not the Solution
Weight loss medications, often prescribed alongside lifestyle modifications, play a crucial role in aiding weight loss efforts. However, understanding their mechanism of action and potential side effects is vital.
Medications like semaglutide work by mimicking the action of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and food intake. By targeting the brain’s hunger centers, these medications can reduce cravings and promote feelings of fullness, leading to decreased calorie consumption and subsequent weight loss.
“They mimic a hormone that we have that makes you feel like you’re full longer and they slow down the emptying of your stomach, which can be a good or a bad thing,” Bostic says.
These types of medications are not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease or a history of eating disorders, may not be good candidates for these medications.
“If you have thyroid issues, I do not prescribe, or if you have other serious GI issues, I do not prescribe,” Bostic says. The main side effects she sees of these medications are GI issues and constipation.
Ozempic Babies?
Another possible side effect or benefit of these types of weight loss medications may be improved fertility.
Bostic says there have been a couple patients within her clinic who have become pregnant after being on the weight loss medicines.
“A lot of times infertility is associated with the excess weight,” she says. “So, I think it’s more people are losing weight, and it happens. But I can’t say we get a lot of it.”
Not One-Size-Fits-All
Medications are just one aspect of a comprehensive strategy. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and increased physical activity, are essential for long-term success.
Many may assume that taking weight loss medication is a standalone solution. Bostic explains that medication should be part of a broader strategy that includes diet, exercise and behavioral changes.
“I have some patients who take the medicine, and they don’t lose a pound,” Bostic says. “So, you know, it does have to be the medication along with diet and exercise.”
Success Stories: Real People, Real Results
In the episode, Bostic shares success stories to illustrate the point that sustained weight loss requires more than medication. She highlights patients who have combined medication with lifestyle adjustments to achieve sustainable results.
For instance, one patient on an injectable semaglutide medicine lost weight consistently over several months by adjusting her diet and finding the right snacks to accommodate her night shifts. Despite some months of minimal weight loss, she saw significant changes in her body, losing inches and ultimately achieving an 11-pound loss in one month.
Another patient, who couldn’t afford medication, stayed in touch with Bostic, sending updates on her progress and following a regimen of walking and hydration.
These examples highlight the importance of perseverance and personalized care in weight management. Weight loss journeys are highly individualized.
“Weight loss is something you have to do for yourself,” Bostic says. “It has to be a personal journey, and weight loss becomes a lifestyle.”
How to Seek Help
If you’re considering weight loss medications, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your individual needs, medical history and potential risks. Together, you can determine the most suitable course of action to achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
For those nervous about discussing weight issues with their primary care providers, Bostic offers reassuring advice.
“Just come see us, just call us. You don’t need a referral. Don’t be nervous, because this is something that’s so life changing. It’s going to make you feel better inside and out.”
She encourages people to take that first step, emphasizing that minor tweaks in diet and lifestyle can lead to significant health improvements.
Successful weight management often involves a multidisciplinary team. At St. Dominic’s clinic and others across our health system, the collaborative efforts of dietitians, surgeons and nurse practitioners create a team approach. It ensures comprehensive care, addressing not just the physical aspects of weight loss but also the psychological and social factors.
Bostic emphasizes the transformative potential of proper weight management. “I just want people to be happy and healthy, and I just try to do my part,” she says.
Weight loss and obesity management require a realistic, patient-centered approach. Quick fixes and miracle cures are myths. Sustainable weight loss involves discipline, consistency and a supportive healthcare team.
By debunking these misconceptions and providing compassionate care, healthcare professionals like Bostic help patients achieve lasting health and improved well-being.
