If you have ever struggled with losing weight, there’s a new program that you should know about. It’s a personalized approach for achieving healthier weight with a new FDA-approved medication, Qsymia (pronounced cuesem ee-uh), and the support of a weight loss team led by a registered dietitian and a board-certified physician.
Unlike failed diets which result in people regaining any weight they lost within the first year, research has shown that people taking Qsymia who eat a healthy diet and exercise lost an average of 23 pounds and kept it off for a full year.
There are many reasons that diets fail, but one factor is that people do not automatically know how best to lose weight and keep it off. Weight loss requires a lifestyle change. It requires serious effort and commitment. And medical supervision and an organized team for support can really help.
We’re confident you can do it and we are here to support your efforts to develop new habits and skills for long term weight management.
The new program is different than a diet because it’s personalized and comprehensive. A physician does a medical evaluation, helps to manage medications, checks labs and other results and follows up with the patient. A dietitian is available for nutrition counseling. If appropriate, a behavioral health specialist can assist with lifestyle changes, and a physical therapist can help tailor a safe and effective exercise program to help you lose weight, increase strength and improve your cardiovascular endurance.
Losing weight isn’t just about looking better. It’s about feeling better about yourself. Losing weight is about living a happier, healthier, longer life. Carrying extra weight increases the risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other conditions. Extra weight can also be hard on your joints and make it harder for you to participate in activities you enjoy.
The new medication isn’t for everyone. Qsymia is for people with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30, and especially those with additional risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol. Taking the medication alone isn’t enough. For best results, people need to commit to a one-year program.
As with any medication, there are risks. Patients should not take Qsymia if they could become pregnant, if they have active heart disease, experience seizures, have severe kidney or liver disease or glaucoma. Common side effects include insomnia, tingling, headache and anxiety.
If you’d like to achieve a healthier weight, and live a healthier life, we want to help you get there.
Dr. Brian Curtis is an internist at The Corvallis Clinic. For more information about the weight loss program, contact 541-766-2180.
