What is Medical Weight Loss?

If you’ve tried everything—diets, exercise, and still feel stuck—you’re not alone. Weight is more than willpower. It’s biology, hormones, stress, sleep, and more.
At Lumen Aesthetics and Wellness, we offer medical weight loss guided by licensed providers, combining personalized care, prescription therapies-when appropriate, and ongoing support.

Medical weight loss can help if you have:

  • PCOS, thyroid issues, or insulin resistance
  • Weight-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Perimenopause or Menopause related hormone instability
  • Difficulty losing weight with lifestyle changes alone

This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about lasting results.

Our patients usually experience:

  • Improved energy
  • Better sleep & mobility
  • Lower blood pressure & blood sugar
  • Boosted confidence & well-being
Cup of Coffee
What is Medical Weight Loss?2025-11-06T12:44:52-05:00

If you’ve struggled to lose weight despite trying diet and exercise plans, you’re not alone. Weight loss is a complex process that involves more than just willpower—it’s influenced by biology, hormones, medications, and lifestyle factors. Medical weight loss offers a solution by providing evidence-based care under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Medical weight loss refers to a structured program led by a nurse practitioner or physician that uses clinical tools to support sustainable weight loss. These programs are individualized and often include prescription medications, nutritional counseling, lifestyle coaching, and ongoing monitoring.

What Makes Medical Weight Loss Different?2025-07-14T17:01:33-04:00

Unlike commercial diets or over-the-counter supplements, medical weight loss addresses the root causes of weight gain. These can include:

  • Hormonal imbalances (such as PCOS or thyroid dysfunction)
  • Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
  •  Medications that contribute to weight gain
  •  Emotional or stress-related eating patterns
  •  Sleep disturbances and physical inactivity

By treating weight as a medical condition rather than a personal failing, providers can develop safe, effective strategies tailored to each individual (Kushner & Ryan, 2014).

Kushner, R. F., & Ryan, D. H. (2014). Assessment and lifestyle management of patients with obesity: Clinical recommendations from systematic reviews. JAMA, 312(9), 943–952. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.10432

What Are Medications That Support Weight Loss?2025-10-25T10:07:43-04:00

A: Several evidence-based medications can help regulate appetite, improve metabolism, and support sustainable weight loss when combined with nutrition, activity, and regular follow-up. Your Lumen provider will help determine which option is safest and most appropriate for you.

1) GLP-1 and Dual Incretin Medications

Work with your body’s natural hormones to reduce hunger, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar control.

  • Semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®) — weekly injection; many patients lose about 10–15% or more of body weight.
  • Tirzepatide (Zepbound®, Mounjaro®) — dual-action (GIP/GLP-1); often leads to greater weight reduction.
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda®) — daily injectable alternative.

Potential bonus: may also lower A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

2) Appetite-Suppressant Options

Act on the brain to reduce hunger signals and cravings.

  • Phentermine (Adipex-P®) — short-term option to jump-start weight loss.
  • Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia®) — longer-term combination for appetite control and craving reduction.

3) Combination Medication

  • Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave®) — targets appetite and the brain’s reward center to reduce cravings and emotional eating.

4) Fat-Blocking Medication

  • Orlistat (Xenical®, Alli®) — reduces absorption of dietary fat; works best with a low-fat diet.

5) Other Supportive or Off-Label Options

In select cases, medications such as Metformin, Topiramate, or Bupropion may help with insulin resistance, appetite regulation, or weight maintenance.

At Lumen Aesthetics & Wellness, these medications are used as part of a comprehensive, nurse-practitioner-led plan that includes nutrition guidance, lifestyle coaching, and ongoing follow-up.

Medical disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Medications are prescribed based on your history, labs, and safety considerations.

Who Benefits from Medical Weight Loss?2025-07-14T17:06:17-04:00

Medical weight loss may be right for you if you:

  • Have a BMI ≥25 and have not seen results with lifestyle changes alone
  • Live with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or PCOS
  • Want to lose weight under medical supervision, with access to prescription therapy
  • Are seeking a long-term, personalized solution for better health

According to Apovian et al. (2015), even modest weight loss of 5–10% can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance quality of life.

Apovian, C. M., Aronne, L. J., Bessesen, D. H., McDonnell, M. E., Murad, M. H., & Pagotto, U. (2015). Pharmacological management of obesity: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(2), 342–362. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2014-3415

What Is The Goal; Is It More Than Just the Scale?2025-07-14T17:08:35-04:00

Medical weight loss isn’t just about numbers—it’s about restoring health and preventing chronic
disease. Patients often experience improvements in:

  • Energy and mobility
  • Blood pressure and blood sugar control
  • Sleep quality
  • Confidence and mental well-being

A supervised program also helps minimize risks and side effects, ensuring that interventions are safe, evidence-based, and adjusted as your needs change over time (Kushner & Ryan, 2014).

Kushner, R. F., & Ryan, D. H. (2014). Assessment and lifestyle management of patients with obesity: Clinical recommendations from systematic reviews. JAMA, 312(9), 943–952. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.10432

What Should I Expect?2025-07-14T17:10:42-04:00

During your first visit, your provider will complete a comprehensive evaluation—including a health history, review of any previous lab work, and a discussion of your goals. Based on this information, a personalized treatment plan will be created. Most patients are seen every 4 weeks
initially, then transition to quarterly check-ins as progress stabilizes.

Weight loss medications may be introduced and adjusted as needed, and your provider will be available to help troubleshoot challenges and support your success over time (Stanford et al., 2017).

Stanford, F. C., Alfaris, N., Gomez, G., Ricks, M., Shukla, A. P., Corey, K. E., … and Aronne, L. J. (2017). The practical guide to the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Obesity, 25(7), 1184–1201. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.21838

How To Get Started?2025-07-14T17:12:37-04:00

Medical weight loss is a safe, science-based approach that offers long-term results—not quick fixes. If you’re ready to feel better, improve your health, and take control of your weight, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Just Call or Schedule.

$50 OFF Hormone Replacement Therapy Consultation

Receive $50 off your initial consultation for hormone replacement therapy. Reclaim your balance, boost your energy, and feel like yourself again—with personalized care designed to support your well-being.

$50 OFF Medical Weight Loss Consultation.

Enjoy $50 off your initial consultation for medical weight loss. Start your journey toward feeling better, having more energy, and reaching your goals—with expert support every step of the way.

Go to Top