Obesity isn’t just about weight—Obesity is a chronic disease. It’s a medical condition influenced by a wide range of factors, including:
- genetics,
- environment
- behavior
- medical conditions.
Obesity is a chronic disease, meaning it requires ongoing management, just like diabetes or hypertension.
Our goal is to help you understand the science behind obesity, empower you with practical tools, and guide you toward sustainable, long-term health.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat that disrupts the body’s normal metabolic functions.
It’s not just about how much you weigh but how your body fat impacts your health.
Weight Regulation and the “Set Point” Theory
Have you ever wondered why weight loss feels so hard to maintain? Your body has a built-in “set point,” primarily regulated by your brain, specifically the hypothalamus. This set point acts as your body’s thermostat for weight, adjusting appetite and energy use to keep you in a specific range.
However, life events like pregnancy, stress, or weight gain can “reset” this thermostat to a higher weight. This is why long-term weight loss can feel like an uphill battle—it’s not just about willpower. Your body is working to restore its set point.
The good news? With the right approach, including medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and patience, we can influence your set point and achieve healthier weight regulation.
Why This Program Works
Our program doesn’t just tell you to “eat less and move more.” We know obesity is a chronic disease. Our program provides a comprehensive, compassionate approach that addresses the biological, behavioral, and environmental drivers of obesity. Together, we’ll create a sustainable plan for better health—one step at a time.
Education
- Obesity is recognized by the CDC, AMA, and WHO as a chronic, relapsing disease—not a personal failure.
- We focus on education that removes shame and replaces it with understanding and compassion.
- Patients learn how hormones, metabolism, genetics, and brain pathways affect weight regulation.
- We help you see that willpower isn’t the problem—biology often is.
- Our goal is to build confidence through knowledge so you feel empowered, not blamed.
- We explain why long-term treatment is necessary, just like with other chronic diseases (like diabetes or high blood pressure).
- Understanding the “why” behind your symptoms is the first step to lasting success.
Biology
- We teach how insulin, leptin, ghrelin, cortisol, and GLP-1 influence hunger, satiety, and fat storage
- Our education explores genetic factors that predispose individuals to obesity, including how genes interact with the environment and lifestyle.
- Genetic Insights: Genetic testing helps us understand predispositions to obesity and metabolic dysfunction, allowing for more precise recommendations on diet, exercise, and supplements.
- Metabolic Adaptation: We take into account the body’s response to weight loss, including metabolic slowing and changes in energy expenditure, to ensure sustainable, long-term weight management.
- Gut Microbiome: The balance of gut bacteria plays a role in obesity, so we may incorporate prebiotics, probiotics, or microbiome-targeted treatments to improve digestion and metabolism.
- Neurobiological Factors: Understanding how the brain regulates food intake and reward systems allows us to target craving and emotional eating patterns with medications or behavioral therapies.
- Muscle Preservation: We emphasize the importance of preserving lean muscle mass during weight loss by incorporating strength training and adequate protein intake, as muscle mass impacts metabolism and fat storage.
- Pharmacogenomics: We may use pharmacogenomic testing to optimize medication choices based on an individual’s genetic profile, ensuring the most effective and safe treatments for each patient.
Medications
- GLP-1 Agonists (e.g., Semaglutide, Tirzepatide): These medications mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite, insulin secretion, and fat storage. They help control hunger, promote satiety, and improve insulin sensitivity, making them highly effective for weight loss and metabolic health.
- Liraglutide: Another GLP-1 agonist, similar to Semaglutide, used to help regulate appetite and improve insulin sensitivity. It is particularly useful for patients with Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- Naltrexone/Bupropion: This combination medication targets the brain’s reward system, helping to reduce cravings and emotional eating. It can also aid in weight loss by influencing appetite and energy expenditure, especially for those with stress or emotional eating patterns.
- Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN): LDN can be used for its ability to modulate inflammation and regulate hunger signals, helping with appetite control and cravings, particularly for those with a history of compulsive eating or food addiction.
- Topiramate: Often used in combination with other weight loss medications, Topiramate works by reducing appetite, controlling cravings, and improving satiety. It also has neurobiological benefits that can reduce emotional eating behaviors.
- Phentermine: A sympathomimetic that acts on the brain’s appetite-regulating centers, reducing hunger and boosting metabolism. It is typically used for short-term treatment in combination with lifestyle changes.
- Sermorelin: A growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates the release of growth hormone, promoting fat loss and lean muscle retention. It’s used in patients who need additional metabolic support to maintain muscle mass during weight loss
- Metformin: Typically prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, Metformin helps regulate blood sugar levels and can also support weight management by improving insulin sensitivity
Tools
- Genetic Testing: Provides insights into how an individual’s genetic makeup affects their metabolism, nutrient absorption, response to exercise, and weight management. This allows for personalized diet and exercise plans to optimize weight loss.
- Blood Work & Lab Tests: Regular lab assessments are used to monitor hormones (insulin, cortisol, thyroid, etc.), metabolic function, and nutrient deficiencies. This data helps guide treatment decisions, adjusting medications, supplements, and lifestyle recommendations as needed.
- Body Composition Analysis: Tools like bioelectrical impedance or DEXA scans can track muscle mass, fat percentage, and overall metabolic health. These measurements guide adjustments in diet, exercise, and medications to preserve lean muscle mass and improve metabolic function during weight loss.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): For some patients, CGM can provide real-time insights into how food and medications impact blood sugar levels. This data helps fine-tune insulin sensitivity and metabolic function.
- Behavioral Tracking Tools: Apps or platforms (e.g., Practice Better) to track patients’ progress, including food intake, physical activity, mood, and sleep patterns. These help identify triggers for overeating, emotional eating, or cravings, guiding behavioral therapy and medication adjustments.
- Personalized Supplements: Based on lab results and genetic testing, we recommend specific supplements to support metabolism, gut health, and appetite regulation (e.g., inulin, probiotics, B vitamins). Supplements are chosen to complement medications and support overall metabolic health.
- Exercise and Nutrition Plans: Tailored exercise programs, developed with consideration for an individual’s metabolic and hormonal profile, and nutrition plans based on genetic testing and biological markers, to enhance weight loss and overall health.
Sustainability
- Education and Empowerment: Equipping patients with knowledge to manage their health independently for long-term success.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to each patient’s unique genetic, metabolic, and hormonal profile for better long-term success.
- Integrating Medication and Lifestyle: Combining medications with diet and exercise for comprehensive, lasting chronic obesity disease management.
- Focus on Lean Muscle Mass: Preserving muscle mass through strength training and protein intake to prevent weight regain.
- Behavioral Support: Incorporating strategies like mindfulness and CBT to manage emotional eating and promote lasting habits.
- Holistic, Whole-Person Care: Addressing root causes of obesity, including hormonal imbalances and gut health, for overall health improvement.
- Long-Term Medication Plans: Using medications as part of lifelong treatment to maintain progress and prevent weight regain.
- Regular Monitoring and Adjustments: Ongoing assessments to adjust treatment plans and ensure sustained effectiveness.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your provider before starting any medication, supplement, or weight loss program.
📣 Ready to get started?
At Optima Vida Healthcare, we specialize in personalized weight management plans that combine GLP-1 medications with nutrition, exercise, and metabolic support. Whether you’re new to treatment or need help breaking a plateau, Sarina Helton, FNP-C, is here to guide you every step of the way.
✅ Book your initial consultation
🌐 www.ovhmed.com
📞 918-400-9208
📩 support@ovhmed.com
Let’s build a healthier, stronger you—for life, not just for now.