At Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Bariatrics we understand that losing weight can be a difficult process. For our patients across North Georgia, our team offers a variety of non-surgical weight loss options including anti-obesity pharmacotherapy.
Anti-obesity pharmacotherapy involves using prescribed weight loss medications in combination with lifestyle changes to help you lose weight and regain your health. Our team of specialists offer FDA approved short and long-term weight loss medications as well as behavioral coaching to assist in your weight loss journey.
If you or a loved one are struggling to lose weight through traditional methods, you can rely on our team at NGPG Bariatrics to help you find the right medication to help you meet your health goals.
What are weight loss medications?
Weight loss medications are prescription drugs that help you reduce and manage weight through appetite reduction, altering nutrient absorption or increasing the amount of energy you expend. There are several types of weight loss medications for short or long-term use. Some of the different types of weight loss medications that NGPG Bariatrics offers include:
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressant weight loss pills block or increase certain signals in the body to make you feel less hungry, and fuller after eating less food. Some appetite suppressant weight loss medications offered by NGPG Bariatrics are:
- Contrave: This is an oral combination medication that works in two parts of the brain to reduce hunger and control cravings.
- Qsymia: This is an oral combination medication that works in the brain to help reduce appetite, increase satiety (fullness), and alter the taste of certain foods to make eating less enjoyable.
- Phentermine: This is an appetite suppressant that can be prescribed for short term use. The duration of use is usually 12 weeks, but phentermine may be prescribed longer at the provider’s discretion.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
These injectable weight loss medications increase feelings of fullness and help to slow down digestion by mimicking the hormone that is naturally release in the body after eating. Some GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss medications offered by NGPG Bariatrics are:
- Saxenda: This GLP-1 receptor agonist is a daily injectable that suppresses appetite through the brain as well as slows down gastric emptying to promote early satiety.
- Wegovy: This GLP-1 receptor agonist is a weekly injectable that was approved in June 2021. This medication suppresses appetite through the brain as well as slows down gastric emptying to promote early satiety.
Fat Absorption Inhibitors
Fat absorption inhibitor weight loss medications keep the body from absorbing some of the fats consumed when eating, reducing caloric intake and helping with weight loss. Some of the fat absorption inhibitors offered by NGPG Bariatrics are:
- Orlistat: This medication is a lipase inhibitor and blocks absorption of 25%-30% of the dietary fats that are consumed. Xenical blocks the body’s absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins. When patients are using Xenical, they should take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamin A, D, E, and K.
Plenity®
This FDA-cleared device is made up of cellulose and citric acid. It is called a device and not a medication because none of it is absorbed in the body. You will take 3 capsules 20-30 minutes before lunch and dinner with 16 ounces of water. When the capsules dissolve, these fiber molecules absorb 100 times in weight in water and fills up the stomach, which reduces space available for food.
It hasn’t nationally launched, but NGPG Bariatrics is part of the Plenity® Early Prescribing Program (PEPP) and we can offer this new, advanced treatment to our patients. Learn more about how Plenity® works in this video.
Who should take weight loss medications?
At NGPG Bariatrics we provide weight loss medication options for our patients struggling to lose weight using traditional methods such as diet and exercise. You may be a candidate to take weight loss drugs if you have:
- A BMI greater than 30
- A BMI greater than 27 with a weight-related medical problem
- Been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise
If you unsure if you qualify, check your BMI with our NGPG BMI Calculator.
What are the advantages of weight loss medications?
Taking medications designed for weight loss can help you begin losing weight faster without needing surgery. Some of the advantages of weight loss medications are:
- Significant weight loss: Many medications have helped patients lose up to 20% of their body weight.
- Improved health: Weight loss medications can also help improve obesity-related conditions like high blood pressure and blood sugar.
- Lifestyle changes: Many prescription weight loss drugs help to reduce hunger, helping patients begin decreasing portion sizes and snacking habits.
Choose NGPG for Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy Weight Loss
At NGPG we understand that weight loss journeys look different for everyone. If you or a loved one are struggling to lose weight with traditional methods, ask your provider if you qualify for anti-obesity pharmacotherapy.
At NGPG Bariatrics, our team of providers offers weight loss medication options for our patients across North Georgia. Our obesity specialists can help you lose weight and keep it off with prescription weight loss medications and lifestyle coaching tailored to your needs.