Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO WEIGHT LOSS
If you’re looking to lose weight and improve your health, a comprehensive approach that combines multiple evidence-based methods can be extremely effective. By combining the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, the weight loss medication Wegovy (semaglutide), and routine lab testing, you can supercharge your weight loss efforts while ensuring your body is staying on track.
The Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic or “keto” diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that shifts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, your body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose from carbohydrates. This can lead to accelerated weight loss, in addition to benefits like reduced appetite, more stable energy levels, and improved markers for conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
On a keto diet, you’ll be eating plenty of healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds while restricting your carb intake – usually to under 50 grams per day. The diet is very effective for weight loss but requires careful planning and tracking to maintain nutritional ketosis.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. Popular IF methods include 16/8 (fasting for 16 hours, eating in an 8 hour window) or alternate day fasting.
When combined with keto, intermittent fasting can accelerate weight loss by further regulating hormones like insulin and increasing fat-burning mechanisms like autophagy. The appetite suppression from being in ketosis also makes the fasting periods easier to stick to.
Wegovy
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite, causing you to feel fuller while eating less. It also affects areas of the brain involved with regulating food cravings.
In clinical trials, patients taking Wegovy lost on average 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It’s the first FDA-approved weight loss medication since 2014.
There is no definitive “best” weight loss medication, as the optimal choice depends on the individual’s medical history, conditions, previous treatments, potential side effects, and cost considerations. As a healthcare provider, I personalize my approach to weight loss management for each patient, taking these factors into account.
Lab Testing
No weight loss plan is complete without regular lab testing to monitor your key health metrics. Important tests include checking your:
. Metabolic panel to track electrolytes, blood sugar, and kidney function
. Lipid panel for cholesterol and triglyceride levels
. Thyroid hormones, which play a key role in metabolism
. Inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP)
. Nutrient levels like vitamins D, B12, iron and more
By combining a ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting, the medication Wegovy, and routine lab testing, you’ll be attacking weight loss from multiple angles while keeping close tabs on your overall health. Be sure to work closely with your doctor or a medical provider experienced with this multipronged approach.
While challenging, sticking to a clean keto/fasting regimen, taking medications as prescribed, getting regular bloodwork, and making lifestyle adjustments can lead to transformative, long-lasting weight loss and health improvements. Stay consistent and your hard work will pay off!
I am Dr. Nathalia Mesa. I am a board-certified Family Physician originally from Colombia, with more than 20 years of experience. I am delivering care in Bradenton and Sarasota areas, Florida. I attended medical school at CES University in Medellin, Colombia, and graduated in 2003. I did my specialty at SJGH, and graduated from UC Davis as a Family Physician in 2015. I am a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Florida Obesity Society, IAPAM, Empire Medical Training, National Hispanic Medical Association. I have been trained in Medical Weight Management and Aesthetic Medicine. I am fluent in Spanish and English. Medicine is a calling knowing that patient-physician relationship is paramount. I was trained to meet my patients’ health needs with a culture of caring, professionalism, and compassion. I am here to provide excellent care with the time you need. Your health is my purpose. BE WELL WITH DR. MESA!
941-251-0600
www.mesaesthetics.com
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3645 Cortez Road West, Suite 110
Bradenton, FL 34210
