Weight Management
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, weight loss can be difficult and medical intervention may be necessary to facilitate the desired outcome. Dr. Shadiar Ohadi can help patients in Sherman Oaks, California and surrounding areas to diagnose conditions that may be interfering with weight loss efforts.
How Does Weight Affect My Health?
Having a healthy weight is one of the best measures you can take to prevent and control health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancer. If your weight is causing serious health problems, there are a number of different options your doctor may suggest. This can include medications or even weight-loss surgery.
How Do I Know Which Option is Best?
Before deciding on a course of action, additional tests may be run in order to determine what may be inhibiting your weight loss journey. The tests that are performed can include:
- Thyroid panel – used to evaluate the function of the thyroid and/or help diagnose hypothyroidism
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – a blood test that measures your sugar (glucose) level, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function
- Lipid Panel – measures total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, HDL and LDL cholesterol
- BMI (Body Mass Index) – to determine if you are in a healthy range
- Body Composition Scale and BIA (Bioelectric Impedance Analysis)
Who is a Candidate for Weight-Loss Drugs?
Prescription weight-loss drugs are much stronger than over-the-counter brands and can only be assigned by a licensed physician. They are reserved for those who have medical issues losing weight through diet and exercise alone. Your doctor may consider weight-loss drugs for you if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30
- Your BMI is greater than 27 and you have a serious medical problem related to obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Before deciding on a medication, your doctor will take into account your health history, possible side effects, and any potential interaction of the weight-loss drugs with other medications you may be taking. Contact the office to discuss your weight loss options with Dr. Ohadi.