Choosing Prescription Weight Loss Doctors In NJ – What to Ask

With only a few more weeks until the new year, you may be contemplating your resolutions. For those facing the challenge of medical weight loss, it’s important to partner with the right doctor for your journey. But with so many prescription weight loss doctors in NJ, how do you choose? You have to do some research. However, if you were never under a doctor’s care for weight loss before, you might not know where to start. 

No worries. We’ve put together a list of questions to ask that will help you choose between the prescription weight loss doctors in NJ.

Are They a Bariatric Physician?

A general practitioner or a nutritionist can give you guidance in your efforts to lose weight. However,  if you’re researching prescription weight loss doctors in NJ,a bariatric physician is who you’re looking for. A bariatric physician specializes in medical weight loss. They work with individuals whose weight has put their health at risk and caused them to develop serious medical issues.

It is important to note that a bariatric physician and a bariatric surgeon are two different types of doctors. The physician prescribes weight loss medication, along with recommending diet plans and exercise programs tailored to your physical and medical condition. A bariatric surgeon specializes in weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass surgery. Working with a bariatric physician is the best option to avoid having bariatric surgery.

How to Determine Your Weight Loss Goal?

There are dozens of BMI (body mass index) calculators online to determine if you are overweight and to what extent. There are also charts that provide you with the perfect weight for your height.  While this provides you with a place to start your weight loss journey, they don’t consider your age or any health issues you may be experiencing.

When choosing from the numerous prescription weight loss doctors in NJ, you want to work with one who understands that your ideal weight when you were twenty may not be a realistic goal now that you’re in your fifties.  

How Long Before You Reach Your Weight Loss Goal?

To answer this question, you need to ask yourself how much weight you need to lose. An individual with fifty pounds to lose will probably reach their goal weight sooner than someone who needs to lose a hundred pounds. However, your determination and dedication as well as any physical or medical limitations will also influence how long it will take to reach your weight loss goal.

Your physician will take all these factors into consideration and work with you to develop a realistic goal. When it comes to weight loss, slow and steady wins the race. Rapid weight loss can be unhealthy and difficult to maintain. Initially, losing three to five pounds a week is average, especially if an individual is obese. After the first few weeks or so, this will decrease to one to two pounds a week.

If you have a large amount of weight to lose, setting intermediate goals throughout your weight loss journey can be more motivating than simply focusing on your end goal. These will take less time to achieve and encourage you along the way.

Is Prescription Weight Loss Medicine Right for You?

Weight loss medications are typically prescribed when an individual is struggling with obesity or has serious health issues as a result of their weight. There are some instances where they can be used to help individuals get rid of a small yet stubborn amount of weight. Your physician will evaluate your situation throughout your weight loss journey and determine if you could benefit from prescription weight loss medication. Keep in mind, these medications are not a magic bullet. They will just make your weight loss efforts more effective.

Researching Prescription Weight Loss Doctors in NJ?

It’s time to stop searching and schedule a consultation with Dr. Pinto at Vive Aesthetics and Wellness. If you’ve tried to lose weight on your own with little or no success, Dr. Pinto and his team can help. Vive Aesthetics and Medical Weight Loss is proud to be partners with The Center for Medical Weight Loss, the largest network of physicians specializing in weight loss in the country.

Dr. Pinto is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and has served as the National Medical Director of The Center for Medical Weight Loss since October of 2014. He is responsible for educating and training hundreds of doctors across the country. At Vive, We provide medical weight loss consultations, meal plans, and will help you find the right weight loss solution for you. Schedule a consultation today and change your life for the better.