Medical Weight Loss Works When Diet & Exercise Don’t – Prosperity Health | Functional Medicine Doctor

Lose Weight & Keep it Off with Medical Weight Loss

For many individuals struggling with weight loss, diet and exercise alone simply do not yield the desired results. Despite your best efforts, stubborn weight gain often persists – depositing fat where you don’t want it – leading to frustration and a sense of defeat. But it’s important to understand that it is NOT your fault that you can’t lose weight!

Weight gain is caused by many underlying factors beyond diet and activity level. Weight gain can be influenced by numerous factors beyond your control, many of which are rooted in complex medical and metabolic processes. Understanding these factors can help shed light on why losing weight can be so challenging. Heredity, hormonal balance, thyroid, menopause, inflammation, and much more can contribute to the accumulation of fat that dieting or exercise alone simply can’t tackle.

The good news is that at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI, Dr. Nishath Hakim, takes a functional medicine approach to weight loss – offering a comprehensive medical weight loss program designed to address your specific underlying causes of weight gain. By identifying and treating these root causes, medical weight loss can achieve successful and sustainable weight loss where conventional methods like calorie restriction or working out have failed.

CAUSES OF WEIGHT GAIN

Heredity & Weight Loss

Genetics play a significant role in determining your body’s likelihood of gaining and retaining weight. Studies have shown that certain genes can influence metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage. For instance, variations in the FTO gene are associated with increased hunger and caloric intake, leading to weight gain. Additionally, genetic factors can affect how your body processes and stores fat, making it more difficult for some people to lose weight compared to others.

Andropause, Menopause & Weight Loss

Hormonal changes during menopause and andropause (male menopause) can significantly impact weight gain. In men, declining testosterone levels during andropause can lead to increased fat accumulation, especially around the abdomen. Testosterone is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and regulating fat distribution. Lower levels of this hormone result in reduced muscle mass and a slower metabolism, which can contribute to weight gain.

In women, menopause causes a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. Estrogen helps regulate body weight by influencing how fat is stored and distributed. As estrogen levels drop, women may experience an increase in abdominal fat. Additionally, the decline in progesterone can lead to water retention and bloating, further contributing to weight gain.

Stress Hormones & Weight Loss

Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that prepares your body for a “fight or flight” response. While cortisol is essential for short-term stress responses, prolonged elevated levels can lead to weight gain. Cortisol increases appetite and cravings for high-calorie, high-sugar foods, promoting fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. This type of fat, known as visceral fat, is linked to metabolic disorders and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Thyroid Imbalance & Weight Loss

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, leads to a slower metabolism, resulting in weight gain. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance, and dry skin. Conversely, hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, increases metabolism, leading to weight loss and, in some cases, muscle wasting. Proper thyroid function is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and metabolic balance.

Metabolic Syndrome & Weight Loss

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome disrupts normal metabolic processes, making it difficult to lose weight. Insulin resistance, a key component of metabolic syndrome, prevents cells from absorbing glucose, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increased fat storage.

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS DIAGNOSIS

A medical weight loss approach identifies the underlying cause of your weight gain, so that it can be treated to help you lose weight and keep it off!

At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, Dr. Hakim employs advanced diagnostic testing to uncover the specific causes of your weight gain. By using a comprehensive approach, Dr. Hakim can pinpoint the exact factors affecting your weight and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Here are some of the methods we use at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak to identify the underlying cause of your weight gain.

Blood Testing & Weight Loss

Blood tests provide valuable insights into your hormone levels, metabolic health, and overall physiological state. These tests can reveal imbalances in thyroid hormones, insulin, cortisol, and other key indicators of metabolic function. By understanding your hormone profile, Dr. Hakim can identify potential areas of concern and develop targeted treatments to address these issues.

Thyroid Testing & Weight Loss

Comprehensive thyroid testing measures levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to diagnose hypo- or hyperthyroidism. These tests can determine whether your thyroid is functioning properly and guide appropriate treatment to restore balance. Proper thyroid function is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism and body weight.

Gut Health Testing & Weight Loss

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall metabolic health. Gut health testing evaluates the balance of bacteria in your digestive system, identifying dysbiosis (imbalances) that can contribute to weight gain. An unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and altered fat storage. By addressing gut health, you can improve metabolism and support weight loss.

Micronutrient and Stool Testing & Weight Loss

Micronutrient testing identifies deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals that are critical for metabolic processes. Deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins can impair metabolism and energy production. Stool testing provides additional insights into digestive health, identifying issues such as malabsorption, infections, and inflammation that may hinder weight loss efforts.

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENTS

Hormone Balancing for Weight Loss

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is an effective treatment for addressing hormonal imbalances during andropause and menopause. BHRT involves using hormones that are chemically identical to those the body naturally produces. For men experiencing andropause, BHRT can restore testosterone levels, which helps reduce fat accumulation and increase muscle mass. For women undergoing menopause, BHRT can balance estrogen and progesterone levels, alleviating symptoms such as weight gain, hot flashes, and mood swings. By stabilizing hormone levels, BHRT helps improve metabolism and promote weight loss.

Thyroid Treatment for Weight Loss

Thyroid imbalances can significantly impact weight. Hypothyroidism, characterized by an underactive thyroid, slows metabolism and leads to weight gain. Conversely, hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, accelerates metabolism, causing weight loss and other metabolic disturbances. Treatment for thyroid imbalances may include hormone replacement therapy, medications to regulate thyroid function, and dietary adjustments to support thyroid health. Properly managing thyroid function is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and overall metabolic health.

Weight Loss Medications for Weight Loss

In cases where lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, weight loss medications such as semaglutide, Ozempic, and Wegovy can be highly effective. These medications work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and insulin levels. Semaglutide and Ozempic help control blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and promote feelings of fullness. Wegovy, a higher dose of semaglutide, is specifically approved for chronic weight management. These medications, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can lead to significant weight loss and improved metabolic health.

Nutrition & Supplements Tailored to Your Test Results

Proper nutrition is fundamental to any weight loss program. At Prosperity Health, Dr. Hakim tailors dietary recommendations and supplement plans based on your test results. Micronutrient testing identifies specific deficiencies that may hinder weight loss. By addressing these deficiencies with targeted supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, you can optimize your metabolic function and support overall health. Customized nutrition plans ensure that your body receives the essential nutrients it needs to function efficiently and promote weight loss.

Medical Weight Loss | Royal Oak

At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI, Dr. Nishath Hakim uses advanced testing and a comprehensive, holistic approach to create a medical weight loss plan that works for you. By identifying and treating the underlying causes of weight gain—whether hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or nutrient deficiencies—Dr. Hakim’s personalized program helps you achieve sustainable weight loss and improved health.

Don’t let weight gain hold you back from looking and feeling your best. Schedule a medical weight loss consultation with Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak today and start your journey to a healthier, happier you.