Losing weight is serious business – it’s important for your health and self-image. The new “injectable” weight loss medications, semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), and earlier pharmaceutical iterations, such as liraglutide (Saxenda), are safe, FDA-approved medications that can help people lose “amazing” amounts of weight (Weight Loss Medications Fairfax, VA – Weight Loss Pills Fairfax, VA). Many patients describe these medications as “life changing.” The benefits of the GLP-1 medications are enormous, and reports continue to document benefits beyond weight loss (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39833406/):
“Compared to usual care, GLP-1RA use was associated with a reduced risk of substance use and psychotic disorders, seizures, neurocognitive disorders (including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia), coagulation disorders, cardiometabolic disorders, infectious illnesses and several respiratory conditions.”
All medications carry risks, and the GLP-1 medications are no exception. GI side effects are common. Rare side effects such as kidney problems, gallbladder disorders and pancreatitis can also occur – thus the need for medical monitoring by experienced clinicians during treatment with these medications (Side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists | The BMJ).
Many people start their weight loss journey by searching the internet for weight loss programs near them. Some have already tried to lose weight on their own with diet and exercise, and find that no longer works. These patients often seek programs that prescribe weight loss medications, in addition to diet and exercise. This search often finds programs with minimal medical supervision, all virtual visits, and sometimes having compounded medication mailed directly to your home. On the other hand, some weight loss programs emphasize in-person visits with medical providers expert in the use of medications for weight loss, providing individualized weight loss plans, prescribing weight loss medications, with close monitoring of progress, medication responses and side effects.
Virtual visits are certainly convenient, but pose significant issues for medical monitoring. A virtual visit does not allow for an actual physical examination, a critical component for an initial evaluation, and at times subsequent visits. In a virtual visit, the medical practitioner typically sees the head and shoulders of a patient. They do not see the way the patient walks, how thin or not thin the patient looks overall, the absence of presence of tremors or other physical signs that are below the shoulders. The vital signs and weight are typically self-reported by the patient, not directly measured at the clinic. Many providers and patients find a person-to-person conversation more natural than a computer-based interaction, leading to improved communication and understanding of the clinical situation. See this excellent article: (https://rehabcarecoord.com/is-in-person-superior-to-telemedicine/#:~:text=Face%2Dto%2Dface%20interactions%20foster,Assessment%20of%20Non%2DVerbal%20Cues).
How BeLite Can Help
At BeLite Medical Center, we understand that successful weight loss is a multifaceted journey. Our comprehensive approach combines weight loss medications, personalized exercise plans, in-person visits, and healthy diet strategies. If you’ve been struggling to reach your weight goals, our expert team is here to guide you. Although some patients and clinicians find virtual care as good as in-person care, our experience is that in-person care works better, allows effective communication and medical monitoring, enhancing medical safety. We do offer virtual visits if approved by our Medical Director for stable patients.
Booking appointments is simple with our online portal available 24/7 at BELITE MEDICAL CENTER | Scheduling and Booking Website. You can also call or text us at (703) 359‑9200, or email belitemed@gmail.com. We offer free consultations for new patients. If you choose not to enroll, there is no charge. We serve patients across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., the DMV area, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Patients do not sign treatment contracts and can stop coming at any time.
Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not intended to substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Readers should not use this information to diagnose or treat a medical or health condition without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any reliance on the information in this blog is at the reader’s own risk. Individual weight loss results vary based on personal health status and adherence to medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is created by accessing or reading this content.
About Richard B Rothman MD, PhD, Medical Director, BeLite Medical Center
Dr. Rothman is the Medical Director of BeLite Medical Center, which has been helping patients lose weight in the Northern Virginia area since 1996. Board certified in Psychiatry, Dr. Rothman earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Virginia in 1982.
