Losing weight can be difficult. Most people first turn to the basics like exercising and cutting back on the amount of food they eat. However, no matter how hard some people try, they might not be able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.
If this is what you’re going through right now, you are probably searching online for a weight loss endocrinologist near me. You’ll need to get a prescription for a drug like Zepbound or Wegovy and it’s recommended that you speak to a specialist first, preferably an endocrinologist or a physician who specializes in obesity to determine if there is an underlying condition that’s contributing to your weight loss difficulties.
Endocrinologists specialize in managing various health conditions like thyroid disorders, diabetes, pituitary issues, PCOS, osteoporosis and obesity.
What is Obesity?
The WHO defines overweight and obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can be harmful to your health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and a BMI of over 30 is obese. A person’s weight is influenced by a complex mix of genetic factors, upbringing, diet, medications and medical conditions.
Losing weight isn’t as simple as just eating less and moving more. Metabolic health issues arise when your body stores too much fat in places like the muscle cells, liver and pancreas. This in turn can lead to conditions like type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver and increased cardiovascular risks. Moreover, carrying excess weight can contribute to higher cancer risk, sleep apnea and joint problems.
The Connection Between Endocrine Health and Obesity
Obesity is a complex metabolic condition, not just a matter of willpower or self-discipline. It’s not your fault if you’re struggling with weight – it’s tied to intricate biological factors that cause your body to retain more fat. This means that people dealing with obesity might crave calorie-rich foods more often and are more likely to store excess calories as fat.
There are certain hormone imbalances that can lead to weight gain, such as Cushing’s syndrome (which involves high cortisol levels) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). However, these hormonal causes of obesity are relatively uncommon.
In any case, hormones play a vital role in regulating various body functions, and an imbalance can lead to a wide range of health issues including obesity. If your primary care doctor suspects a hormone-related problem, they may refer you to an endocrinologist who can provide specialized care.
When Should I See a Weight Loss Endocrinologist Near Me?
There are many reasons why your primary care doctor might refer you to an endocrinologist. While many people start with traditional weight loss methods, those who have been battling weight issues for years may be looking for more effective solutions. Fortunately, you have several options available.
An endocrinologist will begin by conducting a thorough evaluation to determine if there’s an underlying endocrine disorder contributing to your weight gain. If no underlying issues are found, they will then discuss various weight loss strategies with you like nutritional guidance, exercise programs and possibly weight loss medications.
What Hormonal Conditions Could Make Weight Loss Medications Unsafe for You?
Certain weight loss medications, like Wegovy or Zepbound, shouldn’t be used if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. Also if you have gastrointestinal issues, such as slow stomach emptying or chronic constipation, these medications might worsen those problems.
Other weight loss drugs have different contraindications based on how they work. Qsymia isn’t suitable for people with excessively high thyroid levels or with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
What’s the Difference Between Ozempic and Wegovy?
There’s a lot of focus on Ozempic these days, but it’s Wegovy that’s actually marketed for weight loss. Both medications are semaglutide injections, but Wegovy has a slightly higher maximum dose.
Some media outlets suggest that Ozempic should be reserved for diabetes treatment, but many medical professionals who have been working with the drug for years, see things differently. In fact, Wegovy was specifically studied for weight loss and the FDA approved it for this purpose in individuals aged 12 and older. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are produced by the same company, with the primary difference being their FDA approval: Wegovy is cleared for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for diabetes management.
Challenges and Benefits of Semaglutide Medications
Dr. Anne Peters, an endocrinologist at Keck Medicine, has been working with these types of medications for two decades. She has also contributed to national and international guidelines for diabetes treatment for both European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and both the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
One major hurdle with these medications is that obesity isn’t always viewed as a medical condition in the U.S., which often results in insurance companies refusing to cover them. Moreover, the recent rise in their use for treating obesity has caused supply shortages.
Dr. Peters endorses the use of these medications when prescribed appropriately. The problem arises when they are taken by individuals who do not have a genuine need for weight loss. While she doesn’t oppose their use for weight management in general, the current issue lies in the limited availability.
In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 41.9% of the U.S. population was categorized as obese. She highlights that obesity is a widespread issue, noting that a significant portion of the U.S. population is either obese or overweight. If there are effective and simple ways to help people lose weight, she believes all available resources should be utilized.
How Much Weight Can You Lose on Ozempic or Wegovy?
In clinical trials where participants were given the highest doses of Wegovy, the average weight loss was around 15% of their body weight.
This outcome is considered quite significant, as people who continued taking the medication were able to maintain this weight loss, which is often a challenge with just diet and exercise.
However, it’s important to understand that Ozempic and Wegovy are not miracle solutions for weight loss.
These drugs might help you shed about 25 pounds, which is certainly beneficial, but it might not be sufficient for everyone. The amount of weight loss varies widely among individuals and some people might lose up to 50 pounds, while others may not see any change.
How Do Ozempic and Wegovy Work?
Ozempic and Wegovy mimic a hormone in your body called glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 plays multiple roles in regulating your body’s response to food including:
Appetite Control
After you eat, GLP-1 levels increase and these send signals to your brain to help manage food intake. Ozempic and Wegovy bind to brain receptors associated with satiety making you feel full.
Slowing Digestion
These drugs also slow down the emptying of your stomach so you will feel full longer which is somewhat similar to what happens after bariatric surgery.
Blood Sugar Management
For those with diabetes, semaglutide assists your pancreas in producing more insulin to lower blood sugar levels. If you don’t have diabetes, these medications help keep your blood sugar within the normal range.
While these medications are effective, they don’t provide permanent weight loss. After a while, your weight loss may plateau as your body adjusts so if you stop taking the medication, your hunger will likely return and you may regain the weight you lost.
There’s still a lot to learn about why people become overweight. It’s not just about lack of willpower or overeating. Various factors, including biological mechanisms, emotional eating, and individual metabolisms, play a role too.
Obesity is notoriously difficult to treat and when you lose weight, your body tends to push you to regain it, which is why maintaining weight loss is so tough.
How Does Endocrinology Contribute to Metabolism and Obesity Management?
When considering ways to boost metabolism or address health issues related to obesity, you might not immediately think of hormones. However, endocrinology which is the medical field that focuses on hormones, is important in evaluating and treating obesity to improve metabolic health.
At Holland Hospital Endocrinology, Dr. Karl Nadolsky, a board-certified endocrinologist and obesity specialist, works with patients to enhance their health. Even modest weight loss can lead to significant health improvements.
How Weight Loss Medications Can Help You
If you’re like most people, shedding more than 3% to 5% of your body weight solely through diet and exercise can be challenging. This difficulty arises because your brain’s hypothalamus, which acts as a regulator, often resists weight loss by boosting your hunger and slowing down your metabolism.
Given this challenge, certain medications can aid in achieving more substantial weight loss, around 10% to 15% of your body weight. These medications work by curbing your appetite and are prescribed alongside a diet and exercise plan under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Some of the commonly prescribed options include:
- Phentermine
- Qsymia (a combination of phentermine and topiramate)
- Contrave (a blend of bupropion and naltrexone)
- Orlistat (which reduces fat absorption rather than decreasing appetite and is available as Xenical)
- Plenity (a super absorbent hydrogel that takes up space in your stomach)
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic) enhance the function of your pancreas, increase feelings of fullness and slow down digestion. Some have been used to treat type-2 diabetes (T2D) for over 15 years, and more recently, the FDA has approved certain ones for weight loss. These drugs are administered as daily or weekly injections.
- Saxenda (liraglutide, approved for weight loss)
- Victoza (liraglutide, approved for T2D but not for weight loss)
- Wegovy (semaglutide, approved for weight loss)
- Ozempic (semaglutide, approved for T2D but not for weight loss)
- Mounjaro (a GLP-1/GIP agonist approved for T2D, with expected approval for weight loss soon)
The last 2 years due to high demand and production issues, there was a shortage of these medications. Unfortunately, some people who don’t have a significant medical need were using them so many are left without access.
8 Tips for Finding the Right Endocrinologist for Weight Loss
Choosing an endocrinologist for weight loss is key to maintaining effective control over your condition. Here are some tips to help you choose:
Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to your family, friends, or other doctors for suggestions. Ask them why they prefer a particular endocrinologist to see if they might be a good fit for you. You can also contact local JDRF or ADA chapters for a list of highly recommended specialists.
Check the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) Website
The AACE’s “Find an Endo” tool lets you search for specialists by location and area of interest.
Look for In-Network Doctors
To reduce your out-of-pocket costs, use your insurance company’s resources to find endocrinologists within your network.
Do Your Homework
Once you have some names, research their expertise, affiliations, and patient reviews online. Look into where they went to medical school, their board certification, fellowship training and any specialization. Remember, everyone has different needs, so someone who is perfect for one patient might not be the best match for you.
Schedule a Visit
Consider how you feel about the endocrinologist and their staff. You should feel comfortable and trust them as you’ll be working closely with them over time.
Ask Questions
Prepare questions to understand their approach to weight management, glucose control, and diabetes technology. Check if they are knowledgeable about the tools you use or are interested in, like insulin pumps and CGMs.
Consider Logistics
Think about their office hours, their office location and how well they fit into your schedule. A perfect doctor isn’t much help if you can’t find time to see them.
Don’t Hesitate to Switch
Your health is paramount. If you’re not satisfied with the care you’re receiving, it’s okay to find a new endocrinologist.
What to Expect During Your Endocrinologist Visit
During your first appointment, the endocrinologist will ask various questions to help diagnose your condition. They may inquire about:
- Current medications
- Your medical history
- Family history of hormonal issues
- Lifestyle and dietary habits
It’s helpful to note any symptoms before your visit. The endocrinologist might ask about seemingly unrelated symptoms because a minor change in one gland can affect your entire body.
They will likely check your blood pressure, heart rate, skin, teeth, hair and mouth, and might take blood and urine samples for testing. Based on their findings, they will suggest a treatment plan tailored to the underlying condition causing your symptoms.