Turn on the TV, and whatever station you watch, you’re almost guaranteed to see an ad about a new weight loss program. Many of the traditional weight loss companies, like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, have been around for decades.
But while these get more attention because of how much they advertise, they aren’t the only option. Medical weight loss plans use of science-backed supplements and peptides provided by doctors and doctors’ clinics around the country as an alternative to these trendy programs.
So which type of weight loss program is more effective and healthier? And which works best for you?
Below, we’ll explore the difference between traditional weight loss programs and medical weight loss programs, as well as the pros and cons of both.
Medical Vs. Traditional Weight Loss Programs: What’s The Difference?
A weight loss program is a structured plan that helps individuals lose weight. These programs usually have a goal of assisting people to achieve a healthy weight, which is generally defined as having a body mass index (BMI) between 18.50 and 24.99.
There are many different types of weight loss programs, but most fall into one of two categories: medical or traditional.
What Is A Medical Weight Loss Program?
A medically supervised weight loss program is a type of weight loss program overseen by a physician or other healthcare professional. To start this program, you would need to meet with a doctor or doctor’s clinic.
These programs often use science-backed supplements and peptides to help people lose weight. Medical programs generally have more structure than traditional programs, and they typically require regular check-ins with an experienced healthcare professional.
What Is A Traditional Weight Loss Program?
A traditional weight loss program is a type of program that does not involve oversight from a physician or other healthcare professional. Instead, these programs usually rely on calorie restriction through healthy foods and exercise to help people lose weight.
Traditional programs can be less expensive than medical programs, but they also have less structure. They also provide temporary results in many cases.
The Main Differences
Accountability
Medical weight loss programs typically have more structure than traditional weight loss programs. For example, with a medical weight loss program, you’ll be required to check in with your doctor weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly, and you’ll be given a specific plan to follow.
Meeting with your doctor creates a sense of accountability. You know that you’re going to have someone monitoring your progress. This can be a great motivational drive for many people, especially those who struggle to lose weight on their own.
However, with traditional programs, you may not have this level of structure unless you hire a personal trainer or nutritionist. You’re expected to monitor everything on your own and don’t have the accountability of regular meetings with a doctor.
Effectiveness
There is no definitive answer for which type of weight loss program is more effective – both types have been shown to help people lose weight.
That being said, many people find that they have more success with a medical weight loss program than they do with a traditional weight loss program. This may be because medical weight loss plans typically have more structure, which can help keep people on track.
They also help your body gain muscle mass and lose weight more easily—so you can continue to stay in shape while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that fits you. Many doctors will teach you how to build a healthy lifestyle without losing your hair in the process, making the transition much less stressful.
Both of these factors increase the long-term effects of medical weight loss programs, such as those that use peptides in combination with diet and exercise.
Health Benefits
Medical plans have several health benefits associated with them. In addition to helping individuals lose weight, they may also:
- Improve blood pressure
- Reduce cholesterol levels
- Curve excessive appetites
- Boost your overall health
- Improve your quality and longevity of life
Traditional programs do not always offer these additional health benefits, particularly if you gain weight again quickly after stopping the program. This phenomenon, known as Yo-Yo Dieting, can be very dangerous to your health—and even make it harder to lose weight in the future.
That said, traditional weight loss programs are still effective at assisting individuals when losing weight and weight management.
What Can You Expect From Medical Weight Loss Programs?
1. Use of supplements and peptides
Medical plans use supplements like peptides and science-backed supplements to help people lose weight. These peptides are natural hormones made by the body, which doctors replicate in a lab for supplementation purposes.
A few benefits of peptide supplements can include:
- Increased fat breakdown (and therefore increased energy) through use of peptide BPC 157
- Increased metabolism via another peptide known as HGH Frag 176-191
- Improved sleep and reduced hunger with PYY Peptide YY & MCHP
2. Lower emphasis on physical activity
Medical programs see the benefits of dieting and exercise, but unlike traditional programs, they don’t solely rely on lifestyle for benefits.
Since peptides increase energy levels, you feel less hungry and burn fat more quickly even if you are unable to exercise for 30 minutes a day. The increased metabolism also reduces weight gain over time.
3. Regular doctor’s appointments
Medical programs tend to require you to meet with your doctor to monitor your results. If you go this route, you can expect more follow-ups and ongoing consultations.
For some, costs may be a concern. Many doctors’ offices offer a sliding scale fee for people with financial difficulties, so you can still enjoy the benefits of medical weight loss without spending too much money upfront.
What Can You Expect From A Traditional Weight Loss Program?
1. Diet is a large part of the program
In traditional weight loss programs, diet is integral to helping people lose weight. For this type of plan to be effective, you will need to put forth significant effort in following strict dietary requirements for weeks at a time.
However, these efforts do pay off over time. You’ll be able to lose weight, ideally 1-2 pounds per week.
2. A focus on healthy eating habits
Many traditional plans emphasize healthy food choices. For example, some meal replacements are designed to lower calories and fat than foods that people would typically eat. Others use high-fiber ingredients like bran or beans, which can help keep you full for more extended periods.
While these types of diets may not necessarily lead to quick results, they do promote long-term health benefits – keeping your cholesterol levels low and helping prevent future illnesses such as heart disease.
3. Self-accountability
Traditional programs don’t come with a personal guide or doctor to help you stay on top of your progress. You’ll need to stay motivated and dedicated to your weight loss in order to overcome the temptation to cheat.
Apps like Noom and MyFitnessPal can help you stay on top of things without feeling too overwhelmed.
Which Type Of Weight Loss Program Is Right For You?
The answer to this question will depend on your personal preferences, health history, and other factors. However, medical weight loss programs have shown to be very effective for people struggling with obesity, and they may be a good option for those who have not had success with traditional programs.
It comes down to what will work best for you – if you think that a medical program would suit your needs more than a traditional one, then go ahead and give it a try!
If not, there are many other options available to help you reach your health goals. There is no “best” type of weight loss program out there – all that matters is finding something that works for YOU.
If you want to give a medical weightloss program a try and live in the DFW Metroplex, book an appointment with The Resurge Clinic to find out if our medical weight loss program Trim & Fit could be right for you. We’ll be here for you every step of the way.
