Medical Weight Loss in Miami: What It Is & How It Works

Evelyn Rodriguez
OB/GYN - APRN
March 2, 2025

Struggling to lose weight despite dieting and exercise? You're not alone. Many people face challenges due to factors like hormone imbalances, metabolism issues, or insulin resistance—things that traditional diets often ignore. That’s where medical weight loss comes in.

Unlike fad diets that promise quick fixes, medical weight loss is a doctor-supervised, science-backed approach that addresses the root causes of weight gain. With the right combination of nutrition, medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes, you can achieve sustainable results.

If you're considering medical weight loss, consulting with a physician is the first step. All-Inclusive Preventive Care in Miami Lakes provides expert guidance, evaluations, and FDA-approved treatment options to help you reach your medical weight loss goals.

Who Can Benefit From Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss programs are designed for patients who:

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 or a BMI over 25 with conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or insulin resistance.
  • Struggle with weight gain due to hormonal changes (e.g., thyroid disorders, menopause, PCOS).
  • Have tried diet and exercise but still experience difficulty losing weight due to genetics or metabolism issues.
  • Need structured weight management programs that include health care supervision, behavior modification, and lifestyle coaching.

Medical weight loss is not just about shedding pounds—it’s about improving quality of life, heart health, energy levels, and long-term well-being.

Learn how menopause affects weight gain and what you can do about it.

What Makes Medical Weight Loss Different from Fad Diets?

Traditional diets often fail because they overlook key health factors such as hormone levels, metabolic rate, and nutritional deficiencies. Medical weight loss is different because it is:

  • Science-backed and doctor-supervised – Unlike trendy diets, medical weight loss is based on research and is supervised by health care providers to ensure safe and effective results.
  • Personalized to your body – Your plan is customized based on your body mass index (BMI), body composition, metabolism, and genetics, not a generic program.
  • Designed for long-term success – The focus is on education, meal planning, behavior modification, and lifestyle adjustments to help you maintain results and avoid weight regain.

Medical weight loss programs are designed to be supervised by a health care professional, ensuring a safe, personalized approach based on medical history, body composition, and individual health needs.

How Medical Weight Loss Works: Key Components

Comprehensive Medical Evaluation

Your weight loss journey starts with a comprehensive health evaluation to understand your body’s unique needs. During your initial consultation, we assess:

  • Body Mass Index (BMI) – This calculation helps determine whether you are underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
  • Metabolic Rate – Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) tells us how efficiently your body burns calories, which affects how quickly you gain or lose weight.
  • Blood Work & Health Screening – We check blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels while screening for diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hormonal imbalance—all of which can impact weight loss.

Did you know? Genetics, behavior, and metabolism all play a role in weight gain. If you’ve been struggling to lose weight despite eating healthy and exercising, an underlying health issue could be the reason.

Customized Nutrition Plans

A healthy diet is the foundation of long-term weight management. Our dietitians create meal plans tailored to your body composition and nutritional needs, incorporating:

  • Macronutrient balance (protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake)
  • Meal replacements for controlled calorie intake
  • Anti-inflammatory foods to improve metabolic health
  • Strategies to reduce sugar and improve energy levels

For those with insulin resistance or diabetes, adjusting carb intake can be essential.

FDA-Approved Medications for Weight Loss

If you've ever felt like hunger and cravings make it impossible to lose weight, you're not alone. Sometimes diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, especially when dealing with metabolic conditions. That’s where FDA-approved weight loss medications can help.

Here are some of the most effective options doctors may prescribe:

  • Semaglutide injections (Ozempic, Wegovy) – Originally used for type 2 diabetes, this GLP-1 receptor agonist regulates appetite and blood sugar, helping you eat less without feeling deprived.
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) – A dual agonist that boosts insulin sensitivity and slows digestion, making you feel full for longer.
  • Phentermine – A stimulant that reduces cravings and helps with portion control.
  • Orlistat – Blocks fat absorption in the stomach and intestines, lowering calorie intake.
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda) – Targets insulin resistance and hunger signals, making weight loss more manageable.

Wondering which medication is right for you? Learn how to get Ozempic for weight loss and explore your options with our medical team!

Lifestyle Coaching & Behavioral Therapy

Medical weight loss is not just about food and medication—it also involves changing daily habits to support long-term success. We focus on:

  • Stress management to prevent emotional eating.
  • Physical activity plans tailored to your fitness level.
  • Strategies to improve sleep, energy, and confidence.

Pair your weight loss journey with exercise. Explore the top-rated gyms in Miami Lakes. Need extra support? Our weight loss experts provide one-on-one coaching to help you succeed!

How-medical-weight-loss-works-in-Miami

Get Started: Take Control of Your Health Today

Medical weight loss is a doctor-supervised, science-backed approach that helps you lose weight safely and effectively. Unlike fad diets, it targets metabolism, hormones, and overall health for long-term success.

At All-Inclusive Preventive Care in Miami Lakes, we offer personalized plans, FDA-approved medications, and expert guidance to help you reach your goals.

📞 Call (305) 200-3141 to learn more.

💻 Request an appointment and start your transformation today!

FAQ: Common Questions About Medical Weight Loss

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Weight loss results vary depending on body composition, metabolic rate, and medication regimen. However, most patients lose one to three pounds per week by following a structured program that includes:

  • FDA-approved weight loss medications such as semaglutide, liraglutide, or bupropion to help control appetite and blood sugar levels.
  • A meal plan designed by a dietitian, focusing on low-fat, nutrient-rich foods for healthy weight management.
  • Behavior modification strategies to reduce emotional eating and unhealthy food choices.
  • Regular physical activity adjustments to optimize muscle retention and fat loss.

Some patients may experience rapid initial weight loss, while others see steady, gradual progress—both are normal.

Do I need surgery to lose weight?

No. Most medical weight loss programs focus on non-surgical approaches using behavior modification, a healthy diet, FDA-approved medications, and physician-supervised care.

However, for patients with severe obesity who do not respond to traditional weight loss programs, other options such as:

  • Bariatric surgery (e.g., gastric bypass or gastric sleeve)
  • Plastic surgery procedures (for body contouring after significant weight loss)
  • Non-invasive treatments like laser rejuvenation

may be discussed with a physician or health care provider.

Does insurance cover medical weight loss?

Coverage depends on your health insurance provider and plan. Some insurance policies may cover:

  • Physical examinations, metabolic testing, and lab work to assess weight-related health risks such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
  • FDA-approved weight loss medications like semaglutide injections, tirzepatide, or phentermine if deemed medically necessary.
  • Nutritional counseling with a dietitian to support long-term weight management.

If you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover medical weight loss, self-pay and financing options are available. All-Inclusive Preventive Care offers flexible payment plans to ensure you can start your weight loss journey without financial stress.

What are the side effects of weight loss medications?

Most FDA-approved weight loss medications are well-tolerated, but some patients may experience mild, temporary side effects, such as:

  • Nausea or diarrhea (common with semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide injections).
  • Constipation, bloating, or stomach discomfort (often seen with orlistat).
  • Dry mouth, increased heart rate, or insomnia (possible with stimulant medications like phentermine).
  • Acid reflux or mild abdominal pain as the body adjusts to the medication.

A physician or health care provider will monitor your response to treatment and adjust your dose as needed to minimize side effects.

What happens if I hit a weight loss plateau?

Weight loss plateaus are common in any weight management journey, but they can be overcome with adjustments, such as:

  • Reassessing metabolic rate to optimize your meal plan and calorie intake.
  • Modifying medication dosage to improve effectiveness.
  • Introducing new behavior modification strategies to enhance long-term adherence.
  • Incorporating resistance training to build muscle and improve fat loss.

Our goal is to continuously adjust your plan so you can keep making progress.

Still have questions? Request a consultation to learn more.

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