A Holistic, Integrative Approach to the Aesthetic Weight Loss ProgramA Holistic, Integrative Approach to the Aesthetic Weight Loss Program

October 28, 2024

5 Min Read

Starting a weight loss program in your aesthetic practice can be a transformative step for both your patients and your practice. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the obesity epidemic affects more than 42% of American adults and continues to grow, expanding the possible role of the aesthetic practitioner. For those patients looking to us for help with weight loss, we need to provide a holistic and integrative approach that achieves both inner and outer wellness, from actually shedding the pounds while maintaining a healthy body composition to offering complementary therapies that support internal and external health.

Understanding the Obesity Crisis

Obesity is a significant public health issue in the U.S. More than two-thirds of American adults are classified as either overweight or obese. This condition is associated with numerous health complications, including insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. As aesthetic practitioners, we are uniquely positioned to address these issues by offering forward-thinking, integrative treatments that not only improve physical appearance but also promote overall health and wellbeing.

Peptides for Weight Loss

Peptides, particularly GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, have emerged as game-changers in the management of obesity. These compounds work by enhancing insulin secretion which reduces appetite and promotes weight loss. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are peptides that have shown significant efficacy in clinical trials. They can be incorporated into your practice’s weight loss program, offering patients effective, medically backed options to help them achieve their weight loss goals.

One of the primary concerns with peptides is the limited amount of research available. New peptides are emerging constantly, but the clinical data supporting their safety and efficacy often lags behind. While the FDA has regulations in place, there is minimal direct communication with providers, making it challenging to navigate compliance. Complicating matters, patients can easily purchase peptides online without a prescription, creating a struggle for healthcare providers to follow government regulations while patients circumvent them. This highlights the need for more comprehensive research and stronger provider-patient-FDA collaboration.

Create an Accessible Practice

Accessibility is key when establishing a weight loss program. Ensure that your services are available to a wide range of patients. Consider factors like cost, location and patient education. Offering flexible payment plans or telemedicine consultations can also make your program more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to participate. Additionally, sourcing peptides and supplements from reputable pharmacies is essential to product access. Always look for a certificate of analysis to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products you offer.

A Thorough Approach

Before starting any weight loss program, it is crucial to conduct thorough bloodwork to assess the patient’s overall health and identify any underlying issues that might affect their ability to lose weight. Key markers to look for include thyroid function (TSH, FT4, T3, TPO), inflammation (CRP), testosterone levels (for both men and women), vitamin D levels, as well as a full blood panel including complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolicpanel (CMP), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and cortisol levels. Taking a comprehensive approach to bloodwork allows you to tailor the weight loss program to the individual needs of each patient, ensuring better outcomes.

Mitigate Potential Muscle Breakdown

One of the potential challenges of rapid weight loss is the risk of muscle breakdown. Incorporating weekly electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) sessions into your program can help mitigate this risk by promoting muscle growth and strength as patients lose fat. This ensures that they not only lose weight but also maintain a healthy body composition.

Offer Complementary Therapies

In addition to peptides and EMS, consider offering complementary therapies such as collagen peptides or collagen boosting supplements, which can support skin elasticity and overall tissue health during weight loss. Magnesium is my all-time favorite and an essential supplement that is required for a healthy metabolism. In addition, metabolism-boosting supplements and dietary counseling can also play a crucial role in helping patients achieve and maintain their weight loss goals. It is important to offer a comprehensive suite of options to support patient health from multiple angles.

Incorporate a Wellness Coach

Integrating a wellness coach into your practice is crucial for the success of a weight loss program. A wellness coach can provide personalized guidance on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, which are essential components of sustainable weight loss. These professionals can offer continuous support and motivation throughout a patient’s weight loss journey. Adding this to an overall holistic approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing not just the physical aspects of weight loss, but the emotional and psychological components as well.

Launching a weight loss program in your aesthetic practice is more than just adding another service; it is about taking a holistic, integrative approach to patient care. By leveraging the latest advancements in peptide therapy, ensuring thorough health assessments through bloodwork and providing ongoing support through wellness coaching, you can help your patients achieve lasting weight loss and improvements in overall health. This approach not only enhances your patients’ lives but also positions your practice as a leader in the evolving field of aesthetic medicine.

About the Author

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Rahi Sarbaziha, MD

Dr. Sarbaziha is a boardcertifi ed integrative aesthetics physician based in Beverly Hills, Calif. Internationally recognized for her unique holistic and integrative approach to cosmetic rejuvenation and inner health, she caters to her patients’ specific needs to achieve longlasting results. With the combination of functional medicine and aesthetics, Dr. Sarbaziha helps patients reach optimal physical beauty and health from the inside out.

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