Black History Month is a time to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. It’s also an important moment to reflect on ongoing challenges, especially in healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect Black Americans, particularly Black women. These disparities stem from historical injustices, socioeconomic barriers, and biases in the healthcare system that continue to impact lives today.
The statistics paint a stark picture of the health challenges faced by Black women.
These disparities are not due to genetics alone but are influenced by systemic barriers, including lack of access to quality healthcare, economic inequality, and the lasting effects of medical racism.
One of the most troubling aspects of healthcare inequity is implicit bias, or unconscious prejudices that affect medical decisions. Studies show that Black patients are often undertreated for pain due to outdated and false beliefs about biological differences. This bias leads to mistrust in the healthcare system and can discourage Black women from seeking necessary care.
The maternal health crisis among Black women is particularly alarming. Issues such as limited access to prenatal care, dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers, and preexisting health conditions all contribute to the higher mortality rates. Heartbreaking stories like Shalon Irving's highlight the urgent need for systemic change. Organizations such as the Black Mamas Matter Alliance are fighting for better policies and increased awareness to protect Black mothers and their babies.
Creating meaningful change requires a collective effort. Together, we must:
Black History Month is a reminder of the strength and perseverance of the Black community. It’s also a call to action to acknowledge and address the healthcare disparities that continue to exist. Spend your days advocating for policy reform, educating yourself and others on the history and impact of medical racism, and supporting organizations working to improve Black health outcomes. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every Black woman, or better yet, every Black American has access to safe, equitable, and compassionate healthcare.
For more resources and ways to get involved, visit:
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in response to prolonged or repeated trauma. While similar to traditional post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), CPTSD includes additional symptoms that reflect the long-term effects of sustained trauma, often experienced in childhood or abusive relationships. Follow along as we explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for complex PTSD and provide insight for those affected.
Complex PTSD arises from exposure to chronic trauma, typically occurring over months or years. Unlike PTSD, which can develop after a single traumatic event, CPTSD is associated with situations where escape feels impossible, such as:
The condition is recognized by leading mental health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). However, it is not yet a standalone diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
CPTSD shares core symptoms with PTSD, such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, and hyperarousal. However, it also includes additional symptoms, often referred to as disturbances in self-organization (DSO):
The primary cause of complex PTSD is prolonged exposure to trauma, especially in situations involving power imbalances, betrayal, or lack of control. Examples include:
The key factor is the ongoing nature of the trauma, which prevents individuals from recovering between events. Continued exposure to such environments often leads to a deeply ingrained sense of fear, mistrust, and helplessness that persists even after the trauma ends.
Effective treatment for complex PTSD involves a combination of therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual’s needs. Common treatment options include:
If you or someone you know may be experiencing complex PTSD, reaching out for professional help is crucial. Recovery often begins with acknowledging the trauma and seeking a compassionate, experienced therapist who specializes in trauma-informed care, like the therapists at KindlyMD. Schedule an appointment today or poke around our website to learn more about our mental health services.
Complex PTSD is a challenging condition, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can empower individuals to take the first steps toward healing. By raising awareness and fostering compassion, we can create a supportive environment for those affected by CPTSD. Recovery is a journey that requires time, patience, and the right tools, but it is possible.
While commonly associated with children, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects individuals of all genders and ages. For women, ADHD symptoms are often subtle and less recognized, which can make diagnosis challenging. Many women may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, resulting in feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. Understanding ADHD symptoms in women is key to accurately diagnose and effectively treat it, especially as many adult ADHD symptoms differ from the more common portrayals of the disorder.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While often diagnosed in childhood, symptoms can persist into adulthood, sometimes becoming more challenging to identify as individuals age. ADHD affects both men and women, but the way it manifests in women can differ significantly from men. According to experts at Cleveland Clinic, women may experience more internalized symptoms, making it harder for them to find a diagnosis or seek appropriate care.
1. Inattention and Disorganization
One of the hallmark adult ADHD symptoms in women is difficulty maintaining focus, staying organized, and completing tasks. Women with ADHD may often find themselves distracted or unable to prioritize, leading to problems at home, in the workplace, or in social settings. This can include:
These symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to being "busy" or "overwhelmed," and are thus commonly overlooked by healthcare professionals, contributing to delayed diagnosis.
2. Emotional Dysregulation
Another common ADHD symptom in women is emotional dysregulation, which refers to difficulty managing emotions. Women with ADHD often experience intense mood swings, irritability, and feelings of overwhelm. The emotional symptoms of ADHD can be easily misinterpreted as anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders. Women with ADHD may often feel like they are "on edge" or have trouble handling stress, which leads to:
These emotional symptoms can be particularly difficult to manage and often result in lower self-esteem and higher levels of stress, making it harder to recognize ADHD as the underlying cause.
3. Chronic Procrastination
Procrastination is one of the most common and debilitating adult ADHD symptoms in women and men alike. Women with ADHD may struggle with starting or completing tasks, especially if they are complex or require sustained focus. This delay in getting things done can often be perceived as laziness, but it is usually a result of ADHD-related challenges such as difficulty with time management, task prioritization, and focus. Symptoms may include:
This pattern can result in stress and anxiety, especially when deadlines approach, or with neglect of other responsibilities.
4. Hyperfocus
While inattention is a key symptom of ADHD, another trait that many women with ADHD experience is the ability to "hyperfocus" on certain tasks or activities. When hyperfocused, a person may become so engrossed in a particular activity that they lose track of time and neglect other responsibilities. For women with ADHD, hyperfocus can manifest in various ways, including:
While hyperfocus boosts productivity, it often causes problems with and neglect of important tasks — such as household chores, social obligations, or professional responsibilities.
5. Sleep Issues
Women with ADHD often experience trouble sleeping. They may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, occassionally exacerbated by racing thoughts or hyperactivity. As Cleveland Clinic explains, women with ADHD may also struggle with irregular sleep patterns, which further affect their energy levels and focus during the day. These sleep-related issues can include:
These sleep disturbances not only worsen ADHD symptoms but also contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
6. Impulsivity and Risk-Taking Behavior
Though less noticeable than hyperactivity, impulsivity is another common symptom of ADHD in women. This may include making hasty decisions without considering the consequences, such as uninhibited spending, overeating, or acting without thinking. Impulsivity in women with ADHD might manifest as:
While impulsivity can sometimes lead to creative breakthroughs or spontaneity, it can also result in regrets and problematic life choices.
While ADHD affects both men and women, there are notable differences in how it manifests between the genders. In women, ADHD symptoms tend to be more internalized, which can make the disorder more difficult to recognize. Some key differences include:
If you suspect that you or a woman you know may have ADHD, seeking a professional evaluation is essential. A Care Provider at KindlyMD can assess symptoms and determine if ADHD is the cause of difficulties in attention, organization, and emotional regulation. Diagnosis typically involves:
Treatment for ADHD generally includes a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, are commonly prescribed to help manage the symptoms of ADHD. Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, may also be prescribed for individuals who do not respond well to stimulants. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies can also help women with ADHD manage emotional regulation, improve time management skills, and cope with stress.
Understanding ADHD symptoms in women is critical for ensuring that women receive the diagnosis and treatment they need to improve their quality of life. Many women with ADHD experience symptoms like inattention, emotional dysregulation, procrastination, and impulsivity that often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. By recognizing the unique presentation of adult ADHD symptoms in women, healthcare providers can offer more tailored and effective care. If you suspect ADHD is affecting your life, don't hesitate to reach out to schedule with one of our compassionate Care Providers or therapists. Our integrated care team can help you feel better with a custom combination of medication management, behavioral healthcare, and alternative treatments, as needed.
Anxiety affects millions of people in this country, yet it often goes unnoticed or misunderstood. While occasional feelings of nervousness or worry are part of life, persistent anxiety can be debilitating. In this article, we will discuss how to identify anxiety symptoms, explore effective medication for anxiety, and learn when it's time to seek professional help at an anxiety treatment center like KindlyMD.
Anxiety can manifest in many ways, depending on the person. Some individuals may experience physical anxiety symptoms, while others may struggle more with emotional or cognitive challenges. Here are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety:
1. Constant Worry
If you find yourself frequently worrying about things that aren't typically stressful, such as small daily tasks or future events, it could be a sign of generalized anxiety. This excessive worry can become overwhelming and difficult to control.
2. Physical Symptoms
Anxiety can take a toll on your body. Common physical symptoms include:
These symptoms often make anxiety feel like a physical condition, which can lead to confusion about whether it’s an emotional issue or something more serious.
3. Difficulty Sleeping
Anxiety often disrupts sleep, whether it's due to racing thoughts or the physical discomfort of restlessness. Insomnia, or trouble falling and staying asleep, is a hallmark symptom of anxiety.
4. Avoidance Behavior
People with anxiety often avoid certain situations that trigger their symptoms. This can lead to social isolation, missed opportunities, and a decreased ability to manage daily responsibilities.
5. Irrational Fears or Panic Attacks
For some, anxiety presents itself as overwhelming fear or panic, often without a clear trigger. Panic attacks can be intense and frightening, with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and feelings of impending doom. These episodes can sometimes make everyday activities feel impossible.
For many individuals, managing anxiety through lifestyle changes, therapy, and relaxation techniques is sufficient. However, when anxiety symptoms become chronic and impact your daily life, medication may be necessary to help restore balance.
Anxiety medication can provide relief from the overwhelming symptoms, enabling you to function more effectively in your day-to-day activities. Common types of medication include:
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of anxiety treatment for your specific needs.
If your anxiety is becoming too difficult to manage on your own, reach out to a professional at an anxiety treatment center that can offer a comprehensive approach to healing, like KindlyMD. Our integrated Care Team will assess your condition and tailor an individualized care plan with a combination of therapy, medication management, and alternative treatments.
At KindlyMD, you’ll not only get access to medical professionals but also gain a supportive environment where you can address the root causes of your anxiety. This holistic approach ensures that you receive both emotional and medical support, empowering you to live a life with less fear and more control. Experts in conservative & alternative mental healthcare, KindlyMD therapists and Behavioral Health Clinicians treat mental health disorders from a place of openness and compassion.
By recognizing anxiety symptoms early, you can take proactive steps toward managing your condition and regaining control over your life. Don’t wait for your anxiety to get worse. Schedule an appointment at our clinic today to learn more about the anxiety treatment options we offer. Our dedicated Care Team is here to support you every step of the way.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and potentially serious sleep disorder, causing the muscles in the back of your throat to relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway and disrupting breathing. For millions of people around the world, the condition causes loud snoring, frequent awakenings, and daytime fatigue. It can also lead to more serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Traditionally, the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea have included continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss. However, recent breakthroughs are changing the landscape of OSA management. One of the most significant developments is the FDA’s approval of the first-ever medication to treat obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
The approval of this medication represents a major step forward in sleep apnea treatments. The medication, developed to improve airflow and reduce airway blockages during sleep, works differently than traditional therapies like CPAP. It offers an alternative for those who have difficulty using CPAP or who suffer from persistent symptoms despite treatment.
For people with moderate to severe OSA, weight loss medications can be a game-changer. They target some of the underlying causes of obstructive sleep apnea and offer a non-invasive option when used alongside other treatments for better overall results.
While medications are a promising addition to the treatment arsenal for OSA, one of the most effective ways to manage and even reverse obstructive sleep apnea is through weight loss. Obesity is a leading risk factor for OSA, with excess fat tissue around the neck and throat contributing to airway obstruction.
Medical weight loss programs can play a crucial role in reducing the severity of OSA symptoms. In many cases, losing even a modest amount of weight can result in significant improvements in sleep quality and overall health. This is where GLP-1 medications, a new class of drugs used for weight management, come into play.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, have recently gained attention for their weight-loss benefits. These medications help regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss, which can be especially valuable for people suffering from OSA.
By helping individuals lose weight, GLP-1 medications may reduce fat around the neck and throat, improving airflow and reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. For many people with OSA, weight loss is one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of apneas and hypopneas (partial blockages) that occur during sleep, leading to better overall sleep quality and fewer associated health risks.
While weight loss, medications, and CPAP therapy are all valuable components of OSA treatment, the most effective approach often involves a combination of strategies. Medical weight loss programs and GLP-1 medications can be used alongside traditional treatments, such as CPAP or BiPAP therapy, for comprehensive care.
By addressing multiple aspects of the condition, individuals with OSA can experience more significant improvements in their quality of life, energy levels, and overall health.
The approval of the first-ever medication for obstructive sleep apnea is an exciting step forward in the management of this common and potentially dangerous condition. When combined with medical weight loss strategies and the use of GLP-1 medications, this new treatment option could offer significant relief to many people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with OSA or suspect that you may have the condition, schedule today with a KindlyMD care provider to discuss the best treatment plan for your needs. With advancements in sleep apnea treatments, including the approval of new medications and weight loss options, there has never been a better time to seek help and improve your sleep health.
Some people seem to have no trouble losing weight and keeping it off. If that doesn't sound like you, dropping those unwanted pounds may feel like an insurmountable challenge. We have good news. Advances in medical science now make weight loss a reasonable goal for most people. It is possible through medically managed weight loss.
What is medically managed weight loss? Moreover, how does it work? You are about to find out. If you or someone you love has consistently struggled to maintain a healthy weight, you might find this information extremely valuable. Feel free to follow up by scheduling a visit at one of our Utah clinics.
Let us begin with a basic definition of medically managed weight loss. Also known as 'medical weight loss' and 'medically supervised weight loss', medically managed weight loss is a comprehensive approach to weight loss and weight management supervised by trained healthcare professionals. Its main characteristics are:
If you think you might be a candidate for medically managed weight loss, don't be afraid to visit KindlyMD. If this type of program isn't right for you, we can help you move in another direction. There are multiple ways to lose weight and keep it off. We want to help you find a way that's most likely to work for you.
Like so many other things in healthcare, clinicians work through a process as they assist patients with medically managed weight loss. The first step of the process is an initial health assessment. Healthcare providers meet with patients to:
The initial health assessment allows a provider to come up with a personalized treatment plan. The provider presents the plan to the patient, and they go through it together. There could be any number of proposals on the table, including:
If necessary, a healthcare provider might even recommend potential surgical options. But because surgery is invasive, such options are offered as a last resort. Medically managed weight loss tends to start with the least invasive option and then move forward from there.
Of course, no medically managed weight loss program would be complete without ongoing support. Providers work with patients to monitor progress by way of tracking and regular checkups. Additional support is offered through nutritional counseling and medication management. Patients are encouraged to take advantage of educational opportunities capable of making their weight loss journeys easier.
We get the fact that weight loss and healthy weight management have long been difficult for so many people. We are happy to say that medically managed weight loss is the answer for some. Is it the answer you have been looking for? The only way to know for sure is to sit down with a healthcare provider and talk about it. Visit KindlyMD to learn more about this.
Honesty time: Have you ever looked at someone who is obese and thought to yourself, "That person lacks the willpower to eat less and exercise." Almost declaring them less than or deserving of their condition? You are not alone in this thought, but let me be very clear: you are wrong.
According to the American Psychological Association, willpower is the ability to resist short-term temptations in order to meet long-term goals. (APA, 2012). We can further define this as overriding unwanted thoughts, feelings, or impulses. In this regard, it seems reasonable to connect an inability to overcome the temptation of overeating to a person's willpower. But willpower depletes when conditions diminish. Studies show that if a person feels persistently bombarded with choices and stress, they will eventually break down and succumb to temptation. So yes, your mother was right when she warned you about hanging out with those friends she saw as bad influences.
If willpower is the ability to resist short-term temptations and impulses in order to achieve long-term goals, it involves the capacity to override an unwanted thought, feeling, or impulse, and is often likened to a muscle that can be strengthened with use but also fatigured. While willpower can play a role in many aspects of life like diet and exercise, it's important to understand that it is not the sole factor determining body weight.
In summary, while sheer will can contribute to making healthier choices, it's not even close to the sole determinant of an individual's weight. Acknowledging the broader range of factors involved in weight management is crucial for developing more effective and compassionate approaches to addressing obesity and promoting overall health.
When willpower is overcome by all the factors discussed above, some people experience shame for the inability to control their cravings, hunger, and weight. Shame is the single most destructive experience for those who struggle with the idea that they are not their ideal weight. With the help of a holistic medically managed weight program, GLP-1 medications, and integrated mental health programming, millions of people can now achieve their ideal, healthy weight. More importantly, they can now maintain it throughout their life.
If you or someone close to you struggles with their weight, call 801-851-5554 today or email hello@kindlymd.com to set up a free consultation with a healthcare professional and discuss the right treatment plan for you.
The weight a person carries is something that goes beyond simple lifestyle and choices. It involves complex and complicated genetic, environmental, and physical factors. This is why there are entire industries that have been built on weight loss, diets, and exercise. It's why you can scroll forever watching fitness and diet influencers on Instagram and TikTok spewing their advice to everyone that will listen.
But all "body positivity" aside, those struggling to lose weight may want to consider the role medication plays in managing weight effectively and efficiently.
"Not everyone can eat less, exercise, and lose weight with willpower alone. Often times genes, hormones, environment, sleep, and mental health play a huge role."
Tim Pickett, PA-C, medical weight loss expert and founder of KindlyMD
While nutrition and physical activity are fundamental to weight management, they are not enough for everyone. Medications provide an additional tool that can help overcome the biological barriers to weight loss faced by many.
Appetite is regulated by hormones. The stomach, pancreas, intestines, and fat cells secrete chemicals that tell the brain to eat. Some of us are then drawn to certain foods more than others. I like cookies, cakes, and baked goods, while my wife enjoys salty chips and fruity candy. Hormones and other chemical signals are regulated by functions evolved over hundreds of thousands of years. These hormones provide the drive to feed the body with calories, which it then converts to energy. Energy equals survival.
The primary hormone sending hunger signals to the brain is called Ghrelin, and it is produced in the stomach. Remove most of the stomach (like what happens in a sleeve gastrectomy surgery) and you reduce the body's ability to produce Ghrelin. This makes sleeve gastrectomy surgery the most common bariatric surgery performed today, with a 25-35% overall weight loss success rate. If you have more than 100 pounds to lose, surgery may still be the best medical route to take.
Hunger, however, is not the only reason people gain weight over the years. Multiple factors lead to body weight. Genetics, environment, medical conditions, inflammation, sleep hygiene, injuries, emotional factors, finances, stress, hormones, medications, behavior, and many other factors also contribute to weight gain.
Despite what we've all been told, calories in and calories out isn't the answer either. This theory assumes we absorb 100% of all the calories we consume, and we certainly do not. Hormones play a role here, too — insulin specifically.
Consider the number of people in the world with hormone imbalances. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is linked to increased weight gain. Many have thyroid problems also, another hormonal concern that has huge implications for weight issues.
Furthermore, when the body loses weight, the brain kicks in to protect us from starvation. This launches a cascade of hunger hormone release and a reduction of the feeling of fullness. The metabolic process actually slows down. You read that correctly: your metabolism actually slows down when you lose weight. It makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint of survival, but for us modern humans, it has very little, if any, real benefit. In fact, it's a major hurdle to overcome in a weight loss journey.
The body seems to have it's own weight set point: the size it wants to be, regardless of your situation. I'm built like my dad, you're built like your mom. Interviews with obese patients often find that people try out 20 or more diet or exercise programs before finding a solution or giving up entirely. For some, trying new fad diets, joining gyms, paying trainers, and following health influencers online is a lifetime commitment.
Now, this isn't all to say you should avoid exercise or eat whatever you want. It's meant to show that weight loss is not one-size-fits-all with a set willpower-driven solution. While you may temporarily reduce your caloric intake, the odds are stacked against you to keep the weight off long term.
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medications, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are a class of a drugs commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These medications have taken the world by storm after being approved for use by the FDA for weight loss. They mimic the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels. GLP-1 medications have many effects and functions on the body.
There are many FDA-approved medications for patients looking to lose weight. Phentermine, Orlistat, Contrave, Saxenda, etc., though none are more popular right now than the GLP-1 medications Semaglutide (Ozempic & Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro & ZepBound). These medications are helping people lose weight at such a pace that it has taken the media by storm. As a result, you've likely seen articles claiming "the end of obesity" written by doctors and surgeons who are convinced we are at an inflection point in American healthcare, body positivity be damned.
Let's compare these popular medications and what they do.
Medications should be a part of a broader plan that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and psychological support. It's essential to tailor the approach to each patient, taking into consideration their medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals.
Lifestyle changes, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress reduction, and mental healthcare are still the cornerstone of weight management. Any program that doesn't include follow-up education on functional progress, muscle building, nutrition, and mental healthcare are not effective long-term. Rather, the inclusion of these things makes a medical weight loss program including GLP-1 medications that much more successful, offering promise to millions looking to make a change.
At KindlyMD, our mission is to revolutionize holistic healthcare by integrating medically managed weight loss as a cornerstone of our Complete Care service. We are dedicated to empowering individuals on their health journey through a combination of cutting edge medications, such as Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro/ZepBound (Tirzepatide), with personalized mental health support, body composition analysis, and nutrition and exercise counseling. Our approach is rooted in compassion, innovation, and the belief that optimal health encompasses both the mind and body, ensuring every patient achieves sustainable success.
Call 801-851-5554 today or email hello@kindlymd.com to set up a free consultation with a healthcare professional and discuss the right treatment plan for you.
Obesity is a global health crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It's not just about excess weight. It's a complex medical condition linked to numerous health risks including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic pain, and certain types of cancer. Traditional methods like diet and exercise are essential, but for many, they are not enough to achieve and maintain significant weight loss. This is where GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, Semaglutide, and ZepBound come into play, offering new hope and better outcomes.
I've never seen medications with this much potential to change people's lives for the long term and for the better. I worked in weight loss surgery for seven years and these drugs are a breakthrough.
Tim Pickett, PA-C, founder of KindlyMD
The FDA recently approved GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists, a class of injectable medications originally approved to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients, to help people lose weight. Medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and the newer ZepBound are some of the fastest-growing medications in the U.S.
GLP-1 medications mimic the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, released in response to eating. These drugs enhance insulin secretion, suppress glucagon production, and slow gastric emptying. They basically slow down the GI system so you can't eat as much. This results in a decrease in appetite and an increase in feeling full, which leads to significant weight loss.
GLP-1 medications:
Extensive clinical trials have been done on GLP-1 medications in weight management. For instance, studies on 2,500 obese adults who took 5mg or more of Mounjaro showed that participants lost up to 15-20% of their body weight. Similar results have been observed with Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications, making them a powerful tool against obesity.
Recently, FDA approved GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro to treat obesity in patients with a BMI over 27 with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. This marks a significant shift toward recognizing these medications as a primary treatment for weight management. This does not mean your insurance will pay for the drug, however. It does mean that insurance will cover the medical management of the medications (visits, labs, etc.) while you pay for the medication out of pocket.
Only incorporate GLP-1 medications into a weight loss program under medical supervision. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and regular monitoring of health parameters. At KindlyMD, our healthcare providers offer guidance on the optimal use of these medications, tailor them to your individual health needs and goals, and integrate them into a holistic approach to healthcare. We practice the MEANS model of weight management: Medical, Emotional, Activity, Nutrition, Sleep.
Each GLP-1 medication has its own unique profile
Like all medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists come with potential side effects. Common ones include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Rare but serious side effects can also occur, so patients should work closely with their healthcare providers during treatment.
Our case studies show that real-world use of GLP-1 medications combined with integrated diet and physical activity guidance, can lead to life-changing weight loss and health improvements. Patients can report not only reduced body weight but also improved overall health markers, including lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol, and reduced prescription medications for related conditions. Even more exciting is the mental health gains patients see with the positive change. Our integrated approach helps paitents make the change long-term and lasting.
The approval of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is a watershed moment in the management of obesity. With their ability to significantly reduce weight and improve metabolic health, these drugs represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of a condition that has long been challenging to manage effectively. As research continues and more long-term data becomes available, GLP-1 medications are set to become a cornerstone of obesity management, providing hope to those who have struggled with weight loss for years.
If you are someone you know strugges with weight they just cannot seem to lose, give us a call at 801-851-5554 or email hello@kindlymd.com and our team can schedule a no-risk, no-cost consultation with a weight loss provider.
