Doctors' Notes
Doctor’s Note – January 2025
Exploring Weight Loss Options: Finding the Right Fit for You
Weight loss is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Today, there are more options than ever to help you reach your weight loss goals, from lifestyle changes to medical and surgical methods. This month, Dr. Jessica Inwood, Director of Medical Weight Management, and Dr. Jorge Huaco Cateriano, Chief of Bariatric & General Surgery, team up to explain each option so you can make informed choices that align with your health needs, goals and lifestyle – and take your first step on the path to weight loss with confidence.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes
This approach may be best if you prefer natural, non-surgical weight loss methods. It can also be a positive first step to help you get into the right mindset for medical or surgical options once you’re ready. Lifestyle and behavioral changes focus on adopting sustainable habits such as:
- Eating primarily whole, natural, unprocessed or minimally-processed foods
- Gradually increasing physical activity, such as walking, strength training or yoga
- Tracking food intake and activity to build awareness
- Addressing emotional eating through mindfulness or counseling
Southcoast Health Weight Loss offers a holistic, nutrition-based program called F.R.E.S.H. Start, focused on teaching better eating through healthy food choices that are available on any budget at your local market. The program is designed to improve your metabolic health, which can improve insulin resistance and blood pressure, lessen inflammation and reduce your risk of heart disease.
“Weight loss isn’t just about achieving a number on a scale – it’s about improving your overall health and wellbeing,” says Dr. Inwood. “Whatever path you choose, remember that progress takes time, and every small step counts. With the right support, you can build a healthier, more vibrant life.”
Medical Weight Management
These programs are led by healthcare providers using prescription weight-loss medications alongside personalized nutrition and physical activity plans. “Known as GLP-1 medications, they are taken by a simple self-injection,” explains Dr. Inwood. “GLP-1s work by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that helps control hunger and blood sugar. Essentially, they tell your brain you’re full while slowing down how quickly food moves through your stomach, so you feel satisfied with less food for longer periods of time.” Together with personalized nutrition and activity plans, GLP-1 medications can bring life-changing results.
Medical weight management options are best for:
- Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30, or greater than 27 for people with health risks such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Those who have tried lifestyle changes without success
- People who prefer structured support under medical supervision
Southcoast Health offers a specially trained team of obesity medicine physicians, registered dietitians, advanced practice providers and behavioral health practitioners who provide support and coach patients through lifestyle modifications every step of the way.
“For anyone struggling with metabolic challenges or significant weight-related health risks, GLP-1s can result in weight loss from 5-20% of their initial weight,” says Dr. Inwood. “When combined with lifestyle adjustments, these interventions can also improve overall health outcomes.”
Surgical Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery can be a transformative option that addresses both physical health and emotional wellbeing. From a medical perspective, it can result in significant weight loss and improvements of many related diseases including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
“Many patients also experience profound emotional changes including increased confidence, renewed energy for daily activities, and improved relationships,” says Dr. Huaco Cateriano. “While weight loss surgery requires careful consideration, it can provide lasting results when combined with lifestyle changes, helping patients reclaim their health and quality of life.”
Surgical weight loss is best for:
- Individuals with severe obesity – a BMI above 40 or above 35 with health complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea
- Those who have struggled with other weight loss methods
- People committed to long-term lifestyle changes to maintain results
Southcoast Health offers minimally invasive options – including laparoscopic and robotic gastric bypass and laparoscopic and robotic sleeve gastrectomy – that alter the digestive system to improve metabolic health, while regulating food intake and reducing hunger signals. Patients may lose up to 77% of their excess weight in the first year – and, on average, maintain 50% of their excess weight loss after five years.
“We take a team approach that goes beyond surgery,” explains Dr. Huaco Cateriano. “That includes registered dietitians, behavioral health practitioners and advanced practice providers who support and coach patients before, during and after surgery. We’re here for the entire journey.”
The Bottom Line
“Both medical weight management and surgical weight loss can offer life-changing results,” says Dr. Huaco Cateriano. “No single option is right for everyone. Each individual’s needs, medical history and preferences are unique. Ultimately, the most successful approach will be one that best fits your lifestyle and health needs.” No matter which path you choose, you’ll never be alone. Southcoast Health is with you every step of the way, with advanced treatments and ongoing support and encouragement.
If you’re ready to explore your weight loss options, our healthcare team is here to guide you. Learn more and get ready to take the first step toward your goals.