GIP Medical Weight LossFriendswood, TX
GIP medical weight loss programs involve using medications to boost hormones in your body that play an integral role in weight loss. They have recently skyrocketed in popularity, and for good reason. With the help of a doctor, patients can achieve a healthy and realistic weight loss goal suitable for their body type.
Reset Medical offers GIP medication prescriptions in our weight loss programs. Our team takes a comprehensive, personalized approach to weight management. To learn more or to see if you are a candidate for GIP medical weight loss, call our Friendswood office at 1-281-816-4707.
What is GIP Medical Weight Loss?
GIP, also known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or gastric inhibitory polypeptide, is a hormone naturally produced in the gut and secretes to the circulation in response to food intake. Its primary purpose is to help regulate blood sugar and fat metabolism. However, this hormone can cause fluctuations in glucose levels—the blood’s sugar measurement when this hormone does not work properly.
As the name suggests, GIP medical weight loss uses GIP medications, which mimic one or two naturally producing hormones to suppress appetite and reduce glucose levels. Note that if they mimic two naturally producing hormones, the second is glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1. The medication will then be considered a GLP-1 and GIP combination, which we can also prescribe.
“As the name suggests, GIP medical weight loss uses GIP medications, which mimic one or two naturally producing hormones to suppress appetite and reduce glucose levels.”
Ideal Candidates for GIP Medical Weight Loss
The United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has approved GIP, GLP-1, and GIP/GLP-1 combination medication use for the following conditions:
- Obesity. Anyone with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese; it is also approved for a BMI of 27 and higher with an accompanying weight-related health condition
- Type 2 diabeties. Those unable to take traditional antidiabetes medications
- Heart disease. Must be considered overweight or obese in addition to having heart disease
Note that we perform a comprehensive health screening before establishing any plan at our clinic. Therefore, we can uncover the above conditions during that time. If the doctor discovers any signs of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or even prediabetes, they may request clearance from the patient’s primary care provider before prescribing the appropriate medication.
“Note that we perform a comprehensive health screening before establishing any plan at our clinic.”
Getting Approved for GIP Medical Weight Loss
As mentioned above, we perform comprehensive health screenings before approving a patient for a specific prescription or plan. During a health screening, which typically only requires one appointment, we will review the physical and mental well-being of the patient. This involves performing a urinalysis and blood test. We will also review the patient’s medical history, noting past procedures, weight loss attempts or methods, and medication and supplement use. Patients may want to create a list of necessary information to review so nothing is left out.
Further, we will discuss the patient’s overall goals regarding their body, ensuring they are realistic and achievable. These steps will help us craft a plan to aid the specific medication. GIP medical weight loss is most effective with diet and exercise. While we offer a nutrition program, we can also advise patients on appropriate physical activities.
“During a health screening, which typically only requires one appointment, we will review the physical and mental well-being of the patient.”
Side Effects of GIP Medical Weight Loss
Like with any medication, there are potential side effects to be aware of. While some are more rare than others, side effects can include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
Note that this list is not exhaustive. The doctor can provide a more detailed list of potential side effects and their likelihood of occurrence during an appointment.
"The doctor can provide a more detailed list of potential side effects and their likelihood of occurrence during an appointment."
Keeping the Weight Off
According to a report from Stanford Medicine, 80 to 85 percent of people regain their weight after losing a substantial amount. This has more to do with their mindset than anything else. That is why we also offer a nutrition program in addition to incorporating medication into weight loss plans. The program challenges patients’ mindsets and relationships with food, replacing unhealthy thoughts or behavior patterns with healthier ones. We also help educate them on the anatomy of food and how it affects their bodies. Our goal is to retrain the brain. That way, they have the tools they need to sustain their results when their program is complete.
"That is why we also offer a nutrition program in addition to incorporating medication into weight loss plans."
Call Us Today
You do not have to struggle to lose weight any longer. The entire Reset Medical team is here to back you on this journey. To learn more about GIP medical weight loss, contact our Friendswood office at 1-281-816-4707.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is GIP medical weight loss?
Q. What is the approval process for GIP medical weight loss?
Q. What are the potential side effects of GIP medical weight loss?
Q. How can I keep the weight off after completing the program?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does GIP stand for?
A. GIP stands for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or gastric inhibitory polypeptide. It is a naturally produced hormone in the small intestine when ingesting food. Its primary purpose is to release insulin throughout the body, with the help of glucagon-like peptide 1.
Q. How does GIP contribute to weight loss?
A. GIP medical weight loss uses medication that mimics the hormones naturally produced in the small intestines. It will suppress your appetite and reduce blood glucose (sugar) levels. Spikes in glucose can cause you to feel more hungry than normal.
Q. How do I know if GIP Medical Weight Loss is right for me?
A. Upon scheduling an appointment with our office, you will undergo a health screening. This screening will allow us to establish a baseline for your health. We will review your current physical and mental state through testing and an open and honest conversation.
Q. Does my insurance cover GIP Medical Weight Loss?
A. It depends on the provider. While we do accept some insurance providers, it is ultimately up to your specific provider whether they will cover GIP medical weight loss. To learn if we accept your insurance provider, contact our office at 1-281-816-4707. To determine if your insurance covers a portion or all of GIP medications, contact them separately.
Q. Will I need to change my diet with GIP Medical Weight Loss?
A. GIP medical weight loss is most effective with diet and exercise. Since GIP medication suppresses the appetite, your desire to eat will decrease. However, we also offer a nutrition program to help you retrain your brain in relationship to food, giving you a better chance at keeping the weight off once your program is complete.