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WELLNESS RESOLUTIONS: Why Choose Local? The Benefits of a Community Pharmacy
January 2025
by Katelynn Mouton
The New Year brings with it a renewed focus on making moves that support a healthy lifestyle. For many, this includes the time-honored tradition of a commitment to a weight loss journey.
Calories in versus calories out is the traditional adage, but it is not quite that simple for some, especially those defined as medically obese or those who may struggle with weight gain as a side effect of hormonal imbalances or other medical triggers.
Outside of the foundational approach of focusing on lifestyle management, including diet and exercise, Dr. Holley Kelley, owner of Inspired Health and Wellness, says there are several options available to support weight loss and improve overall health. “Working with a board-certified obesity medicine provider can help you create a personalized plan that promotes sustainable weight loss and incorporates regular physical activity.”
Sometimes diet and exercise are not enough, and medications may be needed to assist with weight loss. “Multiple medications can be considered for weight loss, including Semaglutide and Tirzepatidem which are injectable medications that have shown significant efficacy in promoting weight loss,” explains Dr. Kelley. “These drugs work by mimicking natural hormones in the body that regulate appetite and satiety, leading to reduced caloric intake.”
Oral medications that can either suppress appetite, increase feelings of fullness or reduce fat consumption are also available. Contrave, which can help with emotional eating, and Osymia, which decreases appetite and increases satiety are just two examples.
If you have been considering the route of medical injections, Dr. Kelley says there are some things to contemplate. “When prescribing these medications we take a comprehensive approach to ensure the best patient outcomes. These medications can be highly effective, but we must acknowledge that no medication is perfect and there can be side effects.”
Dr. Kelley says to mitigate these side effects, she emphasizes a natural approach that includes incorporating certain vitamins and supplements to minimize potential adverse effects. “We regularly monitor the patient’s blood work to stay vigilant, looking for any changes or concerns. We believe in collaborative care, so we work closely with the patient’s other medical providers to optimize treatment outcomes. This holistic approach helps us maximize the benefits of these injections while ensuring the overall health and well-being of our patient.”
Dr. Kelley adds that it is also important to remember that no single medication is a silver bullet. While these injections have proven to be highly effective for many patients, individual responses can vary. “Genetic testing is now available to help determine which medication is most likely to work for a particular patient, and our approach is not just about quick fixes, but about empowering patients to develop habits that support long-term weight loss, aiming for 10 years of sustained weight loss, not just 10 weeks.”
Moving in the direction of a healthier you is important, no matter which path you choose. “Addressing obesity is crucial for overall health. It significantly impacts both life expectancy and risk of developing other serious medical conditions,” says Dr. Kelley. “Studies have shown that obesity can reduce an individual’s lifespan by up to eight years and it is also linked to an astonishing array of health issues, with up to 236 other medical problems being associated with it.”
For more information, visit inspired-healthandwellness.com or call (337) 415-0083.
