Can I consult with a provider on Laso MD regarding obesity?

Certainly, you can. The provider will engage in discussions about your medical history, current condition, and any symptoms or indicators of obesity that you may be experiencing. Typically, the provider will assess your Body Mass Index (BMI) to ascertain whether you fall into the obese category based on your current BMI.

Upon establishing an obesity diagnosis, the provider can recommend a personalized treatment plan to initiate weight loss. If you reside in Québec or Alberta, you have the option to consult with a weight management specialist online through Laso MD.

 

Is it possible to receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Absolutely, our weight management specialists can prescribe obesity medications online during your consultation. Once you accept the prescription for obesity, you can choose to pick it up from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your doorstep at no extra cost.

 

What is obesity?

Obesity is a persistent medical condition characterized by the accumulation of a substantial amount of body fat, representing a widespread global epidemic with significant health implications for individuals across various age groups and genders.

Beyond its cosmetic aspects, obesity poses substantial health risks, elevating the likelihood of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The determination of obesity typically relies on the calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI), obtained by dividing body weight (in kilograms) by the square of height (in meters). A BMI equal to or exceeding 30 is indicative of obesity.

An alternative method for assessing obesity involves measuring waist circumferences, particularly effective for patients with a BMI categorized as overweight (between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2) along with increased abdominal girth. This aids in evaluating cardiometabolic risks.

 

What are the symptoms of obesity?

The primary indicator of obesity is a noticeable increase in weight, pushing one’s Body Mass Index (BMI) to 30 or above. However, along with weight gain, there are other accompanying symptoms of obesity, including:

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Easily becoming exhausted during physical activities
• Sleep difficulties or sleep apnea
• Heat intolerance
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive sweating
• Stretch marks on the skin
• Joint or back pain
• Depression
• Skin fold infections
• Varicose veins in lower limbs

 

What causes obesity?

In many instances, obesity results from consistently consuming more calories than the body expends through exercise and regular activities, leading to the storage of excess calories as fat. Diets in North America, often characterized by high-calorie beverages and frequent fast-food consumption, contribute to calorie surplus. Signs of obesity may also manifest if one requires more calories before feeling full, or due to stress, anxiety, or increased hunger.

Various underlying factors can contribute to the causes of obesity, such as:

• Genetics
• Metabolic issues (inefficient calorie processing)
• Lifestyle choices (e.g., binge eating, excessive drinking)
• Hormonal influences (especially thyroid-related)
• Inactivity
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Microbiome (stomach bacteria)
• Smoking cessation (substituting smoking habits with eating habits)

 

How is obesity diagnosed?

To diagnose obesity, weight management consultants at Laso MD assess BMI and measure waist circumference. A general physical examination and blood tests are typically conducted to identify any underlying conditions associated with or caused by obesity.

Upon providing a clear diagnosis, the healthcare provider can recommend personalized obesity treatments, which may include, although infrequently, prescription obesity medications.

Chronic obesity is associated with an increased susceptibility to various severe medical conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Thrombosis
• Certain types of cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Severe symptoms of Covid-19
• Gynecological and sexual disorders
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Gout
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
• Reduced fertility
• Lowered sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Kidney stones
• Urinary incontinence
• Higher susceptibility to infections
• Elevated mortality rates from influenza and COVID-19 viruses
• Chronic kidney disease
• Mental health issues (depression, social stigma)

 

How is obesity addressed?

The primary objective of obesity treatments is to guide individuals towards achieving a healthy weight and sustaining it to prevent recurrence. This involves recommending a personalized weight-loss program and potentially connecting you with a nutritionist to devise a balanced meal plan. All weight-loss strategies typically include caloric reduction, adopting healthier eating habits, and increasing physical activity.

Moreover, successful obesity treatments may entail behavioral modifications to support adherence to the weight-loss program. This can involve participation in support groups or counseling sessions.

In cases where hormone imbalance contributes to obesity, healthcare providers may suggest obesity prescriptions to restore hormonal equilibrium.

Less frequently, if a healthy diet and regular exercise prove insufficient to alleviate obesity symptoms, healthcare providers may propose prescription obesity medications. However, the effectiveness of these medications varies among individuals, and weight may be regained after discontinuation.

For select individuals, especially when conventional methods fall short, weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, may be considered. These surgeries either limit the amount of comfortably consumable food or decrease calorie absorption. It’s important to note that weight-loss surgery is typically reserved for cases where other approaches have proven ineffective, and not every patient qualifies for this option.

Potential weight-loss surgeries include:

• Adjustable gastric banding
• Gastric sleeve
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

 

When to Consult a Weight Management Expert for Obesity?

If you’re noticing early signs of obesity and feel the need for assistance in managing your weight, reaching out to a healthcare provider is a sensible step.

Weight loss can be a prolonged and challenging process for some individuals. A weight management consultant can collaborate with you to create a personalized weight-loss plan, helping you take the initial steps towards weight reduction and continuously monitoring your progress to ensure the plan’s effectiveness.

Moreover, because certain underlying conditions may contribute to obesity, a weight management consultant can offer a precise obesity diagnosis. For those individuals who discover that dietary adjustments and exercise alone are insufficient, the consultant may recommend obesity treatments such as prescription medications or surgical interventions.

A weight management consultant from Laso MD will determine the most effective obesity treatments tailored to your individual needs.

 

What is Laso MD?

Laso MD provides seamless access to Canadian healthcare providers, offering a swift and convenient healthcare app for 24/7 consultations. The process is straightforward: log in, request a consultation with a weight management consultant through live chat or video, and connect with a provider in minutes. Visit our How it Works page for more details.

Our healthcare providers can assess symptoms and deliver treatment, including necessary prescriptions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your healthcare needs.