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maintenance program in depth later.
NOTE: We believe the medications we use are safe to use when monitored by a physician and are used as part of an complete weight loss and weight control program. Sometimes, a patient who confidently uses medications for hypertension, diabetes, or depression without question will feel guilty or question the use of medications for the treatment of their obesity. We believe these feelings are unwarranted. Obesity is an epidemic and treating obesity with medications is warranted - especially considering the long-term effects on health. Always remember: obesity is a disease and requires aggressive treatment just like any other chronic, life-threatening illness. To feel guilty about taking medications, when indicated, for obesity is not logical .If you do not feel guilty taking medications for your other medical problems, why feel guilty about treating another life-threatening disease like obesity?
Another important point for you to understand: weight loss will improve the control of your other medical illnesses (particularly hypertension, diabetes, and many other conditions that are clearly associated with obesity). Often, weight loss can improve your other medical conditions to the point that you don't need to take medications for them any longer. For that reason, we need to be as aggressive as we can in starting your weight loss.
How long should a patient be on medication for weight loss? The length of time will be different for each patient. It might be a few weeks. It might be a few months. Our philosophy is to use these medications for as long as a person shows benefits from them (in the absence of side-effects, of course). "Continued benefits" are defined as improvements in your well-being, health, and weight loss or weight maintenance.
REMEMBER: With or without medications, there is no such thing as a short-term treatment of any chronic condition. Obesity is a chronic, life-long condition that, if not treated will shorten your life. That's a fact.
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