Is telemedicine weight loss in Northern Virginia right for you? COVID changed the way we do a lot of things, and the rise of telemedicine was one of the positive things that came out of that time. Now, telemedicine is a very common and easily accessible form of healthcare.
How Telemedicine Works
As the name suggests, telemedicine refers to using digital communication to provide medical care, consultations, and health services remotely. Patients can receive healthcare services from the comfort of their home via various digital platforms like video calls, phone calls, online portals, and messaging apps.
Telemedicine for Weight Loss Northern Virginia
You may wonder how this can be effective. Many articles on telemedicine for weight loss have highlighted the effectiveness. Telemedicine can deliver health services and support for individuals trying to manage or reduce their weight. In fact, studies show that 60% of patients report a positive outcome in obesity management with telemedicine.
Other studies showed that videoconferencing helps patients achieve greater weight loss than in-person groups. Videoconferencing groups lost an average of 7.7% of their body weight while in person groups only lost 3.4%.
Additionally, while bariatric surgery is a highly effective treatment for obesity, only about 40% of patients attend the required follow ups. However, telemedicine could increase that number.
Benefits of Telemedicine for Weight Loss
There are many amazing benefits of utilizing telemedicine for weight loss in Northern Virginia. Here are some of the most advantageous points of telemedicine.
Access
Telemedicine seamlessly connects you to healthcare professionals and specialists, including doctors specializing in medical weight loss, nutrition, exercise physiologists, psychologists and more.
Medical Assessment
Healthcare providers can perform comprehensive medical assessments through telemedicine. This includes factors such as existing medical conditions, current medications, BMI, and other relevant information.
Bariatric Nutritionists
Telemedicine can also offer nutritional guidance and counselling. This helps patients make healthier food choices, develop sustainable eating habits, and plan balanced meals.
Studies conducted on nutrition through video/phone calls showed that these patients were more likely to lose 5% of their body fat as compared to those who received regular in person care.
Recommendations for Exercise and Activity
Healthcare providers can also recommend suitable physical activities and exercise routines personalized for the patient’s circumstances, limitations, and preferences.
Monitoring and Tracking
Another great benefit of telemedicine is that patients can use digital tools and apps to track their progress, including body measurements, weight loss, physical activity, dietary intake and more. Then, this information is easily shared with healthcare providers for a continuous evaluation.
Group Support
Telemedicine can include support groups and counseling sessions. This helps patients address the emotional and psychological dimension of the weight loss journey. Patients discuss things like emotional eating, stress management and other factors that can impact weight management. This may also include sharing healthy recipes, exercise tips, and other encouragement and camaraderie.
Medication Management
Telemedicine allows providers to prescribe medications like Ozempic for weight loss. They can continue to monitor the medication’s effectiveness and side effects as well as the patient’s success through telemedicine.
Top Telemedicine for Weight Loss in Northern Virginia
We understand that life is busy, and it can be difficult to make it to in person appointments. But telemedicine offers a compromise. You can get the quality healthcare you deserve in a timely manner without disrupting your schedule. If you have been putting off a visit to the weight loss doctor because it was inconvenient, now is your chance. Contact Maryland Bariatrics today to schedule your telemedicine weight loss appointment.
