FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions.
Why choose Melamed Weight & Wellness?
We pride ourselves on the custom treatment plans we develop for our patients’ and their unique cosmetic goals. We always review previous and current medical needs, and we’re careful to accommodate budgets and schedule requirements. The combination of our cutting-edge tools and expert staff members yields truly stunning results.
Our experienced staff will walk you through your treatment options—including the capabilities and limitations of each—so together we can achieve your desired outcome. It’s our goal to ensure that you actively participate in your treatment plan, so you feel confident, at ease, and understand what to expect. Whether it’s your first cosmetic treatment or you’ve done it before, it’s important to us that you walk away feeling satisfied and safe.
Below, we answer your questions about Botox, weight loss, vitamins & supplements, medications and diets.
Weight Loss
Why am I always hungry?
There are a couple possible reasons. Your diet may lack protein, fiber, and/or fat, all of which promote fullness and appetite reduction. Hunger can also be a sign of poor or inadequate sleep. There are also medications known to cause frequent hunger.
What causes hunger?
Hunger is caused by many things. Lack of restorative sleep, not drinking enough water, a diet low in protein, fat, or fiber, eating too many carbohydrates, too much exercise, and/or drinking too much alcohol. Certain medical conditions can also cause an increase in hunger.
I only need to lose a few pounds. Do I really need to get testing and be on a weight loss medication?
Probably not, or at least not right away. It’s natural for your weight to fluctuate, and it’s normal to feel frustrated when that happens. Sometimes implementing simple changes like excluding certain foods and increasing your daily physical activity can take care of it. However, if the same few pounds tend to stick around no matter what, something may be wrong with your metabolism, way of eating, or both. In that case, medical weight loss may be an appropriate option.
When is medical weight loss needed?
If basic lifestyle measures can’t be implemented (e.g., “I know I should eat less, but I’m so hungry I can’t stop!” Or “I know exercising would help, but I injured my knee and can’t do much for the next few weeks, or even months!”), medical weight loss is often the right solution.
I’m obese, and I feel like it’s my fault. Is that true?
No, it’s not your fault. Obesity is a disease, much like high blood pressure and diabetes, and it can and should be treated. On top of that, it’s a multifactorial disease, where genetic and environmental factors all play a role. So don’t get angry with yourself. Your brain is a complex chemical structure and you just have to deal with increased hunger while your peers do not. The good thing is it’s treatable. So stop the blame game and come see us.
Why bother with diets, medications, and other things that take so long to work? Why shouldn’t I just try bariatric surgery and be done?
While bariatric surgical procedures are effective in treating obesity, they don’t cure it. Remember, you’ll have to be on a diet and think about weight loss for the rest of your life. Bariatric surgical procedures aren’t a one-and-done solution, and those procedures require continuous weight loss efforts. We recommend trying medical weight loss first.
I eat right, but I don’t feel “fit.” It must be my metabolism. Can you check for that?
You might be right, and there are many ways to check your metabolism and/or your body’s handling of ingested calories. We typically start with metabolic blood tests, and we also offer in-depth RMR (resting metabolic rate) and InBody metabolic tests.
Can hormone imbalances cause weight gain?
Yes. Imbalances of the thyroid, leptin, estrogen, cortisol, insulin, testosterone, progesterone, and ghrelin can all cause weight issues.
What’s the best exercise for losing weight?
Walking has been shown to be one of the best exercises for weight loss. Followed by jogging, cycling, swimming, yoga, pilates, weight training, and interval training. It’s best to work with a professional to ensure you’re exercising correctly, safely, and according to your body type. It’s also important to make sure your exercise is tailored for weight loss and doesn’t induce oxidative stress through improper exercising or over-exercising.
Can poor sleep cause weight gain?
Yes. Sleep deprivation or poor sleep can cause changes to the hormones that regulate hunger and appetite. If this regulatory system isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to weight gain.
Can stress make me gain weight?
Yes. Chronic stress—or not adapting to stress—can cause weight gain. Stress often leads to poor sleep, which can create elevated cortisol levels as well as influence other hormones that regulate appetite. These disruptions often result in increased appetite, eating more calories, and eventual weight gain.
How do I know if the number on my scale reflects fat loss or water loss?
Changes in weight can be from loss of water, fat, muscle, or other components. The best way to find out the nature of your weight loss or gain is to do a body composition analysis. We offer several methods and devices that can analyze this information for you.
What causes belly fat in women?
Belly fat in women can be caused by a variety of things, such as poor diet, sugary foods like soft drinks and fruit juice, alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise, poor sleep, poor gut health, stress, hormone imbalances, genetics, or aging.
What is the difference between BMI (body mass index) and body composition?
BMI is a calculation based on your height, weight, age, and gender. Body composition incorporates your muscle mass, fat mass, water (extracellular and intracellular), as well as mineral content. Body composition also evaluates the breakdown of fat and fat-free mass and is a better estimate of both fitness level and health risk.
Is inflammation bad?
It depends. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to fighting off foreign invaders. It’s also the body’s way of helping things heal. But when it goes on too for long it can lead to a long list of disorders, including arthritis, asthma, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and other serious diseases.
Vitamins & Supplements
What are the best supplements for inflammation?
Every patient is different. But we typically recommend alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), fish oil, ginger, turmeric, zinc, vitamin C, quercetin, and spirulina.
What are the best supplements for muscle cramps?
Every patient is different. But we typically recommend magnesium, zinc, and a B-complex.
What are the best supplements for sleep?
Every patient is different. But we typically recommend magnesium, passionflower, valerian root, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-theanine, and vitamin B-6.
What are the best supplements for joint health?
Every patient is different. But we typically recommend chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, calcium, vitamin D-3, ginger, turmeric, fish oil, omega 3, and green tea.
Do joint supplements really work?
Studies show glucosamine supplements can reduce collagen breakdown, which ensures joint strength and structural integrity. Certain joint supplements can also help reduce inflammation, a leading cause of joint cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis patients.
What are the benefits of vitamin D?
Vitamin D is an essential prohormone for healthy bones and teeth. It can also protect against a range of diseases and conditions, such as depression, fatigue, type 1 diabetes, and cancer.
What are the symptoms of low vitamin D?
Some symptoms of low vitamin D include tiredness and fatigue, repeatedly getting sick, slow wound healing, depression, bone loss, muscle pain, and hair loss.
Do probiotics do more than promote a healthy gut?
Although probiotics are most commonly used to support the gut and alleviate digestive disorders, research shows we’re just starting to see the widespread benefits of probiotics. Healthy bacteria are now being positively linked to our immune system, preventing allergies, lowering cholesterol, treating liver disease, treating yeast infections, reducing inflammation, and much more.
They’ve even been shown to help reduce upper respiratory infections and protect against oxidative stress caused by over-exercise. Studies also show certain healthy bacteria found in the stomach and intestines are directly related to neural function, mood, and behavior, alleviating anxiety, stress, and depression.
It’s important to understand what probiotics are best before you start any particular type of product. Different types of probiotics are used for different health issues. See our nutritionist to learn more about how the use of probiotics can benefit your health.
How do I choose the best supplements?
Verify the product claims by looking at citations and cited studies. Look for independent organizations that review products. Discuss with your doctor, nutritionist and/or registered dietician (RD). Note: If the product/supplement states it’s listed with the FDA, this does not mean it’s approved by the FDA.
Is it okay to take a multivitamin everyday?
It’s best to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs by eating healthy foods, but when that’s not possible—due to certain situations or conditions, such as poor diet or malabsorption— supplementing with a multivitamin can be a good idea. It’s recommended to have your vitamin and nutrient levels tested before taking any vitamin or supplement.
What are the best vitamins to boost metabolism?
Research shows B vitamins play an essential role in boosting energy metabolism. The B vitamins include: B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin), B-5 (pantothenic acid), B-6, B-7 (biotin), folic acid (folate), and B-12. Magnesium also plays an important role in chemical reactions that produce energy. Calcium is important for bones, metabolism, and blood sugars. Iron plays a role in cell function. And vitamin D a vital prohormone.
What supplements have been recommended for hair loss?
Vitamin A, vitamin C, biotin, niacin (vitamin B-3), and minerals such as zinc and iron. There’s also emerging evidence in support of vitamin E. Note it’s also important to consume the recommended daily amount of protein. We advise you to discuss your issues with your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.
Why am I getting muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps are often caused by low sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or dehydration.
What is a nutraceutical?
The dictionary defines nutraceuticals as foods that have medicinal benefits and/or health-giving additives. Examples include natural foods, fortified dairy products, citrus fruits, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, herbals, and dietary supplements.
Medications
Will weight loss medications affect my heart?
No, not if your heart is healthy. Before certain stimulatory medications are used, we run thorough testing to make sure the medication in question is safe for you to take. You should also be monitored by your doctor while taking these medications.
What if I already take medications for high blood pressure or depression?
Don’t worry. You can still be prescribed weight loss medications. Some of them can be safely combined with these and other medications.
Do I have to be on weight loss pills if I see a weight loss doctor?
No. We strongly believe in our doctor-patient partnerships. Any decision about what to do will be made with you fully on board.
How do I maintain my weight if I stop using the medications?
Weight maintenance is a critical part of weight loss. We help you maintain your weight with a combination of dietary changes and medications, either in a continuous or “touch-up” scenario. We realize weight gain is a lifelong battle, and we have programs to keep you healthy and happy. Unlike most commercial programs that just tell you to exercise and not overeat, we actively manage you during the maintenance phase to ensure sustained weight loss results.
Diets
What is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet is often referred to as the Anti-Inflammatory Diet. It includes consuming high levels of fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of nuts. It also recommends a limited intake of red meat and alcohol, drinking red wine in moderation.
What are the healthiest nuts for weight loss?
The healthiest nuts are pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamias, Brazil nuts, and walnuts. Although consuming nuts can be a healthy part of a healthy diet, remember to keep calories in mind.
What is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. Intermittent fasting plans can differ, though, and it’s recommended to work with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to achieve effective, safe results.
Can dieting cause hair loss?
Yes, some people can experience hair loss when dieting. That said, hair loss seems to be more common with stricter diet plans. This can be due to the diet lacking certain vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Diet-related hair loss is typically temporary and often regrows.
A medical weight loss clinic you can trust.