A Personalized Approach to Weight Loss
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can improve overall health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and enhance quality of life. While healthy eating and regular physical activity remain the foundation of weight management, many people benefit from additional medical support to reach their goals.
At APNS, our providers take an individualized, evidence-based approach to weight management. We evaluate your medical history, current health, and treatment goals to develop a personalized plan that may include lifestyle recommendations, prescription medications, laboratory testing, and ongoing follow-up. On this page, you’ll find information about obesity, available treatment options, commonly prescribed medications, and resources to help you better understand your weight loss journey.
About Obesity and Weight Management
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excess body fat that increases the risk of developing other medical conditions. It is not simply a matter of willpower or lifestyle choices. Obesity is influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism, medications, environmental factors, and behaviors.
Healthcare providers commonly use Body Mass Index (BMI) as a screening tool. BMI has limitations and may not fully reflect body composition, muscle mass, or individual health risks.
| BMI | Classification |
|---|---|
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal Weight |
| 25–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30–34.9 | Obesity Class I |
| 35–39.9 | Obesity Class II |
| ≥ 40 | Obesity Class III (Severe Obesity) |
Disease Statistics
Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of Americans and is one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death in the United States.
- Approximately 42% of U.S. adults have obesity.
- More than 100 million American adults are estimated to have obesity.
- Obesity is associated with increased risk for:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Fatty liver disease
- Certain cancers
- Obesity-related conditions contribute to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually in the United States.
- Even modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can significantly improve health outcomes.
What Causes Obesity?
Obesity develops when the body consistently stores more energy than it uses. However, the causes are often complex and multifactorial.
Genetics
Some individuals inherit a greater tendency to gain weight or have difficulty losing weight.
Hormones
Hormones help regulate hunger, fullness, metabolism, and fat storage. Conditions affecting hormones may contribute to weight gain.
Diet
Frequent consumption of calorie-dense foods and sugary beverages can contribute to weight gain.
Physical Inactivity
Sedentary lifestyles reduce calorie expenditure and may contribute to obesity.
Sleep Disorders
Poor sleep and sleep apnea may alter hormones that regulate appetite.
Stress and Mental Health
Stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional eating can influence weight.
Medications
Certain medications may contribute to weight gain, including:
- Some antidepressants
- Some antipsychotics
- Corticosteroids
- Certain diabetes medications
- Some seizure medications
Medical Conditions
Examples include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Cushing syndrome
- Insulin resistance
How Weight Is Assessed
| Measure | What It Shows | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Body mass index (BMI) | Weight relative to height; used to define overweight and obesity and determine many medication indications. | Does not directly measure body fat, visceral fat, muscle, or individual metabolic health. |
| Waist circumference | A practical marker of abdominal and visceral fat. | Technique and cutoffs vary by sex and population. |
| Body composition | Estimates fat mass, lean mass, and sometimes visceral fat. | Accuracy varies by device and hydration. |
| Metabolic health markers | Blood pressure, glucose/A1c, lipids, liver tests, sleep apnea, and other complications. | Risk can be present even at a lower BMI and absent in some people at a higher BMI. |
Obesity Is a Chronic, Relapsing Disease
Obesity is a chronic disease in which excess or dysfunctional body fat increases health risk. Weight is influenced by genetics, brain appetite signaling, hormones, sleep, medications, medical conditions, environment, food access, stress, muscle mass, age, and prior weight loss—not simply personal discipline.
Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ. It stores energy and releases hormones and inflammatory signals that influence appetite, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, blood vessels, reproduction, immunity, and metabolism. Visceral fat around abdominal organs is particularly associated with cardiometabolic risk
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin helps move glucose from the blood into muscle, fat, and other cells and regulates liver glucose production. With insulin resistance, cells respond less effectively, so the pancreas produces more insulin to keep blood glucose controlled. Over time, glucose may rise and progress from normal levels to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
- Insulin resistance often has no obvious symptoms
- It may be associated with abdominal weight gain, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, fatty liver, skin darkening called acanthosis nigricans, or polycystic ovary syndrome
- Weight loss, resistance training, physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and selected medications can improve insulin sensitivity
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of findings that commonly travel together: increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. Having several of these findings raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, kidney disease, and other complications.
How Obesity Can Affect Health
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH)
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Osteoarthritis, back discomfort, and reduced mobility
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, and pregnancy complications
- Kidney disease, reflux, gallbladder disease, and several cancers
- Depression, weight stigma, reduced quality of life, and difficulty completing daily activities
Why Weight Regain Is Common
After weight loss, the body may reduce energy expenditure and increase hunger signals. These adaptations can persist and favor regain. This is one reason obesity medications may be used long term when they are effective, safe, tolerated, and affordable. Regain is a biological response—not proof that the patient failed.
Even Modest Weight Loss Can Matter
A reduction of approximately 5% to 10% of starting weight can improve blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, liver fat, mobility, and quality of life. Greater weight loss may produce additional benefits, but health improvement—not a particular appearance—is the medical goal.
Weight-Loss Medications
Weight loss medications may be recommended as part of a personalized treatment plan for eligible patients. Our Medication Guide explains the most commonly prescribed options, how they work, who may benefit, and important information about safety, side effects, and ongoing care. It also answers common questions to help you better understand your treatment options and make informed decisions in partnership with your APNS provider. Whether you’re considering medication for the first time or simply want to learn more, this guide is designed to help you navigate your options with confidence.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re just beginning your weight loss journey or looking for additional support after previous attempts, APNS is here to help. Our providers will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your health, goals, and individual needs.