FAQs I get as an Obesity Medicine Physician (part 1)

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: September 28, 2022

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Background: I have exclusively practiced Obesity Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center (SWLC) for the past 8 years. Previously, I practiced Internal Medicine for >20 years. I am Board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) and the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). During this time, patients have asked many excellent questions and I would like to address some of the more frequent in this and subsequent posts.

I have been on EVERY diet and they do not work. How are you different?

1. - If you search the internet, go to a bookstore, or ask friends and relatives you will hear about countless diets. I tell new patients they come to me as diet experts. It it is my goal to guide them from being a diet expert to a weight manager. I believe there is a significant difference.
  - How? At SWLC we actively employ the essential 4 Pillars of Obesity Management and Treatment: 1. Nutritional Guidance (with multiple plans including medical meal replacements), 2. Physical Activity Counseling, 3. Behavior Modification (class series taught by psychologists and registered dietitians), and 4. Anti-obesity Medications (AOMs). For an excellent summary of the 4 Pillars please refer to: https://obesitymedicine.org/omas-four-pillars-the-bedrock-of-obesity-management-and-treatment/

1. I have lost weight on many diets, but then all the weight returns (and sometimes more). Why?

1. - Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, multi-factorial, neurobehavioral disease. This is not unlike many other chronic diseases. If your high blood pressure is treated and returns to normal while taking medications, avoiding salt, and increasing activity would you stop? Of course not! The same holds true for the disease of obesity.
  - All of the tools (discussed above) that we use during the Active Weight Loss phase of your journey, can and will be used for long-term Active Maintenance.

1. Weight loss diets are extremely restrictive and my job/lifestyle makes many programs impossible.

1. - I frequently hear “I need the option to entertain clients for lunches/dinners”, “I travel a lot for work”, “I have a vacation/wedding coming up” or “I have a young family and I want to enjoy dinner with them”. No worries!
  - Everyone’s weight loss journey looks different. This is not a “one size fits all” nor a “my way or the highway” plan. We will collaborate and decide on an individualized weight loss plan that works for you.
  - You do not need to “put your life on hold” to be successful. In fact, learning skills during these times will make you an excellent long-term weight manager.

1. Can you use meal replacements and/or medications (AOMs) long term to maintain weight?

1. - Yes! Meal replacements and AOMs have been proven safe and effective for both weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. You will not rely on them as much as you did during active weight loss, but they will always remain as an option for weight maintenance. This will be personalized for you to be successful in weight management.

1. What about HCG?

- It doesn’t work. (If it did, I would be prescribing it!)
- This statement may cause some “unfriendly” reactions and responses. I will simply refer you to a summary of the American Medical Association’s policy decision (2016) and the Obesity Medicine Association’s (OMA) position statement (2010) regarding HCG for weight loss: https://obesitymedicine.org/use-of-hcg-for-weight-loss-inappropriate/

If you’re interested in further information regarding safe and effective weight loss and management, please visit me at https://www.scottsdaleweightloss.com. Thank you.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

Reviews

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 420 reviews 
    
  
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Diana is the Best!!
     
   Sara M 
 12 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you
And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 29 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best of the best - Dr. Z !!
     
   Mar S 
 33 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Biltmore location is top notch! Everyone there is so very friendly, professional and makes the experience so personal and easy. Highly recommend!
     
   Sue M 
 35 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This practice is everything you would want from a physician office. Professional and knowledgeable staff and caring providers 10 stars!!!!
     
   Lisa Y 
 41 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
   Andi K 
 46 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 53 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 55 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 81 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 88 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 92 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC.

I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time.

6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 105 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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