Community Corner
Middletown RN Warns About Weight Loss Drug Scams
Local business owner discusses the dangers of cheaper, less informative weight loss medication options.
This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
A topic almost impossible to ignore, weight loss medications are rapidly gaining popularity across the news and social media. Buzzwords such as Ozempic (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) dominate discussions on virtually every platform.
While these medications mark a significant stride in personal health and wellness, the pitfalls of readily available, budget-friendly avenues to procure them are looming large. Local business owner, mom, and medical professional, Christine Ruggiero, RN, MSFP, CFN, CFC, DABFN, alongside Wellness Coordinator, Taylor DeMaio, from Liquivida Wellness Center in Middletown and Marlboro, NJ, delves deep into this trending topic.
Are They Effective?
“Here we are, a year later, 42 pounds down…I feel fabulous and at 54, who could ask for anything more!” recalls Christine.
A year ago, Christine herself tested the effectiveness of a customized weight loss program herself, finding only success in dropping over 40 pounds in her 50s. When monitored correctly, there is no age restriction to meeting health goals. Not only did Christine shed unwanted weight, but she also found a positive increase in energy, mobility, and mental health.
How They Work
Weight loss medications work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, a key regulator of blood sugar levels. These medications, designed to bind to GLP-1 receptors, stimulate insulin production, effectively lowering glucose levels. Furthermore, they exhibit the remarkable ability to slow stomach emptying, playing a pivotal role in weight management.
Experts emphasize that the effectiveness of these weight loss medications is significantly enhanced when coupled with lifestyle changes. Incorporating elements such as regular exercise, healthy dietary choices, and reduced calorie intake is crucial for achieving holistic health goals.
Taylor, a Wellness Coordinator at Liquivida Middletown, highlights a crucial perspective:
"My biggest worry when people are on these medications is the approach they take. This should not be a band-aid to get in better health. This should be used as a jump start to adapt to a healthy lifestyle where you can keep the weight off long term."
Which Do You Recommend?
Liquivida has chosen to work with Tirzepatide, a medication known for its fewer side effects and rapid and effective weight loss benefits compared to other alternatives. We have extensive experience with various versions of these medications, and we’ve identified Tirzepatide as the most successful in achieving positive results with clients.
Does It Matter Where I Get It?
The short answer is, yes. The long answer? Well, it could be a matter of life and death.
The availability of these transformative medications has surged in recent years, ranging from primary care providers to wellness centers and even telehealth sites.
While these medications have become more widely available, customers should know that this isn’t the kind of product they want to price-shop for. Some places may offer the medications at steep discounts, but the origin and legitimacy of such medications become questionable, raising concerns about the qualifications of those prescribing them.
Individuals have discovered that obtaining weight loss medications from telehealth or international sources has led to significant, life-long health issues. The inability to accurately ascertain the identity or appropriate dosage of the weight loss medication based on one's current health condition, coupled with the absence of proper monitoring in these more affordable and easily accessible alternatives, poses a potentially life-threatening situation. Dangers could range from basic stomach pains all the way to organ failure.
How Are These Medications Prescribed?
Typically, inquiries about your present health status and weight loss objectives are made, and a standardized dosage is prescribed for the duration of your weight loss journey. Periodic check-ins to assess progress or obtain additional medication may occur, depending on the provider. Although this approach may appear sufficient, its lack of true attention and customization can potentially give rise to major complications.
The team at Liquivida takes a very different approach. The process involves an initial consultation with the Wellness Coordinator, exploring lifestyle and goals. This is followed by an in-depth examination of medical history and a session on their Inbody machine. Subsequent steps include bloodwork at their facility and a comprehensive review with a wellness coordinator and nurse practitioner, leading to a tailored regimen for each client. Throughout their journey, consistent and in-depth check-ins are done, where clients can adjust dosages based on how they feel and the progress they’ve made.
"I love the process we take at Liquivida because it allows me to build a relationship with the client to help them with all health and wellness goals. I know we follow the right protocols to keep all clients safe and healthy", emphasizes Taylor.
The first step is booking a consultation with our wellness coordinator. From there, we can create a personalized plan of action based on your individual goals and lifestyle.
Achieving your wellness goals should never start with the thought, “What’s the quickest way to do this?”. At Liquivida, we understand the importance of the whole picture, and digging into your medical history and following up throughout your journey is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re interested in taking the next steps to meet your wellness goals, chat with Taylor today!
Liquivida Middletown, (732) 993-6559 | Liquivida Marlboro, (732) 612-9833
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