Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges in the United States, affecting over 40% of adults and significantly increasing the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. At the office of Dr. Mark Akselrud, we view obesity not as a failure of willpower, but as a chronic medical condition that requires a compassionate, science-driven treatment approach.
Obesity is generally defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. However, BMI alone doesn’t capture the full picture. Effective management of obesity takes into account a person’s overall health, body composition, lifestyle, and underlying medical factors. Obesity often involves a combination of genetic, hormonal, behavioral, and environmental influences that make long-term weight control difficult without medical intervention.
Many people mistakenly believe that obesity results simply from eating too much and exercising too little. While caloric imbalance plays a role, it’s far more complex. Genetic predisposition can affect how the body stores fat and signals hunger. Hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance or thyroid dysfunction, may slow metabolism or increase fat retention. Additionally, factors like chronic stress, emotional eating, poor sleep, certain medications, and limited access to nutritious food all contribute.
We often see patients who’ve tried multiple diets without lasting success, not because they lacked effort, but because their biology and environment were working against them. At our practice, we focus on identifying those barriers and offering targeted medical solutions.
Dr. Akselrud offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to obesity management that includes detailed medical assessments, nutritional guidance, behavior coaching, and, when appropriate, prescription medications.
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation, including a review of medical history, lab testing, and discussion of past weight loss efforts. We assess for conditions like prediabetes, fatty liver disease, or sleep apnea, which may influence treatment decisions.
Next, we create a personalized weight loss plan that is realistic and sustainable. This includes nutritional support to improve eating habits, structured guidance on increasing physical activity at a manageable pace, and behavioral strategies to help patients better understand the emotional and psychological dimensions of weight gain.
For many patients, lifestyle changes alone are not enough to overcome the biological forces driving weight gain. In such cases, Dr. Akselrud may recommend medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide), two of the most effective FDA-approved treatments for chronic weight management.
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. It works by reducing hunger, increasing feelings of fullness, and slowing digestion—all of which help patients naturally reduce caloric intake.
Zepbound is another weekly injection that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering a dual mechanism to suppress appetite and enhance metabolic efficiency. Clinical trials have shown that Zepbound can help patients lose a significant percentage of their body weight—often more than 20%—when combined with diet and exercise.
Both medications are prescribed and monitored closely at our practice to ensure safety, effectiveness, and tolerability. We provide full patient education, ongoing follow-up visits, and support to help navigate potential side effects or dosage adjustments. These medications are not magic solutions, but powerful tools that, when used correctly, can help patients break through plateaus and achieve long-term weight loss.
At Dr. Akselrud’s office, we treat obesity as a journey—not a short-term fix. With the right combination of medical support, personalized planning, and long-term accountability, patients can reclaim their health and confidence.
If you’re struggling with weight and feel like nothing has worked, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Wegovy, Zepbound, and a customized medical weight loss plan can make a lasting difference in your life.
