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Breaking the Cycle: How Medical Weight Loss Supports Long-Term Health

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Around 56% of women in the United States attempt to lose weight each year, but the weight loss cycle often feels like an endless loop of frustration for them. It typically starts with a new diet or workout plan that promises quick results. At first, the pounds may come off, but once the routine becomes hard to maintain or life gets busy, the weight returns.

This up-and-down pattern, often called yo-yo dieting, can leave women feeling discouraged, physically drained, and emotionally defeated. Hormonal changes, genetics, stress, and medical conditions can make it even tougher to break the cycle.

Without the proper support and a personalized plan, lasting weight loss can feel out of reach. That’s why at Chicago Center for Women's Health (CCWH), we offer a medical weight loss program that takes a different approach — one that’s backed by science, customized for your body, and designed for long-term success.

Why medical weight loss is different

Unlike typical diets or exercise plans, healthcare professionals who understand the unique challenges women face design and manage medical weight loss programs. At CCWH, our program starts with a one-on-one consultation, where we get to know you, your medical history, and your goals.

Our board-certified urogynecologist, Denise Furlong, MD, and her team use diagnostic tools to get a complete picture of your health, including:

  • Bloodwork
  • InBody bioelectrical impedance analysis (body composition analysis)
  • Hormone panel
  • Vitamin level testing

This information helps us create a tailored plan that targets the root causes of weight gain, not just the symptoms.

Medical weight loss drugs

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn weight after pregnancy, stress-related eating, menopause, or other medical challenges, your weight loss plan is built around your needs.

Many of our patients benefit from FDA-approved medications, like GLP-1 agonists. These Type 2 diabetes medications are highly effective for weight loss. GLP-1 agonists work by imitating a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. They signal your brain to feel full, helping you eat less and not feel hungry.

In combination with reduced-calorie meal plans and increased physical activity, patients using a GLP-1 agonist often lose 20% or more of their body weight. Even without medication, many patients experience an average weight loss of 2.5% with our program.

The holistic approach to weight loss 

At CCWH, we know that weight loss is about more than numbers. That’s why we take a holistic approach, improving your overall well-being and helping you feel stronger, more energetic, and more confident.

We address important lifestyle factors, such as emotional eating and eating at social events, and how to make food choices that work for your life. Our nutritional counseling supports you every step of the way, helping you build healthy habits that stick.

We also consider hormonal imbalances that may affect weight. For women experiencing menopause or other hormone-related issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormone replacement therapy may be part of the solution, improving metabolism and supporting a healthy weight.

Ongoing weight management support for lasting change

Reaching your goal weight is just the beginning. Our team stays with you for the long haul, offering ongoing support and regular monitoring to ensure you maintain your progress. We use cutting-edge technology to track changes in your body and adjust your plan as needed.

We want you to feel empowered and informed, not just during the weight loss process, but for the rest of your life. Our commitment is to your health, safety, and long-term success.

Ready to break the cycle?

If you’re tired of fad diets and short-term fixes, you don’t have to keep doing this alone. Our medical weight loss program provides a safe, supportive, and proven path to a healthier you.

Whether your goal is to lose weight, improve medical conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol, or simply feel better in your own skin, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to break the cycle, because you deserve a plan that works for your body and your life.

If you live or work in Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Blue Island, Burbank, Palos Hills, or Palos Heights, Illinois, your journey to better health starts here. To schedule your medical weight loss consultation, contact CCWH today.