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Patient Education

Obesity / Weight Management

A compassionate, evidence-based approach to lasting weight management, tailored to your health, your history, and your goals.

Carrying excess weight is a medical condition, not a failure of willpower, and it deserves the same thoughtful, judgment-free care as any other diagnosis. In our Los Angeles practice, weight management combines our medical weight loss program with GLP-1 agonists, nutrition counseling, and a personalized lifestyle modification plan to help you reach and maintain a healthier weight.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

  • A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 25-29.9 with weight-related health concerns
  • Increasing waist circumference or weight gain that resists diet and exercise
  • Fatigue, joint or back pain, and reduced stamina with daily activity
  • Shortness of breath, snoring, or disrupted sleep
  • Newly elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol on routine labs

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Genetics and a family history of obesity or metabolic disease
  • Hormonal and metabolic conditions, including hypothyroidism and insulin resistance
  • Certain medications, chronic stress, and inadequate or poor-quality sleep
  • Dietary patterns, limited physical activity, and sedentary work or lifestyle
  • Age-related changes in metabolism and muscle mass

How Dr. Golian Manages Obesity & Weight Management

We begin with a thorough evaluation that includes a body composition and BMI assessment and targeted labs to identify contributing factors such as thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, or elevated cholesterol. From there, we build a plan that may combine nutrition counseling, structured lifestyle changes, and, when appropriate, GLP-1 medication therapy.

Because excess weight is closely linked to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, we monitor these conditions together and adjust your plan over time. When advanced care such as bariatric evaluation is warranted, we coordinate referrals with specialists including Cedars-Sinai.

Living Well & Sustaining Your Progress

Lasting results come from steady, realistic habits rather than rapid fixes. We focus on sustainable nutrition, enjoyable movement, restful sleep, and stress management, checking in regularly to celebrate progress and troubleshoot setbacks.

As your weight improves, we reassess medications and screening needs so your overall chronic disease management stays aligned with your evolving health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I qualify for GLP-1 weight loss medication?
GLP-1 medications are generally considered for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 and above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. We review your full medical history and labs together to decide whether this therapy is a safe and appropriate fit for you.
2How much weight can I expect to lose?
Results vary from person to person depending on your starting point, your plan, and how your body responds. Rather than promising a specific number, we set realistic, individualized goals and track your progress closely over time.
3Is medical weight loss just about medication?
No. Medication is one tool, and it works best alongside nutrition counseling, physical activity, sleep, and stress management. We build a comprehensive plan so your results are healthier and more durable.
4Will my weight affect my other health conditions?
Often, yes. Excess weight is closely tied to blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and heart health, and even modest weight loss can meaningfully improve these. We manage these conditions together as part of your overall care.
5How often will we meet during the program?
As a Direct Primary Care practice, we offer frequent, unhurried visits, typically starting with regular check-ins to fine-tune your plan and monitor your response, then spacing them out as you stabilize.

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Related Conditions

Ready to Take a Healthier Approach to Weight Management?

Let's create a personalized, judgment-free plan to help you reach and sustain a healthier weight.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.