FAQs
Weight Loss
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss involves a personalized program supervised by our board certified nurse practitioner. It combines a variety of approaches—such as prescription medication, nutritional counseling, exercise guidance, and behavioral therapy—to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
How is medical weight loss different from traditional weight loss programs?
Medical weight loss programs are customized to each individual's health needs and include professional oversight. Unlike standard diet or fitness programs, they may include prescription medications, medical treatments, and ongoing support to address underlying health conditions that can contribute to weight gain.
Who is a candidate for medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss programs are ideal for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone or those with medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Our nurse practitioner will assess your health history to determine if a medical weight loss plan is appropriate. It is important to understand that medical weight loss programs are not suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions or contraindications to specific treatments or medications. A consultation with a healthcare professional will help determine if the program is safe and appropriate for you.
Are prescription weight loss medications safe?
Prescription weight loss medications are FDA-approved and prescribed based on individual needs. They are typically used alongside a balanced diet and exercise plan to help manage appetite, increase metabolism, or reduce fat absorption. We will closely monitor your progress to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Are weight loss results permanent?
While medical weight loss can help jumpstart a healthier lifestyle and help you achieve your weight loss goals, long-term success relies on maintaining healthy habits. Continuous lifestyle adjustments, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, are essential for sustaining weight loss. Our goal is to help you build habits that promote lasting health.
How quickly will I see results?
Results vary from person to person. Some people may start noticing changes within a few weeks, while others may take longer. The speed of weight loss depends on factors like your starting weight, adherence to the program, and individual metabolism.
What types of treatments are offered for weight loss?
Treatments can include prescription weight loss medications, fat-burning injections, meal plans, nutritional counseling, and support for exercise routines. In some cases, hormone therapy or metabolic testing may be offered to address underlying issues.
How do I get started with a medical weight loss program?
Getting started typically involves an initial consultation where your healthcare provider will assess your medical history, current weight, and any other health concerns. Based on this assessment, a tailored weight loss plan will be created for you.
Body Composition Testing
What is Body Composition?
Body composition is a key tool used by health professionals to assess a person's weight by breaking it down into its fundamental components: fat, protein, minerals, and body water.This method offers a more accurate reflection of your healthy weight and overall health compared to traditional metrics like BMI and scale weight. Through body composition analysis, you can gain precise insights into changes in fat mass, lean muscle mass, and body fat percentage.
Why is Body Composition Important?
Most diet and fitness goals focus solely on weight loss or gain, but two individuals of the same sex and weight can look completely different due to differences in body composition. Measuring your body composition provides a clearer picture of your unique physique, helping you identify areas to focus on for improved health and wellness.
By measuring your body composition, you gain a deeper understanding of your overall wellness, moving beyond just the number on the scale. You'll be able to determine if you need to build more lean muscle or reduce body fat percentage to achieve a healthier body composition and enhanced well-being.
Why InBody?
Traditional BIA technology treats the human body as a single cylinder and uses one frequency, which can lead to inaccurate results. Conventional devices rely on general estimates based on factors like age and sex to improve accuracy. While this may work for individuals with an average body type, it fails to provide accurate measurements for those who don't fit this standard, such as active older adults.
Since everyone’s body composition is unique, InBody has developed advanced technology that is tailored to the individual, not the average. InBody’s medical-grade body composition analyzers utilize four key technologies to deliver accurate, precise direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (DSM-MFBIA), rigorously validated against gold-standard methods.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
HRT is a medical treatment that restores hormonal balance in the body, typically for individuals experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalances due to menopause, andropause, or other health conditions. Our provider has specialized training in treating male and female hormone imbalances.
Who can benefit from HRT?
HRT is commonly used for:
Menopausal women experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and other symptoms
Males with low testosterone levels
Those with hormonal imbalances due to aging, surgery, or medical conditions
What are the benefits of HRT?
Benefits of HRT may include:
Reduction in hot flashes and night sweats
Improved mood and mental clarity
Increased energy and vitality
Enhanced libido and sexual health
Better sleep quality
Strengthened bones and improved skin elasticity
Is HRT safe?
HRT is generally safe when administered under the supervision of a trained medical professional. We carefully assess your health history and provide personalized treatment plans to minimize risks and optimize benefits.
How is HRT administered?
HRT can be delivered through various methods, including pills, patches, creams, or injections. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best method based on your preferences and health needs.
How long does it take to see results?
Most patients begin to feel the effects of HRT within a few weeks, though optimal results may take a few months, depending on individual factors and the type of therapy used.
How do I know if HRT is right for me?
A thorough consultation and hormonal testing are required to determine if HRT is right for you. We will review your symptoms, medical history, and hormone levels to create a personalized treatment plan.
IV Nutrition Therapy
What is IV Nutrition Therapy?
IV Nutrition Therapy involves the intravenous delivery of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This method allows for faster and more efficient absorption, providing immediate support to your body’s health and wellness needs.
Who can benefit from IV Nutrition Therapy?
IV therapy is ideal for anyone looking to improve hydration, boost energy, support immune health, recover from illness or intense physical activity, or enhance overall wellness. It is also commonly used for people with digestive issues that prevent proper nutrient absorption.
What are the benefits of IV Nutrition Therapy?
Benefits include:
Increased energy levels
Improved hydration
Enhanced immune function
Faster recovery from exercise or illness
Improved skin health and appearance
Reduced stress and fatigue
Support for mental clarity and focus
Is IV therapy safe?
Yes, IV therapy is generally safe when administered by trained medical professionals in a sterile environment. We carefully assess each patient to ensure that the therapy is appropriate for their health needs.
How long does an IV session take?
An IV session typically takes 60 minutes but can be longer depending on the type of therapy you receive.
How often should I receive IV therapy?
The frequency of treatments depends on your individual health goals. Some people may benefit from weekly sessions, while others might opt for monthly or occasional treatments.
Are there any side effects?
Most people experience no side effects, but some may have mild bruising or discomfort at the injection site. Rarely, patients may experience slight dizziness or lightheadedness, but this usually resolves quickly.
Tox and Fillers
Why do we say tox and not "Botox"?
Botox is actually a brand of botulinum toxin A that is made by a company called Allergan. The term "Botox" is commonly used to describe any botulinum toxin A for injection. We use several FDA approved injectables including Botox, Jeuveau, and Dysport at Radi8. It’s similar to coke vs pepsi, it comes down to preference. The Botox/tox debacle is exactly the same.
How much does tox cost?
Our price for Botox and Jeuveau is $11/unit and Dysport is $4.70/unit. The amount needed is variable from person to person. The average full face tox treatment is anywhere between 40-50 units.
How much tox will I need?
Forehead: 10–20 units for forehead lines, depending on the depth and extent of the lines
Frown lines: 15–30 units, distributed between the eyebrows
Crow's feet: 5–25 units per eye, depending on the extent of the wrinkles
Gummy smile: 2–5 units per side to relax the upper lip
Masseters: 15–20 units per side to promote a slimmer face
How long will my tox last??
While each person is very different, the general consensus is that the effects of tox lasts between 3 and 6 months. It is recommended that clients schedule their tox injections every 3 months so there is no lapse. With this treatment plan, clients can see long-term improvement in their skin.
Can tox cause headaches?
Tox is actually used for the treatment of headaches. In the short term, however, yes tox can cause minor headaches in some clients following injection. However, this side effect should last a few hours at max and should be mild to moderate.
Where can tox be injected?
FDA Approved treatment sites for botulinum toxin A include between the brows, the forehead, and the lateral aspect of the eyes (crow's feet). However, we also provide off label treatments. Common treatments include the lip flip, gummy smile, dimply chin, flat chin, facial slimming, downturned corners of the mouth, and brow lifts.
What about fillers?
Filler is a popular treatment that consists of a hyaluronic acid serum injection to various areas of the face to improve the signs of aging. Our nurse practitioner offers lip filler treatments for those looking for that extra plump while maintaining a natural appearance.
Allergy Testing
What is allergy testing?
Allergy testing helps identify substances (allergens) that trigger allergic reactions in your body. This can include environmental allergens (like pollen or dust), food allergies, or sensitivities to medications or other substances.
Why should I get an allergy test?
If you're experiencing symptoms like sneezing, skin rashes, digestive issues, or breathing problems, an allergy test can help pinpoint the cause. Identifying your allergens allows for better management of symptoms and targeted treatments.
How soon will I get my results?
Results are usually available within 24-48 hours.
What happens after I get my results?
Once your test results are in, we’ll discuss your allergens and develop a treatment plan. This may include lifestyle changes, allergy medications, or referral to an allergy specialist for shots (immunotherapy) to help manage symptoms.