Obesity has become a global health crisis, affecting over 650 million adults worldwide, with rates more than tripling since 1975. In the U.S. alone, more than 40% of adults are classified as obese. This pandemic contributes to various chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, increasing healthcare costs and reducing quality of life. Given this alarming trend, weight loss solutions are more critical than ever.

Traditionally, weight management has involved lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and, in some cases, bariatric surgery. However, for many, these approaches have been challenging to sustain. In recent years, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which contain semaglutide, have shown great promise in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

Semaglutides, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. In clinical trials, patients on these medications have experienced weight loss of up to 15% of their body weight. This makes Ozempic and Wegovy among the most effective medical treatments for obesity available today.

Benefits of semaglutides include not only weight loss but also improvements in blood sugar control, reduced cardiovascular risk, and better management of obesity-related conditions. However, risks can include gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in rare cases, they may increase the risk of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.

Looking ahead, semaglutides are expected to play a pivotal role in the future of obesity treatment. Ongoing research is exploring higher doses and longer-term use to optimize outcomes, potentially transforming how we approach weight management. However, it’s important to note that semaglutides are not a cure for obesity, and their effectiveness depends on sustained lifestyle changes.

If you’re considering weight loss options, feel free to schedule a consultation with your family physician to see if semaglutide-based treatments might be right for you.

Developing a new body image the hard way.

I had many positive comments with last week’s blog, describing what Dr. Ekstrom does so well. This week I will focus on my partner, Dr. John Compoginis. How quickly time flies – Dr. Compoginis has been with us now for two and a half years and I have had the opportunity to see his results and to learn from him as well. Dr Compoginis was educated at some of the finest U.S. institutions including the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Southern California. He is a double board certified surgeon who has successfully completed a general surgery residency and a second residency in plastic & reconstructive surgery. This unique dual training allows him to offer exceptional surgical care to his patients. He has been in private practice for the past ten years and helping Southern California patients achieve their aesthetic dreams.

One of the most common procedures for Dr. Compoginis is correction of gynecomastia, the removal of excess breast tissue from male patients. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, usually without known cause but occasionally caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, or certain medications (steroids, excessive marijuana exposure, etc.). It can affect one or both breasts, leading to a more feminine chest appearance. While not harmful, gynecomastia can cause emotional distress and self-consciousness.

Treatment typically involves a surgical procedure to remove the excess glandular tissue and, if necessary, liposuction to contour the chest. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and usually takes about two hours. Recovery is straightforward, with most patients returning to regular activities within a week, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks. More extensive cases will require excision of skin as well and free nipple grafts to replace the areolae.

If you’re experiencing gynecomastia and are seeking a solution, Dr. Compoginis can help restore your chest to a more masculine contour. Feel free to contact us for a consultation to explore your options.

Male in late teens presented with undesired breast tissue after significant weight loss and was mainly concerned with protuberant nipples. He received gynecomastia correction with direct excision of breast tissue. Procedure performed by John Compoginis, MD, FACS.