What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that goes beyond simple weight gain. It is a multifactorial condition that involves biological, environmental, and behavioral factors, impacting your metabolic and overall health.
Our Services
Weight Management and Obesity Medicine
Auria Medical Clinics offers personalized weight management plans built on four pillars: motivation, behavioral change, customized diet, and exercise, with pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery added when necessary.
What to Expect
Achieve Your Ideal Weight With Personalized Solutions
Auria Medical Clinics offers personalized weight management plans built on four pillars: motivation, behavioral change, customized diet, and exercise, with pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery added when necessary.
We understand that weight management is not a one-size-fits-all solution. That's why we offer tailored programs designed to fit your unique lifestyle, health needs, and goals. Our approach focuses on four essential pillars: motivation, behavioral change, customized diet, and exercise, with the potential inclusion of pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery when necessary.
Comprehensive Weight Management Programs
We recognize that every individual faces different challenges in managing their weight. Our program considers your specific obstacles and designs a strategy that incorporates:
- Behavioral Changes: Encouraging lasting motivation and habit transformation.
- Understanding Your Challenges: Identifying barriers to weight loss and addressing them effectively.
- Personalized Diet and Exercise Plans: Tailored to your lifestyle, ensuring that your plan fits into your daily routine.
- Medical Support: Pharmacotherapy with semaglutide and, if necessary, bariatric surgery options.
The Four Pillars of Effective Weight Loss
Our weight management program is built upon four proven pillars that, when combined, provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to sustainable weight loss.
01. Nutrition
Effective nutritional interventions are based on evidence, patient preferences, and long-term adherence. We offer a range of dietary plans customized to help you achieve your health goals. Whether you're looking to lose weight, manage a medical condition, or improve overall wellness, we have a solution for you.
02. Physical Activity
Physical activity plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy weight. Our team will work with you to create a safe, manageable exercise plan that fits your current fitness level and gradually increases to improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.
03. Behavorial Modifications
Long-term weight loss success is largely influenced by your ability to make lasting behavioral changes. We help you adopt healthier habits through goal-setting, self-monitoring, and support systems, ensuring that these new behaviors become a part of your daily life.
04. Medications
When necessary, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications can be used to support weight loss. These medications help regulate hunger, improve metabolism, and maintain consistency with nutritional plans. Medication is most effective when paired with the other three pillars.
GLP-1 Therapy
Semaglutide in Weight Management
How GLP-1 medications work, side effects to expect, and pricing transparency.
How Ozempic/Wegovy/Mounjaro/Zepbound Works
GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) are innovative medications that have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management. These drugs mimic the action of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). When activated, GLP-1 receptors help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production, reducing glucagon release, and slowing digestion. Additionally, these medications act on areas of the brain that control hunger and appetite, leading to reduced food intake and significant weight loss for many patients.
While GLP-1 agonists offer remarkable benefits, being aware of potential side effects is essential. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which typically occur when starting the medication or increasing the dose. These effects are usually temporary and tend to subside over time. At Auria Medical Clinics, we understand the importance of accessible healthcare. We're pleased to offer our patients low-cost generic versions of Ozempic (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
Common Side Effects and Considerations
Like any medication, Semaglutide comes with potential side effects, including nausea and digestive issues. It is important to understand both the benefits and risks. Our team ensures full transparency with all medications and will guide you through any questions about how Semaglutide fits into your weight loss plan.
Pricing and Consent
We believe in clarity and transparency, with no hidden fees. Our pricing structure is available for review, and we offer multiple payment options to suit your needs. Before starting any treatment, we require a consent form to ensure you are fully informed about your options.
Obesity Medicine
Understanding Obesity and Its Impact
Key Factors That Contribute to Obesity
Several factors can contribute to obesity:
- Genetics: Although less common, genetics can play a role in obesity.
- Environment: Easy access to processed foods and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors.
- Stress: Emotional triggers, such as work pressures and personal stress, can lead to overeating.
- Behavioral Factors: Our brain's reward system influences food choices, often leading to unhealthy eating patterns.
The Health Risks of Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of developing various serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. It also affects quality of life and can lead to psychosocial challenges, such as negative body image and social stigma.
Medical Perspective
Why Obesity is More Than Just a Lifestyle Choice
Obesity is now recognized as a medical condition, not just a result of poor choices or behaviors. In 2013, the American Medical Association classified obesity as a disease due to its complex interplay of genetics, environment, and behavioral factors.
Health Benefits of Weight Loss
Even a modest reduction of 5-10% of your body weight can significantly lower the risk of developing conditions like:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Heart Disease
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
By reducing excess weight, you can also improve your overall quality of life and lower the likelihood of developing other serious conditions in the future.
Pharmacotherapy
Medications to Support Your Weight Loss Journey
While diet and exercise are foundational to weight loss, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications can be essential tools in overcoming the challenges of chronic weight management. These medications can help reduce appetite, improve satiety, and enhance adherence to your nutritional plan.
Your weight management clinician will assess your health history and goals to recommend the most appropriate medications, ensuring that they complement your lifestyle changes and contribute to your long-term success.
Your Path Forward
The Road to Effective Weight Management
Medical Management
Medical management focuses on long-term lifestyle changes. Our specialists provide personalized treatment plans that include dietary counseling, exercise recommendations, behavioral therapy, and, when appropriate, medications. Regular follow-up ensures your plan remains effective and adjustments are made as needed.
Bariatric Surgery
In some cases, bariatric surgery may be recommended for individuals with a BMI over 40 or a BMI over 35 with additional obesity-related health conditions. This surgery is a powerful tool for weight loss but should always be paired with a comprehensive, long-term weight management strategy, including lifestyle changes and medication.
Combining Medical and Surgical Approaches
For those who undergo bariatric surgery, medical management continues to play a vital role in achieving lasting success. This may include the use of anti-obesity medications and lifestyle support to maintain weight loss and prevent relapse.
Patient Reviews
What our patients say
Recent Google reviews from patients of Auria Medical Clinics.
Natalie L.
2 years ago
Thank you Dr. Ali!!!You and your staff are Awesome.
Marla L.
3 years ago
I've trusted Dr. Zafar and her team at Auria Medical Clinics for 3 years and they do not disappoint. I know I'm getting excellent medical care and have used them for both in person and virtual appointments. She listens and provides insightful feedback that helps me to manage my health and wellness. Great job to her team in assuring my lab appointments are set up and ready when I arrive. I highly recommend!
brandee K.
3 years ago
Dr Zafar is amazing with my grandmother!!! She listens and she is attentive to her needs. She address concerns and questions quickly. She commends her on any weight loss or improvements that have been made. All in all an amazing woman and practice.
Joseph T.
4 years ago
Dr. Araghi is wonderful. His office staff is so nice and they move efficiently. Both visits I've had to his office were pleasant and Dr Araghi was on time for the appointments. I appreciate him keeping a great schedule and being considerate of my time. I Will definitely visit for any future needs.
More Care Areas
Browse Other Services
Explore pulmonary, sleep, and weight management care available in the same clinic.
Internal Medicine and Primary Care
Our internal medicine and primary care services are designed to meet your unique needs at every stage of life. Our experienced medical team provides proactive, evidence-based care to help you stay healthy and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Pulmonary Medicine
Auria Medical Clinics offers specialized pulmonary care to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of lung and respiratory conditions. With our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and personalized treatments, you can breathe easier and live better.
Sleep Medicine
Sleep enables tissue repair, memory consolidation, and hormone regulation. Poor sleep raises risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression, and weakens immunity. Prioritize good sleep for physical and mental health.
Ready to visit
Schedule with our Suwanee team
At Auria Medical Clinics, we are committed to guiding you through every step of your weight management journey. Our personalized programs combine medical expertise, behavioral support, and sustainable lifestyle changes, empowering you to achieve lasting results. Contact us today to begin your transformation.