Dr Eldad Einav, CEO of MyW8
There are several different types of doctors and establishments offering medical weight loss solutions, but are they all created equal? In Los Angeles and across the U.S., practices where weight management is not the primary focus, have added this service. It is no secret that anti-obesity medications have ramped up in popularity. Now, internal medicine physicians, med spas, and other broad-focused facilities prescribe some of the most popular medications. However, some physicians have applied their specialty solely to finding the most effective, healthy, and long-lasting weight loss modalities.
Embarking on a weight loss journey has evolved beyond simple calorie counting and rigorous exercise routines. Some physicians are now making a shift toward a holistic approach. Employing strategies to treat the whole person, beyond merely shedding pounds, is often a highly transformative method. This comprehensive method integrates lifestyle adjustments, improvement in mental health, nutrition, targeted medications, and physical activity. Physicians say both aerobic and resistance training are critical in the process of becoming healthy and preventing sarcopenic obesity. Collectively, these offer a more sustainable path to shedding excess weight and maintaining the achieved results. Physicians say healthy weight loss is more than the number on the scale. There are risks and benefits, which is why getting treatment from an expert who specializes in this field is important.
Cardiologist Dr. Eldad Eaniv, founder and CEO at his Beverly Hills practice myW8, who also serves as the medical director of cardiometabolic Health at Lourdes Ascension in Binghamton, N.Y, states, “My methods are completely different from many medical professionals providing weight loss assistance, because of my 360 holistic approach, and the emphasis on heart health and metabolic wellness. Weight loss has now proven effective in the preventive treatment of patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. It is also improving other heart conditions like heart failure, or abnormal rhythm like atrial fibrillation. I feel that being a cardiologist and an obesity specialist helps me to treat these patients, better addressing obesity in a high-risk population.”
Overweight individuals with multiple risk factors like high cholesterol, sugar, and blood pressure would benefit from a comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular and metabolic risk. These tests assess the chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, or even sudden death. In all risky situations, Dr. Eldad treats a patient’s chronic conditions while addressing their weight loss needs. “Achieving significant weight loss is important in cardiovascular risk reduction. We know that there is a benefit in losing more than 10 to 15 percent weight loss. However, it is important to prioritize cardiovascular health in the process,” said Dr. Eldad.
By addressing the multifaceted aspects of an individual’s well-being, this approach not only creates physical changes but also instigates a profound shift in mindset. Fostering a healthier relationship with food and body sets patients up for long-term success. The fusion of these elements signifies a departure from conventional weight loss methods. These collective strategies create an understanding of the interplay between lifestyle, medication, and psychological well-being, in the pursuit of lasting weight management.
“Not many cardiologists focus on obesity care. Cardiologists have their hands full, treating cardiovascular disease, it’s complicated, but they don’t always emphasize prevention.
I see obesity care as a key part of preventive cardiology that has been neglected by many practitioners. I believe the approach of treating excess weight first can improve not only the risk factors for heart disease but can also remove the independent risk factor of obesity. We can achieve powerful preventive intervention,” said Dr. Eldad.
Until recently, science did not clearly show the cardiovascular benefit of multiple interventions for weight loss other than bariatric surgery. However, multiple medications have emerged (incretins / glp1 analogs) that show promising efficacy and safety. “These emerging medications are game-changing in prevention. Combining skills in obesity medicine and cardiology has proven to be very advantageous,” said Dr. Eldad.
Studies have shown that behavioral intervention alone, despite its many health benefits,
is not effective enough in reducing a significant amount of weight and maintaining it long-term in most patients. Moreover, even intensive lifestyle intervention failed to show cardiovascular benefits over time. Tailoring a treatment plan to the individual has a higher success rate.
Dr. Eldad states, “Our registered dietitians work with patients to develop a diet that is not only lower in caloric intake but helps in other aspects of healthy weight loss. We focus on increased protein to prevent muscle loss associated with fast weight loss and other nutritional choices to help the patient tolerate anti-obesity medication. We advise customized nutrition to improve heart disease. Specialized diets are designed to improve risk factors like high blood pressure and high sugar or lipids.”
Dr. Eldad has found that without a proper diet, patients may experience adverse gastrointestinal reactions that hinder success. For example, Ozempic or Wegovy (Semaglutide) may cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, abdominal discomfort, or constipation. There were also rare reports of intestinal blockage. Specific nutritional advice and planning, alongside close monitoring by a specialist, can curb these side effects, and increase a patient’s potential to benefit from the medication.
The growing popularity of weight loss medication has provided a bigger picture of what these medications are capable of. “We have growing evidence showing that losing weight in the right way helps to prevent cardiac events like heart attacks, stroke, and chronic disease. We are seeing this approach along with weight loss medications like the GLP1’s improving symptoms of heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. With significant weight loss of more than 10 percent to 15 percent there will be a marked reduction in heart disease,” said Dr. Eldad.
When treating patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease in need of significant weight loss, it should be considered that these are often high-risk patients. “A physician simply prescribing a weight loss medication does not take the necessity of monitoring and treating these conditions into account. Even patients who are not at risk of heart disease benefit greatly from this level of monitoring and specialized focus,” said Dr. Eldad. Up to 25 percent of the patients fail to respond to anti-obesity medication. Combining other modalities like intensive behavioral intervention and considering other therapies may help in achieving sustained weight loss
“My focus on weight management is unique in my specialty. Weight loss is the foot in the door to improve cardiovascular health with wellness and longevity. That is why I have combined these two specialties. I am passionate about prevention,” said Dr. Eldad. The percentage of cardiologists focusing primarily on weight loss is low. However, the two specialties are undeniably linked.
It is clear that weight loss is a goal for many people in America, however, many say they have no idea how to be successful and maintain a healthy BMI throughout their lifetime. Dr. Eldad states, “ If you’ve found it challenging to achieve successful weight loss, it’s time to consider a holistic approach. An emphasis on not only BMI but maintaining a healthy body composition with reduced fat tissue and increased muscle mass. Excess body fat can contribute to a host of cardiovascular diseases. Increased muscle mass is vital for strength and can boost your metabolism and help you maintain your goal weight. Your chances of reaching and sustaining your health goals are greatly improved when adopting a medical approach. Medical weight loss with expert oversight can not only help you shed more pounds safely but can also significantly lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.”
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