Women’s Wellness

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by deterioration in bone mass and development of weak bone structure, leading to increased risk of fracture due to minor falls or similar accidents. Although Osteoporosis is most common in older women, currently affecting about 25% of women 65 or older, men can develop the disease as well. After achieving peak bone mass in one’s early 20’s, bone mass and structure tend to deteriorate as we age. About 54 million Americans either have osteoporosis or low bone density, thus placing them at an increased risk for the disease. In total, about 50% of women and up to 25% of men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. Having osteoporosis does not automatically mean that your bones will break; however, it does suggest a much greater risk of fracture.

Our bodies are continuously forming new bone and breaking down older bone in order to maintain strength. When we are young, our bodies create more bone than we break down – aiding and contributing to growth. This process peaks in our 20’s, followed by the reverse occurring and the body losing bone faster than being created. Although bone loss is part of the natural aging process, there are several risk factors that put certain individuals at a higher risk for osteoporosis. Knowing your risk factors is the first step in taking an active role in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis.

• Low intake of Calcium, Vitamin D, and/or Protein
• Excess Alcohol and/or Tobacco use
• Genetic Factors, including family history of Osteoporosis
• Older Age, specifically over 50 years old
• Being a Woman or of Caucasian or Asian descent
• Lack of Physical Activity
• Small Frame Size or Significantly Underweight
• Eating Disorders
• Chronic Diseases, such as Digestive Disorders, Autoimmune Diseases, Cancer, Blood & Hormonal Disorders, and Thyroid Issues

It can be difficult to know if you have osteoporosis unless you experience complications related to the disease. It is possible to have osteoporosis and not experience symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Complications from osteoporosis include bone fracture (especially bones in the spine, hip, and wrist), chronic pain, decrease in height, stooped posture, and limited mobility.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

Many osteoporosis patients never learn about the underlying cause of their fracture or receive any sort of preventative treatment. At MOST, we believe in the importance of being assessed for osteoporosis following your first bone fracture in order to prevent secondary fractures. A comprehensive medical evaluation will be conducted to estimate your future risk of fractures. Testing and diagnosis may involve Medical History & Physical Examinations, a Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan), and/or various laboratory tests. A Fracture Risk Assessment Score, combined with a Bone Density Test, will also be used to determine your 10-year probability of sustaining a hip fracture, specifically, or other major osteoporosis related fracture.

Treatment of Osteoporosis

The experienced team at MOST will recommend appropriate treatment depending on your testing and diagnostic results. Various treatments may include Medications to improve bone density, Estrogen Therapy, or modifications to your diet and exercise regiments.

Participating in a medical weight loss program helps address the many challenges that cause popular or mainstream diets to fail. Beginning with a comprehensive exam and testing, if a health issue is identified, we can provide treatments to accelerate weight loss. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to weight gain, MOST helps you achieve healthy and lasting results. Additionally, regular follow up appointments are scheduled to help monitor progress and if a plateau is reached, the customized program can be adjusted accordingly to aid in continual weight loss. The program is specifically designed for long term success, and does not solely focus on weight loss but rather enhancing overall health and self-confidence and improving energy levels and cardiovascular health.

• Semaglutide is the generic name for an active ingredient in medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide is an injectable medication prescribed to aid in weight loss and management of type 2 diabetes.
• Semaglutide is part of a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Meaning, when the medication enters the body, it mimics the GLP-1 hormone and released into the gastrointestinal tract as we eat.
• Semaglutide targets the areas of the brain responsible for regulating appetite – making us feel full and avoid overeating as the medication functions as a powerful appetite suppressant. Over time, and in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise routine, Semaglutide assists with weight management and weight loss.
• In addition to suppressing appetite, Semaglutide works to increase insulin production and lower blood sugar levels and is regularly prescribed to patients dealing with type 2 diabetes.

• Decreasing Appetite to Prevent Overeating
• Helping to Eliminate Excess Body Fat
• Improved Bodily Proportions
• Feel of being ‘Full’
• Reduces Risk of Heart Disease, Stroke, & Heart Attack
• Helps Lower Blood Pressure
• Improved Mobility & Athletic Performance
• Increased Self-Confidence & Mood
• Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
• Improved Sleep

• If you are interested in taking Semaglutide for weight loss or management, the first step will be scheduling a consultation with our Nurse Practitioner, Kelly Kleifges. During the initial meeting, Kelly will discuss your medication options, health history, and weight-oriented goals. If you decide to move forward with treatment, Kelly will prescribe the medication and demonstrate how to properly inject it. The medication is typically injected by the patient once per week.
• In clinical studies with patients taking Semaglutide for a total of 68 weeks – Half the participants lost approximately 15% of their body weight while some individuals lost about 20%.
• After taking Semaglutide, some patients start to notice weight loss at around four weeks, but it may take up to eight to twelve weeks for significant results.

• Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential, water-soluble vitamin occurring naturally in various food and essential for nerve, blood cell, and DNA health. Low B12 also cause fatigue and brain fog. Furthermore, at appropriate levels, the lipotropic properties of Vitamin B12 help process and burn fat more effectively and efficiently.
• There are many reasons individuals may be low in Vitamin B12 – including missing proteins, insufficient levels of stomach acid, drug side effects (especially from diabetic drugs such as Metformin), previous gastric surgeries, and lack of meat consumption.

• Oftentimes, your body cannot produce enough of its own B12 to take advantage of all these benefits – so it must be consumed through food and additional supplements. Further, simply relying on oral B12 supplements may not increase B12 levels to the desired amount as not all nutrients move through the digestive system efficiently before entering the bloodstream.
• Receiving B12 injections provides the immediate benefit of the full dose as it is delivered directly into the bloodstream, allowing your body to utilize the nutrients immediately for faster and more complete results.
• Most patients receive B12 shots twice a week, but customized needs will be determined and tailored when establishing a treatment schedule.

• Immediate Improvement in & Longer-Term Energy
• Enhanced Metabolism, Helping to Burn Fat Faster
• Improved Mood & Cognition
• Helps Build & Repair Muscle
• Aids in Fat & Carbohydrate Digestion