The AST Weight Loss Program

Our cutting-edge weight loss program in Mt. Vernon, Carlyle, Marion, and Centralia, IL, is designed for patients who seek a long-term solution for excessive weight that focuses on holistic lifestyle changes. Our program is supported by – and easily combined with – all of our aesthetic treatments, allowing patients to optimize and enhance their weight loss results.

About the program

Our weight loss program is tailored to the individual because we understand that every patient is unique – physiologically and emotionally. Weight loss solutions that work for one person may not work for the next. This is typically due to body chemistry. Thyroid function, adrenal function, and insulin levels can play a role in how the body metabolizes food.

With the help of weight loss injections and a lifestyle shift, patients can achieve a healthier, lighter physique and enhanced self-confidence. At AST, we have designed our signature Weight Loss Program to help patients not only shed the pounds but also revolutionize their daily habits in order to support long-term success and longevity. From the beginning, our holistic approach includes a focus on the following:

Daily hydration – Each day, patients are encouraged to drink at least HALF their body weight in ounces of fluid. This will not only assist in curbing appetite but will also flush out toxins and waste, optimizing digestion. While some herbal teas and vegetable or fruit juices are okay, steer clear of sugary sodas and caffeinated drinks.
Daily movement – Patients are encouraged to engage in as much movement as possible, which not only tones the physique but also improves mental health and mood. Exercise can tone the muscles and burn calories. It’s good to choose a variety of different exercise types, such as weight-bearing exercise, yoga, stretching, aerobics, cycling, and swimming.
Focus on overall well-being – Many diets fail because they are too extreme and the focus is more on losing weight rather than living a healthy lifestyle. If you want to reshape your body, lean into a healthier diet that includes lean protein, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition.

The three pillars of the AST Weight Loss Program

There are three key pillars supporting your program. Each plays a vital role in helping you to shed the pounds and keep them off for good.

Exercise

Begin by thinking about how you can simply be more active in your daily life. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes a day, whether it’s walking, playing with your kids, or even dancing around the house. Get up and get your body moving! Do just a little at first and slowly work your way up to your target. Exercise is great, but you have to love what you’re doing. Otherwise, you won’t stick with it. Try different things to see what suits you best. Try hiking, biking, swimming, baseball, soccer – try it all! Focus more on having fun than executing a chore. If you have a step counter, aim for 8000-10,000 steps per day. Building muscle is also a critical component of any weight loss program because it will help the body burn more fat. Start small and gradually increase the amount of weight. You can even do weight-bearing exercises using your own body!

Nutrition

Fad diets and starving yourself never really work. They might work temporarily, but in the end, the weight always comes back. Instead, try to focus on maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Get into exploring fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and lean proteins. It’s not about counting carbs or fat. Complex carbohydrates can actually keep you fuller longer, assisting with weight control. Find recipes you enjoy and delight in different food combinations. You will feel better both physically and mentally. To be successful at weight loss, you need to ensure that you are getting enough fiber, calcium, and protein. Our team will delve into the topic of proper nutrition in more depth once you join the program.

Weight loss injections

Prescription GLP-1 and GIP medications imitate the effect of the natural hormones your body secretes after eating. These hormones help to reduce appetite and regulate your digestion. At AST, we use Semaglutide, a proven formula that is highly effective when combined with a healthy, active lifestyle. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medication that assists the pancreas in releasing the correct amount of insulin. The injections slow the movement of food through the digestive tract, reducing hunger and thus accomplishing notable weight loss for the patient. We start patients off with a low dose of Semaglutide, which helps limit side effects. The dose is then gradually increased once a month until reaching the maximum dosage.

There is also the option to increase the dosage at an even slower rate. We will typically keep you at whatever dosage allows you to lose the weight until you plateau. At the start of your weight loss program, we will speak with you about which weight loss injections and dosage might be the best fit for your goals. You will attend weekly meetings with our team to receive your injections and we will monitor your progress carefully. This provides the time and space to make any adjustments to your treatment plan should any adverse reactions arise. It also provides you with accountability.

How much does the AST Weight Loss Program cost?

We strive to make our Weight Loss Program affordable and accessible to all patients in and beyond Mt. Vernon, Carlyle, Marion, and Centralia. Your initial consultation costs just $149 and includes detailed laboratory tests and a thorough physical analysis. From there, it is just $99 per week which covers your medication, injections and weekly visits.

Upon enrolling in the AST Medical Weight Loss Program, you will be eligible for 20% off of the following services:

B12 & Fat Blaster Injections
Evolve and Evoke treatments
AST Drip Lounge Services