Lifelong Battle Against Obesity

May 1, 2025

The Lifelong Battle Against Obesity: Why Appetite Suppression Matters 


“Obesity is more than a cosmetic concern,” says Dr. Jacob Mirman. “It is a chronic disease that significantly impacts overall health, leading to a cascade of secondary conditions. These can include the following:”


  • Type 2 Diabetes – Impaired insulin regulation leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels.
  • Heart Disease & Hypertension – Increased strain on the cardiovascular system, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Sleep Apnea – Interrupted breathing during sleep, affecting rest and increasing mortality risks.
  • Joint Problems (Osteoarthritis) – Excess weight wears down joints, leading to chronic pain and mobility limitations.
  • Fatty Liver Disease – Accumulation of fat in the liver, potentially progressing to liver failure.
  • Certain Cancers – Obesity has been linked to heightened risks for cancers, including colorectal, breast, and pancreatic.


“Despite the misconception that obesity can be managed solely through diet and exercise,” says Dr. Mirman, “research shows that long-term weight management is rarely achievable without appetite suppression. While diet and exercise work for some, most individuals require additional interventions to regulate hunger and prevent weight regain.”


Appetite Suppression: Drug & Supplement-Based Approaches


Appetite suppression is incredibly important in any weight loss program and can be achieved using pharmaceutical interventions such as GLP-1 agonists, including Wegovy, or nutritional supplements such as NeuroReplete neurotransmitter supplements. While both approaches aim to curb excessive hunger and help individuals sustain weight loss, insurance coverage varies significantly.


Pharmaceuticals and Insurance Coverage


Pharmaceutical treatments like Wegovy may be covered by health insurance when properly justified with medical documentation. When insurance coverage is unavailable, Wegovy can still be obtained directly from the manufacturer for $499 per month. However, compounded semaglutide is no longer an option.


The Costs of Nutritional Supplements


Nutritional supplements are not covered by insurance, and their costs depend on dosage needs, typically ranging between $180 to $315 per month.


Obesity Treatment Is a Lifelong Commitment


“As with any chronic disease,” says Dr. Jacob Mirman, “the treatment of obesity must be considered a long-term necessity. Discontinuing appetite suppression typically results in weight regain, reversing health improvements. For those who commit to continuous treatment, the benefits include enhanced health, reduced disease risks, and longer life expectancy.


The fight against obesity is ongoing, but with the right interventions, it has been my experience that individuals can reclaim control over their health and future.”


To schedule an appointment, call our office at (952) 933-8900.

Life Medical Has a Totally New and More Patient-Friendly Website

October 23, 2025
Take a look at our new website. Updated graphics and layout. Easier to navigate. Lots of new information for patients. A great new feature on the new website is the "MyChart" equivalent available to the clinic and the patient portal. Patients registering for the portal will have access to their ongoing progress notes, and lab results. This feature is similar to the MyHealth portal utilized by Fairview and other large health providers. Patients will get notifications about upcoming appointments with providers. They can immediately communicate directly with their providers and staff using the electronic message system within the portal. We have recently implemented The PRISMA System here at Life Medical. This is an interoperability toolkit that allows for easy data exchange between different medical clinics. This feature has allowed our clinic access to records from other groups including Fairview, Park Nicollet and Allina. We can now get patient information very quickly without the time-consuming “request for records” process. This makes it much easier for every medical practitioner to provide a higher level of continuity of care. Patients no longer need to hesitate to be seen outside of their current health group, because there are no longer data exchange limitations. Life Medical is a great clinic because we are always taking steps to improve our patients’ experiences.

Life Medical Is Proud to Welcome Dr. Olga Karchenets!

October 22, 2025
Life Medical is proud to welcome Dr. Olga Karchenets! Dr. Karachenets is a board-certified family medicine physician with extensive experience in primary care, preventive health, and chronic disease management. She provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages and has special interests in pulmonology (asthma, COPD), dermatology, women’s health, geriatrics, diabetes, obesity management, and preventive care. She has been honored with multiple professional awards for excellence in patient care.

Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Can Now Sell Recreational Cannabis

October 22, 2025
“We fought hard for it,” says Dr. Jacob Mirman, “and now recreational cannabis is available from non-tribal dispensaries for the first time since legalization in 2023. This is something to celebrate! Medical cannabis is much more effective than any other type of marijuana-based product because it is customized by a pharmacist. Also, medical cannabis is not subject to any taxes which makes it available at a more reasonable price. There are less restrictions for medical patients vs. recreational users, because patients do not have caps on the amount they can purchase or the potency of products. I have treated thousands of patients with medical cannabis and in the vast majority of cases the results have been excellent.”