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Weight Loss Specialist

Marlene Rocha Farooq, MD

Family Medicine and Aesthetic Physician located in Long Beach, CA

Whether you have a few stubborn pounds or a more substantial weight loss problem to tackle, a physician-backed approach can work where other methods have failed. At Marlene Rocha Farooq, MD, in Long Beach, California, your weight loss goals are within reach. With safe and effective methods, Dr. Farooq can help you lose the weight ― and keep it off.

Weight Loss Q&A

What causes weight gain?

Putting on weight usually happens slowly over the natural course of aging. However, there are medical or lifestyle factors that can cause sudden weight gain. While diet and exercise are always part of the equation, other factors that contribute to weight gain are:

  • Chronic stress
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Underlying illness
  • Blood sugar imbalance


A large part of losing weight involves treating the underlying factors that cause your weight gain.

How does medical weight loss work?

Medical weight loss is a good option if you’ve been unsuccessful with other methods, like dieting and exercise. The tools you’ll gain through the medical weight loss process also help to ensure you won’t regain the weight you lose.

Dr. Farooq evaluates your health history, your lifestyle, genetics, and other factors that can influence your weight.

She may suggest specific tests to determine your hormone health, body mass index, or body fat percentage. A course of treatment usually includes:

Diet and exercise

You’ll learn what foods and exercises can support your weight loss goals, which may vary from one person to the next. Dr. Farooq often suggests ProLonⓇ, a dietary program that offers the health benefits of fasting while enabling you to eat solid foods.

Supplements or Medications

Certain drugs or natural remedies can boost your body’s metabolism and help regulate your appetite.

Lifestyle counseling

Part of weight loss is accountability and having regular support, which is part of Dr. Farooq’s approach with each patient.

What are the benefits of medical weight loss?

The main benefit of medical weight loss is that it’s customized to meet your specific needs. While diet and exercise programs can be effective for some people, they don’t take into account an individual’s unique health history and physiological makeup.

With proper tests and a full medical evaluation, Dr. Farooq can diagnose precisely why you’re not losing weight and what approaches will help you reach your goals. In many cases, a medical issue needs resolving before you can begin to lose weight.

Moreover, the personalized care and frequent support you have under a medical weight loss plan ensure your success.

To get started on your weight loss journey today, book an appointment with Dr. Farooq using the online scheduler.