Weight Loss & Obesity Medicine Management
Body
The Weight Loss & Obesity Medicine Management (OMM) program at Garnet Health Medical Center is called A Healthy Weigh. It offers our patients a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to weight loss that involves non-surgical techniques only to help you achieve a healthy body weight.
Obesity is a chronic disease which often requires a skilled clinical team to assist the patient in achieving and maintaining weight loss and significant improvement or resolution of co-morbidities. Losing weight results in an increase in longevity and substantial improvement in overall quality of life. Our team consists of:
- The Obesity Medicine Director Physician, Kaushal Shah, MD
- Your Primary Care or Specialty Provider
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs)
- Behavioral Health Specialists
- Referral to a Certified Exercise Instructor or Physical Therapist, if necessary
Together, we work as a team to help you make dietary and lifestyle changes that will improve your health and wellbeing.
A Healthy Weigh Program features
- Frequent 1:1 nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian both in-person and via telehealth for accountability
- Personalized nutrition recommendations based on your health and wellness goals and lifestyle
- Regular body composition analysis tracking changes to muscle and fat mass using InBody technology
- Recording dietary intake using an app or food journal
- Virtual monthly support groups
- Behavioral and lifestyle counseling
- Comprehensive medical work-up with laboratory testing
- Optional use of weight loss medication
What is body composition analysis and why is it an effective tool for weight management?
At the initial visit with the Registered Dietitian, you will have your body composition analyzed through the use of our InBody machine. Measuring body composition is essential to understand your physiological makeup, to help guide targeted therapies for weight loss, and to track improvements in your health besides just a number on the scale. InBody devices are non-invasive, quick, and convenient making it an ideal tool to use. In less than 60 seconds, you will be provided with easy to understand, accurate and objective measurements to evaluate your health risks and monitor progress. Regular follow ups will be scheduled to re-check body composition to assess muscle-fat balance, fluid imbalances, and other changes to determine the efficacy of treatments and recommendations.
A Healthy Weigh Program Eligibility
Who qualifies to be eligible for this program?
Anyone with a qualifying Body Mass Index (BMI) (see * in chart below) that is ready and motivated to make lifestyle changes required for weight loss. It is not required to have any co-morbid conditions depending on BMI to qualify for A Healthy Weigh.
| Program qualification (denoted by "X") | BMI 18.5 - 24.9 | BMI 25.0 - 26.9* | BMI 27.0 - 29.9 | BMI 30.0 - 34.9 | BMI 35.0 - 39.9 | BMI 40.0 + |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifies for A Healthy Weigh Program | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Qualifies for A Healthy Weigh Program AND use of Pharmacokinetic Treatment | X | X | X | X | ||
| Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery with at least one co-morbidity** | X | X | X | |||
| Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery without co-morbidity | X | X |
(Examples of co-morbidities include: Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, etc.)
** While a BMI of 35 or greater qualifies for bariatric surgery without any comorbidities, if a patient would prefer to attempt weight loss through non-surgical methods, they can also be referred to A Healthy Weigh.
BMI For Adults
Is there anyone that is not eligible for this program?
Yes. The following circumstances indicate those that are not viable for weight loss therapy:
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Persons with serious uncontrolled psychiatric illness such as major depression/bipolar disorder
- Persons with serious illnesses for whom caloric restriction might exacerbate illness; i.e. cancer, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis C, or chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis
- Persons with active substance abuse; i.e. alcohol or drug abuse
- Persons with an active eating disorder; i.e. anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa
How to Get Started with A Healthy Weigh
Weight loss Program
The first step is getting a referral from your primary or specialty care physician, a hospitalist, or bariatric surgeon to participate in the OMM program. A pre-authorization will be done with your insurance company to determine coverage and costs. Once you are referred to the program, an initial comprehensive medical exam will be scheduled. The evaluation and ongoing support provided in the program will involve assessment and treatment for complications related to obesity.
No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, Garnet Health can help guide your next steps. Unsure if A Healthy Weigh or bariatric surgery are right for you? Call us today at 845-333-2123 and talk to our compassionate weight loss experts.
