Medically-based weight management services offer care and support

Maintaining a healthy weight is key to quality of life, mobility and longevity. It is vital for lowering health risks associated with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and obstructive sleep apnea.

Obesity is a complex disease that involves multiple factors. Anatomy, physiology and genetics play a role in weight. Personal factors and social determinants of health, including access to healthy food and health care, can also affect body weight. In addition, many people are resistant to insulin or have other metabolic conditions.

Diet and exercise may not be enough for you to attain and maintain a healthy weight. In some situations, medical intervention may offer benefits.

Comprehensive medically based weight loss programs are designed for people who have longer term issues with weight management, especially those who have a body mass index greater than 27. A well-rounded program focuses on the medical, dietary, social and behavioral health aspects of each person’s weight loss.

When you join ProHealth Care's weight management program, your team of providers will take your physiology and pre-existing health conditions into account. They will also gain an understanding of how behavioral issues including stress, body image, your relationship with self, relationship with food and sleep may affect your weight.

ProHealth's medically based weight management team includes a nurse practitioner, registered dietitian, behavioral health therapist and surgeon. They can provide an individual treatment plan designed around your medical history, medications, body composition, personal challenges and goals. Your team will consider your food preferences and what is feasible and attainable for you. You can also access group sessions, medication therapy and surgical options if you qualify.

Bariatric surgery can help reduce hunger and food portions, and improve insulin resistance. Your medical team can explain the benefits of surgery and what it entails. Minimally invasive surgical options include sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Many bariatric surgery patients experience more weight loss and metabolic improvement after their procedures than they did with other treatments. Multiple medical studies have found that bariatric surgery can lower the risk of death from any cause by over 40%, including diabetes by 92%, cancer by 60% and heart disease by 40%.

If you are eligible and would like to proceed with surgery, your medical team will work closely with you to:

Verify your insurance benefits.
Help you prepare medically, nutritionally and emotionally.
Provide long-term support to optimize your results.

If you think you would benefit from the medical weight management program, you can request an in-person consult online or call 262-928-3880. If you have interest in weight loss surgery, request a referral from your primary care provider or specialist.

Thomas Wade, MD, is a fellowship trained metabolic and bariatric surgeon, and a member of ProHealth Care’s weight management team.