Medical Weight Management Program
Am I a Candidate?
Our medical weight management program is appropriate for all individuals struggling with their weight. There are no minimal weight or body mass index (BMI) requirements. We are here to help you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your quality of life.
We work with each patient to develop an individualized, comprehensive weight loss plan. We focus on nutrition, physical activity and behavioral changes to maximize patient results. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, we prescribe FDA-approved anti-obesity medications for patients who qualify.
Meet the Team
Rami Lutfi, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Dr. Lutfi, a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, is internationally renowned for his work in the latest obesity treatments. He is a frequently invited guest lecturer and well-established researcher on the topic of obesity and weight management.
During his fellowship training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Vanderbilt University, he also completed a research fellowship in foregut disorders and obesity. Dr. Lufti’s expertise is foundational to a holistic metabolic medicine program designed to ensure that patients achieve whole body wellness.
Suzi Hamby, PA-C, RD, LDN
Suzi Hamby is a Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian specializing in medical weight loss management. She earned a Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine from the Obesity Medicine Association. She graduated with a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago and completed her Dietetic Internship at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
Suzi is passionate about helping patients improve their quality of life and achieve long-term weight loss.
What the Program Offers
- Customized Dietitian-Developed Diet Plans
- Lifestyle and Behavioral Modification
- Exercise Planning/Counseling
- FDA-Approved Anti-Obesity Medications
- Referral to Bariatric Surgery (if desired)
Lifestyle and Behavior Modification
Lifestyle and behavior modification is an essential pillar of obesity management. We help patients identify and overcome eating patterns that may contribute to their weight gain. We provide referrals for psychological services, if warranted, to assist patients in their weight loss journey.
Exercise Planning
Physical activity is vital — not just in terms of achieving weight loss goals, but also in improving mood and well-being, and promoting overall health. Every patient is different and we will work with you to develop a custom exercise plan that accommodates any restrictions or physical limitations.
- Physical activity guidelines
- At least 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) per week of moderate intensity, OR
- 75 – 150 minutes per week of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise
- Ideally spread throughout the week
- Customize plans
- Referral
Exercise programs are based on an assessment of each patient’s mobility.
- Unable to walk
- Seated exercise program
- Arm exercises (arm cycling)
- Swimming/aquatic exercises
- Resistance/gravity mediated physical activities (seated leg raises, band exercises)
- Consider physical therapy evaluation
- Limited mobility
- Walking
- Swimming/aquatic exercises
- Resistance/gravity mediated physical activities (seated leg raises, band exercises)
- Balance exercises
FDA-Approved Anti-Obesity Medications
While the other components of our Medical Weight Management Program have no requirements, patients must meet the following qualifications to receive these medications:
- BMI greater than or equal to 30
- BMI greater than or equal to 27 with comorbidities including, but not limited to, the following:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Patients using these medications lose an average of 5 – 10% of their total body weight in one year. If no clinical improvement is cited, alternative medications are considered. Medications are recommended for long-term use; stopping medication increases the risk of regaining weight.
Wegovy (Semaglutide) 2.4 mg
The newest anti-obesity medication on the market, Wegovy received FDA approval in June 2021. This once-weekly injectable medication works by increasing GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide) in the body. GLP-1 is an appetite hormone that helps regulate hunger. With the addition of diet and lifestyle modifications, average weight loss is 10 – 16% in 1 year.
Saxenda (Liraglutide) 3 mg
This daily injectable weight loss medication increases GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide) in the body. GLP-1 is an appetite hormone that helps regulate hunger and increasing it can lead to eating fewer calories. Average weight loss — with the addition of diet and lifestyle modification — is 5 – 10% in 1 year.
Qysmia (Phentermine/Topiramate)
This drug is combines phentermine and topiramate (traditionally used as an anti-seizure medication). Qysmia is a daily pill that triggers the release of norepinephrine in the brain, which results in decreased appetite. Patients experience an average weight loss of 10 – 15% in 1 year.
Contrave (Naltrexone HCl/Bupropion HCl)
This combo drug targets two different areas of the brain to help reduce both hunger and cravings. Contrave is taken as 4 pills a day with a month-long titration period. Weight loss averages 5 – 10% in 1 year.
Phentermine
A prescription strength appetite suppressant that works by decreasing hunger. Typically taken as 1 pill daily, this drug is used short-term (12 weeks) to assist with weight loss in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes. Patients lose an average of 5% of their body weight in 1 year.
Please note that these medications are meant to be used in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes to maximize their benefit. Before prescribing these medications, we will discuss the side effects, contraindications and drug interactions with you.
Visits and Coverage
Medical weight management visits are billed through insurance. We accept most major insurance plans and offer affordable cash pay options as well.
