Understanding Our Non-Surgical
Weight Management Program

If you struggle with your weight, know that you are not alone. Nearly 70 percent of American adults are either overweight or obese. The UC Health Weight Loss Center’s non-surgical weight management program will help you lose weight and live a healthier life.

We understand that the battle to reach and maintain a healthy weight is highly personal, and that one-size-fits-all diet programs are not the answer. Weight loss is complicated; it can be affected by stress, sleep quality and various other factors. As part of a multidisciplinary medical center, we can help you work with experts in many other specialties, such as endocrinology, cardiology and the UC Health Women’s Center, to further help you reach your optimal health.

Getting Started

The first step is to attend our FREE Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program Informational Seminar. During the seminar, you will be able to meet members of our experienced team, learn more about our program and pricing, and discuss the health issues that relate to obesity.

When you choose to enroll in our non-surgical weight loss program, first you will be scheduled for an initial assessment, during which we will review your medical health history and perform some basic tests and screenings, including body composition, resting metabolic rate, comprehensive blood work, EKG and more. This gives us a clear picture of your overall health and helps determine our personalized recommendations for you.

After your initial assessment, all patients attend an orientation class to further outline the program, set expectations and answer any questions you might have.

Read more below about the three phases of our program.

Tools & Resources

Click to learn about the many helpful tools for success offered through the UC Health Weight Loss Program, including:

  • Support Groups
  • Nutrition & Supplementation
  • Fitness Classes
  • Cosmetic Surgery
Register for a FREE Seminar

Phase 1:
New Beginning

The New Beginning phase of the program is designed to provide optimal nutrition through minimal calories. This first step centers on a “very low calorie diet” of 800 – 1,000 calories a day, featuring prescribed, high-protein meal replacement products (only available for purchase in our office) that will help you manage hunger and provide proper nutrition.

This 12-24 week phase takes the issue of food off the table so you can focus on creating new, healthy behaviors for long-term success. Using meal replacements as part of a weight-loss plan has proven to be more successful than changing diet with food alone.

Our medical program is for Women with a BMI of 27 or greater, and Men with a BMI of 27-29 with comorbid conditions (diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea) or a BMI of 30 and greater. This is not a quick, crash diet for people who want to drop a few pounds or to look great for a special occasion. Patients during this stage of the program typically lose two to five pounds per week. Do not try to follow a very low calorie diet without a doctor’s supervision.

Phase 2:
Transition

This step gradually reintroduces your normal routine. Patients attend appointments on a bi-weekly basis for medical monitoring and group education. Participants typically consume  roughly 1,000 calories daily during this phase. This 12-week phase involves regularly scheduled bi-weekly medical monitoring as prescribed and group education classes.

Includes prescribed meal replacement products, gradually reincorporating balanced, food-based diet back into your daily routine, as guided by physician and registered dietitians. Patients get education, support and accountability at bi-weekly group class visits.

Phase 3:
Healthy Living

This six month, predominately food-based phase of the plan assists patients in learning to maintain a healthy weight. Based on weight-management goals, this phase may incorporate some meal replacement products.

This highly personalized phase is the final step toward a healthier you. The rate of weight loss varies based on individual goals and needs.

Meal plans include a minimum of 1,200 calories per day during this six-month food-based phase. Some meal replacement products may be incorporated at the discretion of your physician or dietitian.

Monthly medical monitoring and group education classes are required. Routine office visits and blood work, as prescribed by your care team, ensure successful weight loss.

For graduating patients, our office will work with you to transition your care back to your primary care provider.  We also offer a variety of support programs to help continue with your weight loss journey, including wellness and personal training programs through the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care, monthly support group meetings, an e-newsletter and more.