Weight loss is personal. That’s why the team at Southern New Hampshire Weight Management works with each patient to design an individualized treatment plan within a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
Our multidisciplinary team is comprised of board-certified physicians, advanced practice practitioners and registered dietitians who have a common goal: to help you reach and maintain a healthier weight and body composition.
If self-directed diet and exercise haven’t been enough for you to achieve your weight-loss goals, you may benefit from an evaluation with a board-certified obesity medicine specialist. These physicians are specially trained to treat obesity as a disease by developing treatment plans that include a combination of lifestyle changes like nutrition, physical activity, and behavior therapy. Medication may also be an option for patients whose weight loss has plateaued or who aren’t seeing results with lifestyle changes alone.
Our team can also help determine if an underlying condition like type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or another hormonal disorder is preventing you from losing weight. If one of these conditions is present, our team can provide the treatment you need to optimize your weight loss.
The following list provides an overview of what to expect before and during your initial consultation at Southern New Hampshire Weight Management. Please carefully read the steps required prior to your visit, including obtaining a referral and completing an intake form, which helps us develop a personalized treatment plan. Our specialists aim to ensure a safe and effective approach to your weight management journey.
Prior to scheduling your first visit, your primary or specialty care provider will need to send our office a referral.
This information will help our team design the best and safest treatment plan for your lifestyle and medical history.
Once you return the form to the office and attend an online or in-person information session, you can then schedule your consultation visit.
Please bring a list of all medications and over the counter supplements to your initial visit. We also encourage patients to check with their insurance plan regarding coverage for registered dieticians (nutritionists) before their initial consultation (please note: if you have Medicare, a visit with a registered dietician will only be covered if you have diabetes or kidney disease). Your initial consultation will last approximately 60 minutes. One of our healthcare providers will ask you detailed questions regarding your weight history, your general medical history, your daily lifestyle, social situation, and cultural preferences.
You will also have a focused physical examination. Based on your history and physical exam, we may recommend additional testing regarding medical issues directly related to excess body weight.
Our team will then work to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle. At first, you will have frequent follow-up visits to monitor your progress. Your treatment plan will change as needed to ensure we are optimizing your weight loss.
The diagnosis of overweight or obesity is based on a measurement called Body Mass Index (BMI). Generally, patients with BMI of 30 or greater are considered candidates for medical weight management, as are those with BMI 27 or above who also have weight-associated medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Patients who do not meet these criteria but have an increased abdominal circumference (>35 inches for females, >40 inches for males) are also candidates.
BMI is a calculated number based on a patient’s height and weight that allows us to estimate their body fat content. It is not the most accurate measurement of overweight or obesity, but it is easy to calculate and is closely associated with body fat in most individuals. A normal BMI is between 18.5-24.9. Patients with a BMI of 25-29.9 are considered overweight, and patients with a BMI > 30 are considered to be in the obese range.
Higher BMI is associated with higher risk of medical complications (see below). The weight management treatments that we offer are generally based on a patient’s BMI. For patients who have a BMI in the overweight category without complications, we generally recommend nutritional counseling and exercise. Patients with a BMI of 27 or greater who also have weight-related medical issues (co-morbidities) are offered weight loss medications. Patients with even higher BMI may qualify for weight loss (bariatric) surgery.
There are numerous medical conditions that are associated with or perhaps even caused by obesity, known as weight-related comorbidities. Some of these diseases include high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, several types of cancer, and heartburn. Many other medical problems are made worse when associated with obesity including cancer, fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, and asthma.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of diseases that occur in conjunction with obesity. Specifically, patients with increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol and/or lipid levels, and excess abdominal fat have metabolic syndrome. This disease process is associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Weight loss is the most effective treatment for metabolic syndrome and can result in resolution of some or all medical conditions associated with this syndrome.
Patients with a BMI 30 or greater are considered candidates for medication therapy, as are patients with a BMI 27 or greater who have obesity-related co-morbidities.
Between weight loss medication and lifestyle changes, one can expect to lose on average between 5-20% of your total body weight. Studies show that weight loss of this amount can improve many obesity-related co-morbidities.
Obesity is defined as a chronic, progressive disease. Currently there is no cure of obesity. In the past few years, obesity has been recognized as a disease and has been studied intensively. There are currently several FDA-approved medications and several surgical options, as well as an improved understanding of the role of behavioral health, nutrition counseling, and physical activity in the management of obesity. The advice to "eat less and exercise more" was not helpful in the past and is still inadequate in the treatment of obesity. With the currently available treatment options, obesity treatment is more successful than ever.
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