Weight Management Program

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Focusing on weight loss and weight maintenance.

The Weight Management Program

The Princeton Medical Center (PMC) Weight Management Program offers successful weight management through diet, physical activity, behavioral modification and medication if needed. We start where you are and proceed from there. It is a lifestyle program that has helped many patients achieve their goals and improve their health.

Did you know that more than two-thirds of adults have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or greater, classifying them as overweight or obese?

By 2030 it is estimated that 42 percent of the American population will be obese. You can learn your BMI (measurement of body fat based on your height and weight) by using our handy BMI calculator here.

Many view weight gain as a cosmetic issue, but the consequences of obesity are far greater. Obesity is now classified as a disease because of the adverse medical effects it has on your body. Obesity has been associated with acid reflux, certain cancers, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, infertility and many other medical problems like sleep apnea. Treating obesity has been shown to decrease the risk of many of these conditions.

Understanding the causes of weight gain has helped lead us to new and successful ways to address it. The old thinking that a lack of will power is to blame is no longer considered valid in all cases, as experts have determined that it's often not as simple as "pushing yourself away from the dinner table." Science has identified chemicals in your body that regulate weight and eating. We use the information that we have learned to help you get to your weight loss goals.

 

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A Different Way of Thinking

At the PMC Weight Management Program, we focus on weight loss and just as importantly, on weight maintenance. Many people can lose weight with a variety of diets and gimmicks, but shortly thereafter they put the weight back on because the focus is on weight loss. Instead, we focus on and prepare you for weight maintenance. This is what makes our program unique, in addition to the fact that  "we start where you are." We do an assessment and develop an individualized treatment plan just for you. Our goal is to find better alternatives, specific to you, with an emphasis on ensuring that your hunger is satisfied.

Success is a Team Effort

Our team of physicians, behavioral health professionals, dietitians and exercise physiologists will tailor a program specific for you. This multidisciplinary approach is a special feature of our program.

woman eating

A Comprehensive Approach

Our goal is for you to lose at least 10 percent of your  body weight — the level of weight loss that will positively impact your health. Beyond a 10 percent loss is even better for your health. We surround you with information, advice, support and expertise:

  • Medical assessment that is used to help develop an individualized, medically supervised weight loss/management program
  • Mental health assessment, including the emotional relationship you have with food and coping strategies to address this, with a focus on behavioral modification
  • Metabolic Cart (indirect calorimetry) which accurately measures your resting metabolism
  • Individualized nutritional plan, including meal replacement options
  • FDA-approved weight-loss medicines when appropriate, managed by a physician
  • Complete blood panel to assess your metabolism
  • Fitness trainer
  • Individualized exercise program
  • Measurement of body composition
  • Support groups
  • Long-term weight maintenance and relapse prevention program

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the program structured?
The first 1-3 months — visits every 1-2 weeks

The next 3-6+ months — visits ever 2-4 weeks

Maintenance program -— 2-4 visits/year

How long is the program?
The initial weight loss induction is typically a 3-6 month program, but it may be longer. After you reach your weight loss goal you automatically enter the maintenance phase. We will continue to work with you on maintaining a healthy weight throughout your life.

How effective is your program?
We find out what your goal is and develop a realistic plan and time frame to reach your goal. Typical rates of weight loss are 2 to 4 pounds per week during the initial phase. Our initial goal is to help you lose 10 percent of your body weight. This level of weight loss will help to improve your health and decrease symptoms from medical conditions you may have. Then we work from there. So far 100 percent of our patients who completed the first phase have reached the initial goal of 10 percent.

While most insurances are accepted, please check with you insurance carrier. Out-of-pocket costs typically include a one-time program fee, insurance co-pays and a fitness training package. Additional fees may apply for any services not covered by insurance.

Getting Started

  1. Call 609.853.6285 to schedule your appointment. You will receive an introductory packet to be completed before your visit, so we can get to know you better and you can get the most out of your visit.
  2. After your first visit you will be scheduled for visits every 1-2 weeks for 12 weeks with our multidisciplinary team.

 

While most insurances are accepted, please check with your insurance carrier. Out-of-pocket costs typically include a one-time program fee, insurance copays and a fitness training package. Additional fees may apply for any services not covered by insurance.