Weight loss is a journey, and in North Carolina, individuals have access to a variety of programs designed to support them in achieving their health and wellness goals. These programs range from medically supervised plans to non-surgical procedures, each tailored to meet different needs and preferences. This article explores some of the leading weight loss options available in the Carolina region, including programs offered by UNC Hospitals, Carolina Weight Loss, Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center, MUSC Health Weight Management Center, and the Carolinas Weight Loss Institute.
UNC Hospitals Weight Management Programs
UNC Hospitals offers a comprehensive suite of weight management programs designed to help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss and improve their overall well-being. These programs include medical, surgical, and non-surgical options, ensuring that patients receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs.
UNC Hospitals' Weight Management Program (WMP)
The UNC Hospitals' Weight Management Program (WMP) partners with individuals to find ways to achieve long-term weight loss, lead healthier lives and maximize well-being. The WMP offers intensive individual and/or group counseling on a variety of topics related to diet, physical activity, strategies for weight loss, stress management, etc. The program helps clients identify realistic weight loss goals and develop individualized weight loss plans, which may include a recommendation for medication or referrals to specialists such as dietitians or bariatric surgeons for further assistance as needed.
UNC Hospitals' Weight Program (UNC-MWP) at Eastowne
The UNC Hospitals' Weight Program (UNC-MWP) at Eastowne is a multidisciplinary program designed for patients with serious medical illnesses in addition to obesity. Highly trained clinicians conduct comprehensive initial evaluations and discuss a broad range of personalized treatments, from targeted lifestyle-based counseling to weight loss surgery referral. This program specializes in long-term treatment strategies using obesity medications with lifestyle changes and limited-duration very low-calorie programs (Optifast). It works closely with other weight management services at UNC and specializes in the management of treatment failures.
UNC Bariatric Surgery Program
The UNC Bariatric Surgery Program is a multidisciplinary team designed for patients interested in undergoing weight loss surgery. UNC Bariatric Surgery Program is an accredited American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Center of Excellence, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Distinction Center. The team includes a specialized group of surgeons, nurses, dietitians, mental health providers, and physician extenders. The program works closely with the other weight management programs here at UNC and are experts in minimally invasive, robotic, and open approaches.
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UNC Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Program
The UNC Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Program provides a non-surgical FDA-approved weight loss procedure for patients. It is performed using a small suturing device and camera that is passed down the patient’s esophagus into the stomach. ESG reduces the size of the stomach by up to 80%, helping patients eat less, feel full faster and stay full longer. This results in fast, safe, and durable weight loss. The program works closely with other disciplines (psychologists, dietitians, etc.) to ensure optimal results for patients.
Carolina Weight Loss
Carolina Weight Loss offers a wide range of weight loss programs tailored to fit any lifestyle and budget. The center's individual diet plans have been designed to produce maximum weight loss where you can expect to not only lose weight but inches. In addition, while decreasing body fat you will also increase muscle. Each diet is nutritionally designed by the team to help you get the proper amount of protein, carbohydrates, and calories that include essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
Personalized Approach and Comprehensive Support
Carolina Weight Loss understands that every individual's weight loss journey is unique. That's why they offer a personalized program that includes a range of features aimed at ensuring your success. Their state-of-the-art Bioelectric Impedance Scales provide detailed analysis during weekly weigh-ins, while expert counselors offer guidance and support through lifestyle coaching. You'll also gain valuable knowledge about nutrition and healthy living through their educational program. With consistent support and reinforcement, as well as access to appetite suppressants and prescription diet solutions tailored to your needs, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals.
Nutrition and Diet Plans
Carolina Weight Loss offers a low-fat/high-energy 1000-calorie diet program is an excellent option for those seeking to lose weight while maintaining high energy levels. This nutritionally balanced, low-fat diet is designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals while providing traditional, balanced meals that your body needs. With calorie control and flexibility in meal planning, you can enjoy steady and effective weight loss. At new patient appointments, Carolina Weight Loss provides a personalized diet plan and recipes to help you get started on your health journey.
Appetite Suppressants and Injections
Carolina Weight Loss has a range of supplements that are designed to boost your metabolism, burn fat, increase energy levels, and lower cholesterol. Medications used with a controlled calorie nutrition plan can enhance weight loss. Prescription medications have shown to increase weight loss by 50-100%. Carolina Weight Loss offers customized medication plans based on your unique medical profile and goals. They also offer a range of injections, including the popular B12 and Megaburn, as well as WeGovy, Semaglutide, Zepbound, and Tirzepatide.
Read also: South Carolina Weight Loss Guide
Body Composition Analysis
Looking to get a more comprehensive understanding of your body composition? Carolina Weight Loss' "magic scales" can help! Their providers use these scales to determine the critical percentages of your body mass, allowing them to tailor your weight loss treatment to your specific needs. The scale sends little electrical signals up your body that you can't feel, and then it separates your tissue into fat mass and fat-free mass.
Non-Invasive Treatments: UltraShape Power and VelaShape
Carolina Weight Loss offers non-invasive treatments such as UltraShape Power and VelaShape to help individuals achieve their desired body figure. UltraShape Power is best used with diet and exercise, with results typically seen as early as two weeks after the first treatment. VelaShape is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment that has been approved by the FDA for temporary cellulite reduction, reduction of thigh circumference, and reduction of abdominal circumference.
Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center
The Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center has a long-standing history of helping people achieve a life of health and wellness for more than 50 years. Their team of experts helps you change your eating habits, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, lose weight, and maintain your weight loss.
MUSC Health Weight Management Center
The MUSC Health Weight Management Center offers a full range of programs to serve the different needs of different people. A team of psychologists, physicians, dietitians, and exercise physiologists work together, using their diverse knowledge to help you reduce excess weight. All of their work with patients strongly emphasizes helping them make the long-term lifestyle changes that are so important for success in the long run. Exercise is crucial to the long-term success of a weight loss program. Successful long-term weight loss should be based on a healthy diet. The process of losing weight and growing accustomed to new ways of dealing with food can be difficult.
Carolinas Weight Loss Institute (CWLI)
The Carolinas Weight Loss Institute (CWLI) is the leading weight loss clinic focusing on dealing with the functional causes of weight loss. CWLI specializes in delivering a personalized weight loss approach, by means of individualized nutritional protocols, use of proprietary weight loss formulas and additional supplementation to address chemical and hormonal imbalances that lead to metabolic dysfunction. Dr Adkins, DC, CFMP, Founder and CEO of Carolinas Weight Loss Institute notes that “Re-defining the expression ‘comfort food’ is crucial as one turns the weight loss process into a sustainable lifestyle. Educating patients that comfort food does not have to mean unhealthy food stands as a basis of our CWLI nutritional approach.”
Read also: North Carolina Bariatric Surgery
Medical Weight Loss Programs
Medical weight loss is a plan designed and supervised by healthcare professionals, emphasizing diet, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle. Patients will have an initial assessment by the physician assistant including history and physical exam, laboratory work-up, and a body composition evaluation. Patients will be provided with nutrition support and education. Patients will receive an individualized diet plan, fitness goals, and prescription weight loss medications when medically necessary. This program is open to patients 18 years and older with a Body mass index of 30. We will bill insurance for medical weight loss services.