Losing weight can be a significant challenge, especially with age-related factors like stress, sedentary lifestyles, metabolic changes, hormonal fluctuations, and declining nutrient content in food. Fortunately, Colorado offers a variety of weight loss programs designed to address these challenges and support individuals in achieving their health goals. This article explores several prominent programs and approaches available in the state.
CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center
The CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, located in Aurora, Colorado, is a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. According to Dr. Adam Gilden, associate director of the clinic, it serves patients from across the state, providing a wide range of healthcare providers and services to support holistic wellness and weight loss journeys.
Offerings at CU Anschutz
The clinic's offerings include:
- Physician-directed weight loss consultations
- Nutrition counseling
- Behavioral health services
- Body composition and metabolism assessments
- Comprehensive weight loss programs
My New Weigh Program
The My New Weigh Program is a 16-week, group-based weight loss program with medical oversight designed to help participants achieve transformative results. Dr. Gilden notes that it is designed for individuals needing to lose 15% of their body weight relatively quickly. Marsha Miller, MS, RD, program director, emphasizes that the majority of participants reach their weight loss goals and transition to preparing healthy meals with real food.
Candidates for this program typically:
- Need to lose 15% of their body weight
- Require weight loss for a medical procedure
- Have struggled with weight loss in the past
Key components of the program:
- Physical Activity: Guidelines for and tracking of activity as a vital factor in long-term weight maintenance. The CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center also offers group and individual fitness sessions led by experts.
Results:
On average, participants experience significant improvements, including:
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- Losing 41 pounds or 17% of body weight
- A 6-point drop in BMI
- Major improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, and other weight-related health markers
Individual results may vary.
Weight Loss 4 Life Program
The Weight Loss 4 Life (WL4L) program focuses on long-term weight loss maintenance through a research-based curriculum and ongoing group support. According to Dr. Gilden, WL4L is a behavior modification program that does not require a specific eating plan.
BIOMEND Aesthetics and Wellness
BIOMEND Aesthetics and Wellness takes a scientific approach to weight loss, utilizing an objective evaluation process that includes lab tests, vitals, and a sophisticated body composition analysis called InBody. This data is used to create customized weight loss plans tailored to individual health goals.
Services Offered at BIOMEND
- Medication Treatment: Including Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and other weight loss supplements.
- Lipo-mino Treatments: Available weekly at a 50% discount.
- Regular Body Composition Analyses: To measure progress.
The BIOMEND Process
- Initial Evaluation: A body composition analysis and thorough evaluation with a medical provider.
- Medication Initiation: Medications can be started the same day as the weight loss consultation.
- Regular Check-ins: To ensure progress toward weight loss goals.
Patients can schedule consultations with Dr. Coleman, Kristen PA, or Katelyn RN to discuss their weight loss goals and solutions.
- Dr. Andrew Coleman: Graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 2011 and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Denver Health in 2015.
- Kristen Coleman, PA-C: A board-certified physician assistant with over 15 years of clinical experience.
Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss (CMWL)
Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss (CMWL) offers personalized weight management programs tailored to individual needs and goals, with locations in Centennial and Salida, CO. As a woman-owned business, CMWL emphasizes patient education, nutritional counseling, and comprehensive support.
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Key Features of CMWL
- Cutting-edge weight loss injections: Designed to support weight loss efforts by targeting metabolism and appetite control.
- Phentermine support: Carefully evaluated for appropriate patients, with thorough guidance and monitoring.
- Hormone Therapy: Estrogen therapy for women and testosterone therapy for men experiencing weight issues related to hormonal imbalances.
- Thyroid Assessments and Treatments: Addressing weight issues related to thyroid imbalances.
- EMSCULPT NEO: A non-invasive body contouring treatment that combines muscle building and fat reduction.
- Aesthetic Injectable Treatments: To support overall health and appearance.
- IV Therapy: Customized IV treatments to replenish essential nutrients, boost hydration, and enhance detoxification processes.
CMWL prides itself on providing attentive care and quick appointment scheduling.
Nutrition and Diet Approaches
Many weight loss programs emphasize the importance of nutrition and diet. A variety of eating plans are available, and the best option depends on individual health needs, food preferences, and previous experiences.
Common Eating Plans
- Keto/low-carb
- Meal replacement programs
- Balanced healthy eating plan
- Binge eating healthy eating plan
- Plant-based health eating plan
- Pre- and post-bariatric surgery eating plans
Clinics often support other eating plans like Paleo or Weight Watchers, emphasizing that the key to success is long-term adherence.
Additional Factors in Weight Loss
Beyond diet and exercise, several other factors can impact weight loss success.
Underlying Conditions
A comprehensive evaluation can help identify underlying conditions that may contribute to weight gain. Blood work is often reviewed to understand why weight loss may be challenging.
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Exercise
Exercise is crucial for general health and weight maintenance. Programs often help individuals choose the best exercise plan for their body and lifestyle. Dr. Francavilla offers exercise counseling appointments via telehealth, which are often covered by insurance.
Medical Management
Medical management includes adjusting or stopping medications that cause weight gain and prescribing weight loss medications such as phentermine, diethylpropion, Saxenda, Wegovy, Zepbound, Contrave, and Qsymia.
Behavior Change
Behavior change is a significant part of the weight loss process. Programs often address emotional eating, meal preparation, food logging, and eating out habits.
Additional Resources
- Sleepio: An online sleep improvement program that uses cognitive and behavioral techniques.
- Move: An app that pays CU employees to move.
- Flu Shots: Available each fall at no out-of-pocket cost to primary CU Health Plan members and covered spouses.
- Ovia Health: A suite of apps to help families throughout each stage of pregnancy and early parenting.
- Wondr: A digital weight-loss program that focuses on changing how you eat instead of what you eat.
- Omada: An online program that helps reduce the risk for obesity-related chronic diseases.
- Silver Sneakers: A fitness program designed for older adults taking advantage of Medicare.