Weight management is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive and personalized approach. The Medabolic program, offered by the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine (RCBM) in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is a medically supervised lifestyle management program designed to address this challenge. It employs a multi-disciplinary, collaborative, and evidence-based approach under the medical leadership of Joel L. Young, MD, founder of RCBM.
Understanding the Medabolic Program
Medabolic distinguishes itself by focusing on reducing health risks associated with weight, rather than solely focusing on aesthetics. This approach acknowledges the significant impact of weight on overall health and well-being, addressing concerns from a risk factor perspective. It is a personalized weight loss program built on a collaborative, evidence-based model. The program integrates medical nutrition therapy, psychotherapy, and medication management to achieve the best possible outcome in weight loss and maintenance.
The program's foundation lies in a comprehensive intake and diagnostic assessment for each patient. This assessment helps determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for the Medabolic program. Should the diagnostic testing reveal eating disorders, patients are referred to RCBM's dedicated eating disorders program. The results of this testing are crucial in guiding the subsequent treatment plan.
The Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Medabolic's strength lies in its multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating several key components:
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): MNT is provided by registered dietitians and is an essential adjunct to enhancing mental well-being and an important physical health component. It is based on decades of medical research on the relationship between diet, nutrition, and health outcomes.
- Psychotherapy: Individual psychotherapy is offered, with therapists highly trained to assist individuals in addressing issues related to self, family, school, and work. The program fills a critical gap by offering the psychological and psychiatric components often missing from other weight management programs, working in collaboration with the patient's primary care team.
- Medication Management: RCBM offers neuropsychiatric medication as part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and approach to mental health care. The medications offered in the Medabolic program, are prescribed and monitored by medical professionals. It's important to note that most health plans require an effort to change diet and exercise habits before authorizing coverage for weight loss medications.
Key Components of the Medabolic Program
Diagnostic Assessment and Personalized Treatment
The cornerstone of the Medabolic program is the initial comprehensive intake and diagnostic assessment. This thorough evaluation serves multiple purposes:
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- Determining Program Suitability: The assessment identifies whether a patient is a suitable candidate for the Medabolic program.
- Identifying Eating Disorders: It screens for eating disorders, ensuring that patients with such conditions are appropriately referred to RCBM's specialized eating disorders program.
- Guiding Treatment: The results of the diagnostic testing directly inform the development of a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
Nutrition Planning and Support
A critical aspect of the Medabolic program is the emphasis on dietary adjustments. The program recognizes that adjusting one's diet is one of the most critical lifestyle changes for sustainable weight loss. This includes while on medication and after discontinuing medication, and also to mitigate side effects when you are on the medication. Using the information gathered from the initial assessment, a nutrition plan is designed to work effectively for the individual's life. Ongoing support is provided, tailored to the evolving needs of those continuing with the program.
Lifestyle Modifications
Beyond diet, the Medabolic program addresses other crucial lifestyle factors that play a significant role in weight management. These include:
- Exercise: Establishing a healthy relationship with exercise is emphasized.
- Sleep: Ensuring adequate sleep is recognized as a vital component of overall well-being and weight management.
- Stress Management: Strategies for managing stress are incorporated into the program.
- Substance Use: Moderation of substance use is addressed where applicable.
Medication Options
The Medabolic program offers various medication options to support weight loss, including GLP-1 medications. For patients who qualify for GLP-1 medications but lack insurance coverage, branded Zepbound vials may be available for self-pay. Generic and affordable alternative weight management medications that may be covered by insurance are also offered.
Telehealth Services
RCBM offers HIPAA-secure video sessions for medication management, psychotherapy, and medical nutrition therapy, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and convenience. The transition to telehealth during COVID-19 allowed RCBM to continue providing services while prioritizing the safety of patients and staff.
The Importance of Avoiding Excessive Weight Loss
The Medabolic program emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessive weight loss. Rapid weight loss can lead to several adverse consequences, including:
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- Muscle Degradation: Loss of muscle mass can negatively impact metabolism and overall strength.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Rapid weight loss may not allow for adequate intake of essential nutrients.
- Potential Malnutrition: In severe cases, rapid weight loss can result in malnutrition.
The rate of weight loss achieved with GLP-1 medications varies among individuals and is influenced by lifestyle modifications, including exercise and nutrition.
The Team Behind Medabolic
The Medabolic program is delivered by a team of experienced and dedicated professionals:
- Joel L. Young, MD: Medical director and founder of RCBM.
- Ann Dakki, PA-C: Physician assistant with a passion for integrative healthcare.
- Derek Susalla, PA-C: Physician assistant specializing in general psychiatry and obesity medicine.
- Chelsea Butler: Registered dietitian with a passion for helping individuals heal their relationship with food.
- Emma Diedrich: Registered Dietitian.
- Marni Stone: Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Telehealth Provider.
- Wendy: Licensed professional counselor.
Benefits of the Medabolic Program
The Medabolic program offers a range of benefits for individuals seeking support with weight management:
- Personalized approach: Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
- Multi-disciplinary care: Integration of medical nutrition therapy, psychotherapy, and medication management.
- Focus on health risks: Emphasis on reducing health risks associated with weight.
- Experienced team: Care provided by a team of dedicated professionals.
- Telehealth services: Convenient and accessible care through HIPAA-secure video sessions.
How Eating Habits and Mental Health are Related
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) plays a crucial role in enhancing mental well-being and is an essential component of physical health. It is grounded in extensive medical research that explores the intricate relationship between diet, nutrition, and overall health outcomes.
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