Embarking on a weight loss journey is a significant decision, and MU Health Care is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and personalized approach to meet individual needs, lifestyles, and goals. With a team of experts offering a range of surgical and nonsurgical options, along with ongoing support, MU Health Care aims to foster lasting, healthy lifestyles for its patients.
A Spectrum of Weight Loss Management Options
MU Health Care distinguishes itself by offering a full spectrum of weight loss management options. Recognizing that each individual's journey is unique, the clinic provides a variety of services, including:
- Diet and nutrition counseling
- Exercise support
- Weight loss medication
- Bariatric surgery
This comprehensive approach ensures that patients have access to the most suitable options for their specific circumstances.
Personalized Care: The Cornerstone of Success
The personalized approach to care at MU Health Care means that regardless of where you are in your weight loss journey, the team will collaborate with you to cultivate a lasting, healthy lifestyle. This is achieved through:
- Nutrition counseling
- Health evaluations
- Educational classes
- Support groups
- Treatment of weight-related issues
- Follow-ups long after the procedure or program
MU Health Care offers both in-person and telehealth appointments, when available.
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Nonsurgical Weight Loss Solutions
MU Health Care offers the latest nonsurgical weight loss solutions, including a medication program that can help control appetite, as part of a larger weight loss plan. When taken with ongoing monitoring and support from medical weight loss experts, these prescription oral and injectable weight loss medications can help you lose weight by reducing appetite or making you feel full for longer. MU Health Care offers:
- Oral weight loss medications that reduce appetite and hunger cravings
- Injectable weight loss medications that affect the body's glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone, which helps people feel full more quickly and for longer
Some patients may receive an improved benefit by taking prescription medication in addition to weight loss surgery.
Medical Weight Loss: Determining Candidacy
If you are considering weight loss management, you should first consult with a doctor to determine if that is the right choice for you. At MU Health Care, your safety and success are our top priority. Our experts work closely with you to help decide if you qualify and, if so, which option is right for you.
The Weight Management and Metabolic Center locations in Columbia and Jefferson City coordinate medical weight loss care and also includes support from nutritionists, exercise physiologists and physical therapists to help you reach your goals.
Qualifying Factors for Medical Weight Loss
Specific treatment options have their own qualifying factors:
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- Weight loss medications such as GLP-1 inhibitors are approved for use in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater who have other health conditions associated with weight, or a BMI of 30 or greater without health conditions related to weight
- Our staff will work with you to make sure you meet specific insurance requirements. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted, as are other major insurance providers.
Bariatric Surgery Services
MU Health Care also offers experienced and dedicated surgeons who provide treatment options for weight loss. If you are a candidate, your doctor will discuss your options with you to make sure we choose the best weight management plan for your needs. All bariatric surgery options at MU Health Care reduce the size of your stomach through various methods, including:
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Gastric sleeve surgery
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
- Weight loss revision surgery
Surgical Weight Loss: Assessing Candidacy
Surgery for weight loss is a serious step in a person’s weight loss journey. Our surgery team offers a range of services, including counseling, diet and nutrition education and exercise support, to help you understand how weight loss surgery will change your body and metabolism. MU Health Care also offers long-term support to walk with you through this lifelong process.
Good candidates for bariatric surgery:
- Have a BMI of 35 or above with other weight-associated health conditions or a BMI of 40 and above
- Are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes
- Meet insurance requirements set by Medicare, Medicaid are accepted, and other major insurance providers
Navigating Your First Visit
At MU Health Care, your weight loss journey can begin by starting a conversation with your primary care or family medicine doctor. You can also schedule a consultation at the Columbia or Jefferson City locations of our Weight Management and Metabolic Center without a referral.
Losing weight and maintaining your goal weight is a lifelong commitment. All of our weight loss consultations start with a full evaluation of your health history. Here, your weight loss team will learn which weight loss options you may qualify for, which options best fit you and how we can help support you in achieving your goals.
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If you qualify for medical weight loss treatment, your doctor will talk to you about these options to address any medical clearances needed before treatment and help you understand the physical, mental and dietary changes that you can expect. Our board-certified experts are committed to working with you to help you meet your weight loss goals and help you maintain your goal weight at the only comprehensive weight loss program in mid-Missouri.
As part of an academic health system, our doctors stay up-to-date on the latest weight loss procedures and research. And our team is dedicated to ensuring your success by walking with you on your weight loss journey.