Are you a Charlotte resident ready to transform your health and achieve lasting weight loss? PHD Weight Loss offers personalized, science-backed programs designed to help you reach your goals. Located conveniently in the Carmel Commons shopping center on Pineville-Matthews Road, PHD Weight Loss proudly serves clients throughout the Queen City and surrounding communities. Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, known for its vibrant culture, active lifestyle opportunities, and family-friendly neighborhoods - making it a great place to focus on your health and wellness goals.
A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
PHD Weight Loss believes in a holistic approach, recognizing that 80% of any life change comes from the mind. This approach addresses the mental, emotional, habits and behaviors associated with letting go of excess weight. The PHD approach not only focuses on optimal nutrition for each individual, but also on the mind and body as a whole. We understand the change can be a challenging journey, but an exciting one that we will help you navigate!
Personalized Programs
PHD Weight Loss provides a customized method to efficient and successful long-term weight loss, complemented with the option for a long term support through our elevated maintenance program & PHD Alumni community. We are here to help you keep the weight off for good!
No Hunger, No Cravings
The PHD dietary protocol is designed to eliminate hunger and cravings.
Food Provided
PHD Weight Loss provides 85% of your food at no additional cost, should you choose to use it.
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Meet the Experts Behind PHD Weight Loss
PHD Weight Loss is led by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals.
Dr. Ashley Lucas, PhD
Dr. Ashley Lucas is the owner, founder and advisory consultant for PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition. She has over 15 years of education in the field of nutrition and metabolism. In her mid 20s, she retired from her professional ballet career. While understanding the importance nutrition played on her own sport performance, she went on to earn her PhD in Sports Nutrition and Chronic Disease from Virginia Tech. Her research throughout her six-year post-graduate doctoral training, focused on energy metabolism and the Female Athlete Triad. She was awarded the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarship and completed her dietetic internship at The Ohio State University. She passed the national examination registering her as a dietitian offering expert food, wellness and nutrition services.
Dr. Doug Lucas, DO
Dr. Doug Lucas is a double board certified physician and holds the status of fellow in anti-aging and metabolic medicine. He is the founder of Optimal Bone Health MD and Optimal Human Health MD, his two parallel platforms created with patient expectations and outcomes in mind. His subspecialty training exposed him to the tremendous impact of obesity and related diseases such as diabetes on his patients. This in combination with his own struggle with weight maintenance led him to create and grow the role of Chief Science Officer within the PHD organization. As a pioneer in the fields of anti-aging, osteoporosis and comprehensive telehealth solutions, Dr. Doug launched his nationwide telehealth practice to see patients in 2020. He created a platform that allowed him and other providers to see patients the way they felt they deserved to be seen. Prior to Optimal Bone Health MD Dr. Doug practiced in the traditional medical model. He completed his orthopedic surgery training at Stanford University and began a traditional orthopedic surgery practice in Durango, CO. He treated osteoporotic fractures and supported his PA to launch a hospital and insurance-based program for osteoporosis. After seven years of disappointment with the system in which Dr. Doug found himself, he left the traditional medical model and pursued additional training.
Dr. Feinerman
After graduating from Pepperdine University with a masters degree in clinical psychology, Dr. Feinerman earned a doctorate from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she specialized in somatic studies-the investigation of the connection between mind and body. Her interest in mind-body wellness subsequently led her to complete two certificate trainings from Harvard University’s Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, as well as becoming a certified yoga instructor. She also holds a graduate degree from New York University in Communications, which has helped inform her understanding of systems of communication in various domains of life. In addition, she is a member of The Institute of Coaching, at McLean/Harvard Medical School, which provides on-going seminars, education and research on coaching and well-being. She has presented her research at conferences both nationally and internationally. Dr. Feinerman performs multiple roles within the PHD organization. She elevates our Certified PHD Consultant and Coach education with additional behavioral health training. She coaches our PHD Team herself to support their well-being so that they can best support yours. She also provides coaching to PHD clients when needed. We know that the majority of the PHD Journey is psychological and Dr.
The PHD Weight Loss Mission
Our mission is to create positive change in people’s lives. To empower people to step up and take action in improving their health and overall quality of life. To make the overwhelming, daunting, and overcomplicated “task” of dropping weight and maintaining it clear, simple, efficient, and effective. To provide a sense of hope and allow people to let go of shame, fear, guilt, and unworthiness. Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage… It’s not about winning or losing. Being Unshakable allows us to truly “be” for others.
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Meet the Team
PHD Weight Loss is supported by a dedicated team of professionals.
Jessica Maxwell
Jessica MaxwellOperations ManagerJessica, our Operations Manager, plays a crucial role in strategizing and improving operating systems and processes to ensure efficiency and productivity across all teams. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Colorado State University Global, she brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic planning, resource allocation, and team leadership. Jessica is passionate about driving operational excellence, implementing innovative solutions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within our organization.Outside of her professional role, Jessica enjoys long-distance hiking in Appalachia, often starting her day with a sunrise hike and continuing well past sunset.
Twana Smith
Twana serves as the Regional Manager at PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition, where she is dedicated to supporting our leaders in inspiring and guiding our community toward their health and wellness goals. With extensive experience in team management, Twana has led dynamic teams, fostered incredible growth, and even managed a full hospital network, helping to develop a sales team that achieved remarkable success.Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and a master’s in Health Administration, which shape her holistic approach to leadership and client success.Outside of work, Twana enjoys celebrating life’s special moments with family and friends, planning exciting events, and exploring creative projects.
Annie Gillentine
Annie grew up in southern Oregon and now lives in New Mexico, where she leads our nationwide coaching team with passion and purpose. She began her martial arts journey at the age of 14 and has dedicated more than a decade to teaching. Annie holds a 4th degree black belt under Chuck Norris as well as a black belt in Krav Maga. Alongside martial arts, she is also a passionate runner, hiker, and certified yoga instructor.Since joining PHD in 2021, Annie has found the perfect way to combine her lifelong enthusiasm for health and fitness with a strong focus on nutrition.
Felicia
Originally from Sweden, Felicia relocated to Austin, TX, in 2012 and brought with her a lifelong passion for fitness and nutrition inspired by her parents. A summa cum laude graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in Business Management, Felicia brings a strong leadership background to her role as Team Lead at PHD.
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Marina
With a passion for health and wellness, Marina serves as the Team Leader at PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition Greenville , where she leads a dedicated team in helping clients achieve their nutrition and weight loss goals. With her experience in healthcare and management, she oversees daily operations while ensuring top-quality care and support for every individual. Committed to client success, Marina strives to empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes through education, motivation, and giving them the tools to achieve long-term success.As a dual citizen, she divides her time between the United States and Peru. Devoted to personal growth, Marina enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her beloved dog, Max.
Brittany Herier
Brittany is the Director of HR at PHD Weight Loss, bringing her passion for health, wellness, and a healthy dose of fun to the team. Her journey began in her twenties, living and working in East Asia before immersing herself in the study of yoga and meditation in India, where she cultivated her deep appreciation for mindfulness and balance. These skills have been invaluable as she navigates the wild and wonderful adventure of raising three little ones.A natural social butterfly, Brittany is inspired daily by the incredible health coaches she works alongside and the life-changing transformations of PHD clients. She believes staying healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of a busy, full life-it’s about making wellness fit seamlessly into your everyday routine.When she’s not managing spreadsheets or the delightful chaos of family life, Brittany can be found on the yoga mat, chasing new adventures, or sharing a good laugh.
Client Success Stories
PHD client before and after pictures represent the dramatic change resulting from the PHD dietary protocol and behavioral approach. I had heard the about this program from a friend and on the radio. I have had a great experience with PHDweight Loss. I began the PHD program in February 2024 after hearing of others' success. Wow! I went in a little skeptical.
Privacy Matters
PHD Weight Loss cares about your privacy. We will never share nor distribute your personal information.