Many individuals face challenges in their weight loss journeys, often finding it difficult to achieve and maintain their desired results. The Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center offers a comprehensive medical weight loss program designed to address individual needs and provide effective, sustainable solutions. This article delves into the various aspects of the Stanford weight loss clinic, highlighting its multidisciplinary approach, expert team, and innovative programs.
Understanding the Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center
The Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center, formerly known as the Stanford Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss Clinic, takes a holistic approach to weight management, offering a range of services from nutritional support to surgical interventions. The center emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes and commitment to achieving long-term success.
Who Can Benefit?
Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are generally considered candidates for a medical weight loss program. Furthermore, those experiencing weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea may also benefit from the program. Unlike self-directed weight loss approaches, medical weight loss requires expert supervision and tailored interventions.
The Multidisciplinary Team
A key aspect of the Stanford weight loss clinic is its multidisciplinary team of experts. This team includes professionals from various fields, such as medicine, nutrition, psychology, and sleep therapy, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and individualized care.
Dr. Michelle Hauser: A Leader in Obesity Medicine
Dr. Michelle Hauser is the Obesity Medicine Director of the Medical Weight Loss Program at the Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center. She is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, holding the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, General Surgery, and Primary Care and Population Health at Stanford University School of Medicine. As President-elect of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), Dr. Hauser is a leader in the field, dedicated to promoting health and well-being through lifestyle interventions.
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Dr. Hauser's unique background as a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef allows her to integrate culinary medicine into her practice, teaching patients how to prepare delicious and healthy meals that support their weight loss goals. She has developed and implemented innovative programs that combine evidence-based, non-surgical treatment modalities with lifestyle medicine principles.
Dr. Hauser's contributions extend beyond patient care to include research and education. She has created and evaluated a novel medical weight management program that utilizes lifestyle medicine-enriched shared medical appointments and telehealth follow-up. Additionally, she authored the first comprehensive "Culinary Medicine Curriculum" for healthcare professionals, which is now used in over 100 countries.
Other Key Professionals
In addition to Dr. Hauser, the Stanford weight loss clinic includes a team of registered dietitians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals who specialize in weight management. This dedicated team works collaboratively to provide patients with the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals.
Comprehensive Services Offered
The Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center offers a variety of services tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. These services include:
Medical Weight Loss Programs
Medically supervised weight loss programs are a cornerstone of the Stanford clinic. Physicians oversee these programs, allowing for advanced interventions such as prescription weight loss medications. The dedicated weight loss team ensures seamless coordination of care and convenient scheduling for patients.
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Nutritional Support
Registered dietitians provide comprehensive nutritional assessments and develop personalized meal plans to help patients make sustainable dietary changes. They also offer guidance on healthy cooking and eating habits, empowering patients to take control of their nutrition.
Psychological Support
Psychological factors can play a significant role in weight management. The Stanford clinic offers psychological support to address issues such as emotional eating, stress management, and body image. Therapists work with patients to develop coping strategies and build a positive relationship with food.
Sleep Therapy
Sleep disorders can contribute to weight gain and hinder weight loss efforts. The Stanford clinic provides sleep therapy to address sleep-related issues and improve overall health and well-being.
Bariatric Surgery
For individuals with severe obesity, bariatric surgery may be an option. The Bariatric and Minimally-Invasive Surgery Section at Stanford is dedicated to providing the highest level of technical expertise and patient-centered care. The clinic holds Level 1A certification from the American College of Surgeons, recognizing it as a center of excellence.
The bariatric surgery team works closely with nutritionists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and psychologists to provide multidisciplinary support before and after surgery. Patients undergo thorough evaluations and receive comprehensive education to ensure they are well-prepared for the procedure and the lifestyle changes that follow.
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Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
The surgeons at Stanford are experts in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robot-assisted surgery. These techniques offer several benefits, such as smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery times. The Section of Bariatric and Minimally-Invasive Surgery at Stanford is committed to providing patients with the most advanced and effective surgical options available.
Pediatric Weight Clinic
The Pediatric Weight Clinic at Stanford offers comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment for childhood and adolescent obesity. A team of specialists from various fields, including general pediatrics, adolescent medicine, and pediatric surgery, works collaboratively to provide care. Services include diagnostic testing, nutritional analysis, medical management, and support for family-based behavioral changes in diet and activity.
Innovative Programs and Research
The Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center is committed to innovation and research in the field of obesity medicine. Dr. Hauser and her colleagues are actively involved in developing and evaluating new strategies to improve nutrition, physical activity, and weight loss.
Culinary Medicine Curriculum
Dr. Hauser's "Culinary Medicine Curriculum" is a groundbreaking resource for healthcare professionals, providing them with the knowledge and skills to integrate culinary medicine into their practice. The curriculum is based on Stanford's Culinary Medicine (Teaching Kitchen) Elective course and has been downloaded and used in over 100 countries.
Lifestyle Medicine-Enriched Shared Medical Appointments
Dr. Hauser has created and evaluated a novel medical weight management program that utilizes lifestyle medicine-enriched shared medical appointments and telehealth follow-up. This innovative approach allows patients to receive personalized care in a supportive group setting, promoting long-term behavior change.
Research Studies
Dr. Hauser has served as a Study Physician for multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs). She is currently Co-Investigator on a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute RCT investigating the effects of co-treatment of food insecurity and obesity among Spanish-speaking Latina women on weight loss and cardiovascular disease outcomes. The study intervention utilizes LM group visits conducted in Spanish as part of the protocol.
The Role of GLP-1 Agonists
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a class of medications that have gained popularity for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss. Dr. Dan Azagury, an Associate Professor in the Division of General Surgery and Chief of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Stanford University's Department of Surgery, discusses the benefits and risks of GLP-1 agonists.
How GLP-1 Agonists Work
GLP-1 agonists mimic the action of a natural hormone that is released in the gut after eating. This hormone stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. It also signals to the brain that the stomach is full, reducing appetite and food intake.
Indications for Use
GLP-1 agonists are typically prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia. These medications have been studied extensively and have been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, GLP-1 agonists can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are often temporary and can be managed by gradually increasing the dose of the medication.
Long-Term Considerations
It is important to note that many individuals who stop taking GLP-1 agonists regain weight. Therefore, it is often necessary to continue taking the medication long-term to maintain weight loss. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and regular exercise are essential for long-term success.
Precautions Before Surgery
Patients who are taking GLP-1 agonists should inform their healthcare providers before undergoing surgery. It is generally recommended to stop taking GLP-1 agonists a week before surgery to reduce the risk of complications related to delayed gastric emptying.
The Importance of a Patient-Centric Approach
The Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center is committed to providing patient-centric care. This means that the center prioritizes the needs and preferences of each individual, tailoring treatment plans to meet their specific goals and circumstances.
Comprehensive Assessments
At the first appointment, patients undergo a comprehensive assessment of their overall health. This assessment includes a review of their medical history, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. The information gathered during this assessment is used to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Individualized Support
The Stanford clinic provides individualized support to help patients overcome the challenges of weight management. This support includes one-on-one counseling, group education sessions, and ongoing monitoring. The goal is to empower patients to make sustainable lifestyle changes and achieve long-term success.