In a society where a significant percentage of children are classified as overweight or obese, the VCU Weight Loss Clinic offers comprehensive programs and services designed to address the root issues of weight management and mitigate the long-term health risks associated with obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver, kidney, or heart disease. The clinic's approach is holistic, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes, and is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Care
The VCU Weight Loss Clinic's care model begins with a comprehensive assessment. Recognizing the sensitivity surrounding weight management, particularly in children, the clinic prioritizes overall health and well-being over a singular focus on weight. Patients undergo thorough evaluations, spending time with a multidisciplinary team including a weight management physician, behavioral psychologist, dietitian, and exercise physiologist. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's health are considered when developing a personalized treatment plan.
To identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to weight issues, the clinic also orders blood work and other relevant medical tests. The behavioral psychologist delves into the psychological and behavioral factors that may be impacting weight management efforts, addressing issues such as emotional eating, stress management, and self-esteem.
Addressing Disordered Eating
For patients struggling with disordered eating behaviors, the VCU Weight Loss Clinic offers specialized support within its eating disorders clinic. Patients and their families collaborate with the clinic's experts to create a plan that addresses these behaviors. Treatment options often include individual psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, family psychotherapy, and medical consultation. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a healthier relationship with food and promote long-term recovery.
Promoting Physical Activity in a Supportive Environment
Recognizing the importance of physical activity in weight management, the VCU Weight Loss Clinic emphasizes the significance of safe and encouraging environments for getting kids moving. The clinic understands that families play a crucial role in creating healthy paths that can improve their children's physical and mental well-being. By providing guidance and support, the clinic empowers families to make sustainable lifestyle changes that promote overall health.
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Bariatric Surgery as an Option
For older adolescents diagnosed with severe obesity and related health conditions, bariatric surgery may be considered as an additional treatment option. Research indicates that adolescent bariatric surgery, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, can be an effective treatment for severe obesity. The VCU Health and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU are accredited as a Level 1 Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) to care for adults and adolescents with clinically severe obesity. VCU is the only MBSAQIP-accredited center in Virginia to offer weight loss surgery to adolescents and one of the few in the United States to offer both adult and adolescent bariatric surgery.
However, it is important to note that bariatric surgery is not a suitable option for everyone. All surgery candidates must meet established criteria, participate in six months of medically supervised lifestyle intervention, and complete a comprehensive psychological evaluation. Candidates typically have a BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with severe comorbidities.
Insurance and Payment Information
The VCU Weight Loss Clinic strives to make its services accessible to as many people as possible. Co-pays are collected at the time of service, and patients may see more than one provider during their visit, potentially resulting in multiple co-pays. Pre-authorizations from insurance carriers are typically required for visits with the psychologist and dietitian, and families are encouraged to check with their insurance carrier prior to clinic visits to understand their covered benefits.
For patients without insurance or whose insurance carrier does not cover medical nutrition therapy, an out-of-pocket fee ($35 per session - for up to four sessions) will be charged at the time of service.
A Focus on Sustainable Change
Susan Wolver, M.D., a pioneer in the field of obesity medicine at VCU, emphasizes the importance of "slow, sustainable change" in weight management. She realized that the traditional "eat less, move more" approach often doesn't work for many patients. Wolver's approach, which prioritizes long-term lifestyle modifications over quick fixes, has been instrumental in the success of the VCU Weight Loss Clinic.
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This comprehensive method addresses lifestyle factors that can impact weight gain, like nutrition and exercise, but also sleep, stress and social connections. The program teaches that there are no enemy foods, and how to be a little more conscious of what you’re putting into your body.
Addressing Bias and Discrimination
The VCU Weight Loss Clinic recognizes the impact of bias and discrimination on patients with increased body weights. Edmond Wickham, M.D., co-leader of the elective with Wolver, notes that his patients often face bias from various sources, including health care providers, which can negatively affect health outcomes. The clinic strives to create a supportive and empowering environment where patients feel respected and understood.
Multidisciplinary Team
At the Healthy Lifestyles Center, a team of dietitians, exercise specialists, psychologists, medical and surgical specialists, and nurses provide comprehensive lifestyle management for the treatment and prevention of obesity and weight-related medical conditions. The VCU Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, a multidisciplinary program designed to offer safe and effective treatments for biliary, splenic, liver, and pancreatic diseases as well as abdominal wall hernias.
Additional Resources for Well-being
VCU offers a wide range of resources to support the well-being of its employees, students, and the community. These resources include:
- VCU Employee Health Services: Offers no-cost immunizations, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and clinical support with work-related and general health concerns, injuries or exposures.
- University Student Health Services: Provides outpatient care, health education, and an easy web portal to schedule vaccines.
- AEDs and Stop the Bleed kits: Available in key VCU buildings for emergency use.
- Capitol Square Healthcare: Offers easy access to medical care, health coaching, and chronic illness support for state employees, their families, and retirees.
- CommonHealth: Provides engaging wellness programs for employees and their families, administered by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management.
- Anthem Condition Care: Helps Anthem subscribers manage asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and more.
- VCU Recreation and Well-being (RecWell): Offers discounted memberships with a variety of fitness and recreational activities.
- State Health Benefits: Provides coaching, counseling, and maternity care.
- VCU Medical Center's Health and Wellness Library: Offers answers to health questions and additional well-being resources.
- Cancer Center’s Diet & Nutrition blog: Features simple, nutritious recipes and meal plans.
- VCU Ram Pantry: Ensures food security, human dignity and well-being on campus by providing in-need VCU students with food.
- RamBikes: Offers free commuter bike rentals, helmets, and lights for up to 72 hours.
- Virginia 2-1-1: Connects individuals with local services like housing, food, transportation, and more.
- Dental Care: Provides access to high-quality dental care right on campus.
- Walking Routes: Offers mapped routes on Monroe Park and MCV Campuses for brisk walking.
- Weight Watchers: The Commonwealth of Virginia offers discounted pricing on Weight Watchers memberships to help individuals and families reach their well-being goals.