Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a challenging journey. For individuals seeking professional guidance in Santa Monica, several doctors and programs offer specialized weight loss support. This article provides an overview of some of the options available, drawing from patient reviews and program descriptions to offer a comprehensive perspective.
Individualized Care and Expertise: Key Doctors in Santa Monica
Dr. Shafipour: A Holistic and Patient-Centered Approach
Dr. Shafipour is a primary care physician known for his patient-centered approach and holistic perspective on health. Numerous patients have praised his caring demeanor, thoroughness, and willingness to listen attentively to their concerns. He is particularly noted for taking the time to understand each patient's unique situation and offering personalized treatment options and suggestions.
One patient shared a life-changing experience, stating that Dr. Shafipour discovered their cancer at an early stage during a routine physical. The patient's oncologist was surprised by Dr. Shafipour's ability to detect it so early, highlighting his diligence and thoroughness.
Another patient, struggling with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, found success with Dr. Shafipour's support of the ketogenic lifestyle. Unlike their previous doctor who disapproved of the approach, Dr. Shafipour's knowledge and support of Keto proved invaluable.
Dr. Shafipour's practice accepts major PPO, HMO, and Medicare insurance plans. Affordable options are also available for those without insurance or with high-deductible plans.
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Dr. Amersi: Compassionate Care for Women's Health and Weight Management
Dr. Amersi is highly regarded for her compassionate and knowledgeable care, particularly in women's health. Patients consistently express their gratitude for her attentive listening, thorough explanations, and genuine concern for their well-being. Some patients have been with Dr. Amersi for many years, citing her expertise and caring nature.
Dr. Amersi offers medically supervised weight loss programs that include healthy eating, regular exercise, and medication when appropriate. She personalizes each treatment plan based on individual needs, considering medical history, vital signs, and body mass index (BMI).
Dr. Amersi is also known for her expertise in hormone balance, particularly for women experiencing PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, or thyroid disorders. These conditions can lead to metabolic issues affecting overall health and appearance. Dr. Amersi utilizes GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) to treat metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, and PCOS, as well as to support hormonal balance through perimenopause and beyond.
A key aspect of Dr. Amersi's approach is microdosing GLP-1s, which involves starting at significantly lower doses than standard guidelines. This method aims to minimize side effects such as nausea, reflux, constipation, or fatigue, allowing the body to adjust gently to the medication. Microdosing also supports natural satiety and mindful eating, making it easier to build sustainable habits.
Dr. Amersi's philosophy centers on root-cause healing, gentle rebalancing, and providing the body with what it needs to restore itself.
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Dr. Carson Liu: Expertise in Weight Loss Surgery
Dr. Carson Liu is a weight loss surgeon known for his expertise and caring approach. Patients have praised his thorough explanations, nonjudgmental attitude, and supportive nature. He is affiliated with several hospitals and medical centers in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Beverly Hills Sunset Surgery Center.
Dr. Liu's office accepts all PPO insurance plans, and his staff is known for being kind, supportive, and loving.
Dr. Steven Teitelbaum: Cosmetic Surgery for Body Contouring
Dr. Steven Teitelbaum is a plastic surgeon in Santa Monica, specializing in cosmetic surgery. While not solely focused on weight loss, he offers procedures such as body contouring to help patients achieve their desired aesthetic results after weight loss. Dr. Teitelbaum is known for creating natural-looking results and is actively involved in advocating for patient rights in plastic surgery.
Dr. Shamsah Amersi: Compassionate and Knowledgeable
Dr. Shamsah is wonderful, knowledgeable, kind and patient. She makes you feel very comfortable and welcomed when you're in an extremely awkward and self-conscious position.
Comprehensive Weight Management Programs
UCLA Medical Weight Management Program: A Multidisciplinary Approach
The UCLA Medical Weight Management Program offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss, utilizing a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, clinical psychologists, and therapists. The program focuses on dietary, physical activity, and behavioral lifestyle changes tailored to each individual's weight loss goals.
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The program's multidisciplinary approach addresses the psychological aspects of weight loss, helping participants understand and manage their eating patterns. The program is highly supportive, offering a range of resources and support from both staff and fellow participants.
Steven Batesole, a participant in the UCLA Risk Factor Obesity Weight Management Program, shared that his doctor used a graph of his blood sugar levels over the last 10 years to illustrate his risk of developing diabetes. He credits the program with helping him avoid medication and improve his overall health.
Oonagh Sankar, a nurse at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, lost over 30 pounds through the program and emphasized the cognitive behavioral approach, which teaches participants how to manage food and daily situations.
Another participant, who lost over 150 pounds through the program, highlighted the importance of the behavior modification and maintenance groups, where they learned about environmental control with food, physical activity, and self-management.
Two brothers who started the RFO Weight Loss Program at UCLA lost over 185 pounds each in one year. They praised the program for its simplicity and the support they received in learning about nutrition, exercise, and the body.
Weight MD: A Physician-Led Weight Loss Clinic
Weight MD is a physician-led weight loss clinic in West Los Angeles that serves adults, teens, and children. The clinic focuses on the Four Pillars of Weight Loss: Nutrition, Exercise, Mental Health, and Medical Intervention. By combining state-of-the-art technology with evidence-based methodologies and medications, Weight MD provides tools, resources, and expert guidance for healthy and sustainable weight loss.
The team at Weight MD is committed to understanding each individual's weight loss journey and tailoring a personalized plan for efficient and responsible progress. From one-on-one nutrition counseling to tailored exercise programs and FDA-approved medications, every aspect of the weight loss process is managed by certified specialists.
Additional Resources
Janine Higbie, MS, CNS, CDN: Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
Janine Higbie is a licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with a master's in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. She can provide expert guidance on nutrition and dietary changes to support weight loss efforts.