Obesity is a recognized disease, and Columbus, Ohio, offers various weight loss programs to help individuals improve their health and quality of life. These programs adopt diverse approaches, including medical monitoring, lifestyle counseling, tailored diet plans, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. This article explores several weight loss options available in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting their unique features and approaches.
Comprehensive Weight Management Programs
Many programs in Columbus take a holistic approach to weight loss, providing support before, during, and after treatment to help individuals maintain a healthy weight for life. These programs often begin with an enrollment visit, including one-on-one meetings with program experts. A provider conducts a detailed review of weight and medical history, a physical exam, and a review of test results.
CONCI: A Legacy of Weight Loss Expertise
Established in 1979 by Columbus, Ohio, physicians, CONCI (Columbus Obesity Nutrition Center, Inc.) understands that obesity is a disease, not a choice. CONCI offers fast and safe treatments for obesity, with experienced health professionals specializing in this area. They have helped thousands of people improve their health and quality of life through weight loss, including individuals like:
- Kevin B., who lost 255 pounds in 13 months by following the program instructions without exception.
- Sharon B., who lost 47 pounds in 6 months, overcoming the limitations her weight placed on her.
- Matt, who lost 128 pounds in 9 months, addressing his fear of not reaching age 50.
- Brandi B., who lost 33 pounds in 4 months, emphasizing that CONCI can help anyone regardless of how much or how little weight needs to be lost.
- Wendy H., who lost 35 pounds on OPTIFAST®, celebrating fitting into her goal pants.
- Angel H., who lost 165 pounds and experienced tremendous improvements in life and mental health.
- Margo & Mark, who lost a combined 220 pounds on OPTIFAST®, expressing disbelief at their new sizes and improved health.
- Steve, who lost 170 pounds in 17 months, achieving health for his wife, kids, and himself.
CONCI's comprehensive approach includes medical monitoring, health and lifestyle counseling, tailored diet plans, anti-obesity medications, and ongoing nutrition education.
Initial Assessments and Personalized Plans
A crucial component of many weight loss programs is the initial assessment. Programs often use InBody technology to accurately measure body composition, including fat mass, muscle mass, body fat percentage, and basal metabolic rate. InBody devices use Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) with Direct Segmental Measurements and Multi-frequencies. An exercise physiologist reviews these results, providing a copy for personal records. Body composition may be repeated at different milestones to track progress.
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During a one-hour visit, a medical provider reviews current health conditions and medications, eating and weight change history, lab values, activity levels, and other contributing factors like sleep and emotional health. Following this, individuals collaborate with a dietitian to create a personalized meal plan, guided by provider recommendations, health conditions, and personal preferences.
An exercise physiologist learns about exercise history, preferences, and any current limitations or barriers to exercise during a goal-setting appointment. Psychologists may provide support in behavior change related to stress management, adequate sleep, coping strategies, and improving the relationship with food through scheduled appointments.
Core Concepts and Ongoing Support
Many programs offer Core Concepts classes, often virtual and taught by expert clinicians, including dietitians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists. These classes cover foundational concepts important for anyone starting a medical weight loss journey. Weekly class series provide ongoing education, accountability, and support. These classes are designed to be both educational and conversational, covering essential learning topics for successful weight loss and maintenance.
Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Solutions
OhioHealth Weight Management
OhioHealth Weight Management provides the tools needed for success, including an understanding of how to eat right and live a healthy lifestyle. Counseling addresses the emotional aspects of changing eating habits, and instruction is provided on healthy and safe exercise. The program is designed to fit individual needs, with personalized resources, knowledge, and encouragement.
Mount Carmel Bariatric Program
The program at Mount Carmel includes bariatric surgeons and specialized staff, including a nurse practitioner, bariatric nurse navigator, bariatric dietitian, and specially-trained nurses. They focus on education, careful consideration, and commitment to long-term lifestyle changes for those undergoing surgical treatment for weight loss.
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Bariatric Surgery at Nationwide Children's Hospital
Nationwide Children's Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to weight management for children 2 years and older. They provide programs for both the prevention and treatment of overweight children in several locations. Understanding the importance of emotional support, they connect patients with others facing similar challenges. The bariatric surgery journey is presented in a series of videos, and Marc Michalsky, MD, discusses the types of weight loss surgery available for teens, along with their benefits, risks, advantages, and disadvantages.
Navigating Weight Loss: Medical and Surgical Solutions
Dr. Pagé shares the variety of options available for those looking to lose weight, from medical treatments like medications and lifestyle changes to surgical interventions such as bariatric surgery. Rachael Rush shares her heartfelt journey from struggling with weight to finding freedom through bariatric surgery. The Bariatric Center provides a weight loss surgery program tailored to individual needs, with compassionate support.
Specialized Approaches
Functional Medicine
Some programs utilize a functional medicine team that takes a complete approach to health by understanding unique history, including how you were raised, past medications, life experiences, and daily schedule. This approach recognizes that no two bodies are the same and tailors weight management plans accordingly.
GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, originally used to treat Type 2 diabetes, have been proven to help patients safely lose excess weight and keep it off. Some programs have incorporated GLP-1 medications to enhance their services.
The Ohio State University Health Plan and GLP-1 Coverage
The Ohio State University Health Plan offers resources through Your Plan for Health (YP4H). Starting January 1, 2026, GLP-1 medications will only be covered by The Ohio State University Faculty and Staff Health Plan when they are prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; GLP-1 coverage for any other uses will be discontinued. Coverage of certain medications used for weight-loss; Wegovy, Zepbound and Saxenda, will continue through December 31, 2025. These medications require participation in Omada, a virtual health program, administered through Express Scripts’ EncircleRx as well as meeting certain coverage requirements. There is a 30-day supply limit for GLP-1 medications used for weight loss.
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To maintain coverage of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, enrollment in Omada is required. Active engagement is defined as four weigh-ins and four app engagements per month. If all the requirements are not met, the Plan will not cover any portion of the cost of GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
The change in GLP-1 coverage enables the university to minimize employee contribution increases and preserve other medical benefit coverage in 2026. If you are currently using a GLP-1 medication for any indication other than type 2 diabetes, speak with your health care provider to explore alternative options and determine the best path forward for your health.
Omada Program
Omada has partnered with Express Scripts, Ohio State’s prescription drug vendor, to provide virtual programs that help provide support for health conditions. The health coaches available to you through their program are experts in weight-loss and obesity disease management, and through the program, you have access to tools and support resources to help manage weight and achieve additional health benefits. Omada can help you build healthy routines around what you like to do and where you need the most support.
Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's Hospital
The Center’s mission is to empower children and families to build a foundation for healthy lifestyles through clinical care, education, research, community engagement, and advocacy. They offer family-based weight management programs through medicine and surgery. The Center provides a versatile team approach when caring for your child. Their team is made up of pediatric physicians, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, physical therapists, psychologists, nurses, and a social worker. They all specialize in weight management and give the highest level of care to ensure your child and family’s success.
First, you’ll have a consultation to determine the best treatment options for your child and family. The family-based medical weight management programs are designed for children 2 years of age and older. The Center works to prevent childhood obesity and improve care for children with obesity by training health care providers through Project ECHO. They’re also committed to improving the health and well-being of our community.
Additional Resources
The Ohio State University Health Plan offers additional weight management resources through Your Plan for Health (YP4H). This includes a self-guided weight management BMI overview, outlining healthy body mass index, general nutrition guidelines, optimal portion sizes, recommended exercise guidelines, and educational videos.