Healthy weight control is a common problem, but that does not make it any easier.
University of Michigan Health has gathered experts across many specialties – including nutrition, exercise physiology and personal training, mental health, gastroenterology, cardiology, endocrinology, and bariatric surgery. Together, we design programs and provide treatment options to help you based on your specific needs.
Your care team will help identify strategies for long-term weight management, while educating and empowering you to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Every individual has unique needs – no single method to achieve weight control will be appropriate for everyone. We are here to help find the right tools for you.
About Obesity and Excess Weight
Obesity is a complex metabolic disease that occurs as a result of many factors that can include genetic make-up, health circumstances, and environmental forces.
Obesity may increase the risk of other health issues and diseases including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, lung disease, arthritis, liver disease and a number of other conditions.
Attaining and maintaining a healthier weight can help reduce the chance of developing these diseases, or help you better control them.
Programs and Services for Weight Control
University of Michigan Health offers a variety of programs to support individuals on their weight control journey. The methods used to help control weight will vary depending on the program. All programs have a goal of improving health.
Some programs are designed to help individuals lose weight or maintain weight loss. Our care teams will share tools and strategies to help with weight loss and maintenance including medical nutrition therapy (diet), physical activity, behavioral modification, mental health services, medication use, procedures, or surgery. Each program seeks to promote health improvement, but the combination of tools and strategies used with each person will vary to meet their individual needs.
Other clinics help screen for and assess complicated health conditions that are related to excess weight or obesity. These conditions could either contribute to weight difficulties or could be a consequence of weight issues. Our teams provide specialized expertise to make these assessments. Based on the consultation and assessment, patients may be directed to a weight treatment program.
What program is right for you?
Your primary care provider can help determine which type of program is right for you.
Factors that should be considered in a discussion with your primary care provider may include:
- Clinical characteristics including body mass index (BMI), medical conditions, and weight history
- Personal preferences
- Scheduling/availability to participate
- Insurance coverage
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Interest in research participation
Our Weight Navigation Program is also available to provide a specialized assessment and in-depth discussion about treatment options to help determine the right program for you.
Shaping the Future of Weight Control
Michigan Medicine is committed to a better understanding of obesity including its causes, complications, and treatments. Participation in research is a way to improve both current and future care of obesity. Many of our programs provide opportunities for involvement in research.