A Bariatrician or an Obesity Medicine Specialist is a licensed healthcare provider who has received specialized training in obesity medicine, which is the medical subspecialty focusing on the comprehensive treatment of overweight and obesity and associated conditions. Their approach often includes tools such as nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle changes, and when indicated, the prescription of appetite suppressants and other appropriate medications.

While many individuals find success with commercial weight loss programs, some may not reach their goals through these means alone. An Obesity Medicine Specialist can provide medical intervention that offers more tools and monitoring modalities not available in commercial weight loss programs. These include adjusting or stopping medications causing weight gain, prescribing medications that promote weight loss, and ordering necessary tests. It's especially beneficial and safer for those on multiple medications to consult a specialist.

Overweight and obesity often come with other medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. An Obesity Medicine Specialist can work to see if there may be alternative options for medications causing weight gain or preventing weight loss.

Board certification in Obesity Medicine requires a multistep process. The individual receive specialized training in weight loss techniques and medications and pass a national board examination.

The clinic can cater to anyone, whether they have more than 100 lbs to lose or just 10 lbs. They work to customize a plan to help individuals move towards their goal.

Some weight loss clinics require individuals to follow their specific "weight loss program". However, this program avoids an "all or nothing" approach and partners with individuals to design an individualized program around their particular needs for long-lasting success.

The clinic works with individuals as young as age 18 who have overweight or obesity.

Those who have previously undergone bariatric surgery often have special nutritional requirements. The clinic encourages all such individuals to continue to follow up with their bariatric specialist, but also to consider following up long term with a medical bariatrician, especially if they are experiencing weight regain or nutritional problems after their surgery.

Medical weight loss services are not usually covered by insurance, which is why my program runs on a monthly subscription fee at $100 a month.

Your first visit we will review your comprehensive history including weight history, analysis of your nutrition and exercise status, for consultation costs, which includes a history and physical examination, a comprehensive review of your weight history, an analysis of your nutrition and exercise status, and a comprehensive plan for your weight loss journey. This includes potentially picking tailored medications to assist with diet and exercise recommendations.

Blood tests are often requested based on your specific medical conditions and individual needs.

While healthy nutrition and increased activity are the key factors necessary to achieve weight loss, studies consistently show that the addition of weight loss medications to diet and exercise leads to significantly greater amounts of weight loss. The clinic has extensive experience with weight loss medications and may prescribe them as an additional tool for weight loss if indicated.

While the addition of weight loss medications to a healthy nutrition and exercise plan has shown greater amounts of weight loss in individuals, it is not mandatory for everyone. Every medication has benefits but also risks, and some individuals should not use certain medications. The decision to use medications is based on an individualized and personal basis.

Dr. Ricco will determine the specific medication to prescribe based on your medical history, biology, and insurance coverage. GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus), liraglutide (marketed as Saxenda and Victoza), tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro), or dulaglutide (marketed as Trulicity), may be recommended, if appropriate. Other medications, including Metformin, Naltrexone, Bupropion, Zonisamide, and Topiramate, have also been successful for some individuals. If your current treatment plan is not effective, consult me to discuss alternative options or adjustments. You can discontinue the plan at any time if you are not completely satisfied.

The membership fee does not cover medications. Nevertheless, we will assist you in finding the most economical choice based on factors such as your medical history, insurance coverage, pharmacy benefits, and any available savings cards. Typically, the medication costs are $25 or lower per month.

Although we do not currently accept insurance for membership fees, we can collaborate with your commercial or employer insurance to ensure that your lab tests and medications are covered.

You may be able to obtain reimbursement for our services through FSA/HSA. Please verify the eligibility criteria with your FSA/HSA provider. You may use an HSA or FSA card to make payments.

Given that we are primarily a telemedicine clinic, the ease at which to check in with progress, side effects, or questions should be minimal. I encourage you to text or chat whenever you have a question or concern!

Ideally, we would check in with each other once a month, but this can be done over SMS, chat, Facetime, video chat, or phone call - whatever is easiest for you. I also understand that life gets in the way sometimes, and some months we may be unable to connect.