Weight Loss Program

Weight Loss Program offered at Charter Health and serving patients in MA & NH

We launched our Weight Loss Program and services to help people suffering from excessive weight. Obesity negatively impacts physical and emotional well-being and is a public health crisis. Our approach includes a mix of education, coaching, and medication therapy.  Many patients are safely losing weight with a combined approach of medication as well as weekly coaching on diet, exercise, and behavioral modification.

On your first visit, we will:

• Identify your goals around weight loss and overall well-being.
• Review past efforts and barriers that kept you from reaching and sustaining an ideal body weight.
• Take a comprehensive medical history and physical, with a special emphasis on metabolic issues, a behavioral health history, and a social history.
• Calculate your body mass index (BMI) and body fat composition.
• Set monthly goals for weight loss
• Set daily goals for steps and other exercises.
• Identify one or two dietary modifications to try in the first month.
• Consider medication to help you lose weight. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are prescribed for diabetes mellitus and weight loss.  They’re effective and safe but should be closely monitored, starting at a low dose and titrated up slowly.  
• Agree to a plan for monitoring progress.  Consider using a pedometer or smartphone to measure steps and calorie counts.
• Consider involving specialists, including dieticians, behavioral health specialists, addiction specialists, diabetes educators, and others.

What to Expect working with Charter Health Weight Loss Program

Subsequent visits will be scheduled based on your needs and goals.  Progress can be monitored using a combination of telemedicine and office visits.

Our primary objective is a long-term healthy weight.  There are many short and long-term benefits of  weight loss:

• Increased energy levels as the body’s cells become more metabolically active.
• Increased self-confidence, mood, and sex life.
• Improved back and joint pain.
• Improved blood sugar and cholesterol reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart attack.
• Improved blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
• Improved sleep and control of sleep apnea.
• Improved symptoms of depression and anxiety