COMPREHENSIVE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Welcome to our medically supervised and supported weight management program at North Coast Cardiology. Our team of highly trained physicians and nurse practitioners have helped over 800 people lose weight and maintain their goal weight. We started our weight management program in 2019, when we had very limited options, and have continued to grow as the science of weight and metabolism management has evolved. Today, our program is a highly successful, integral part of our cardiovascular prevention program at NCC.
Why at a cardiology clinic, you might ask? Because for the first time ever, we are seeing people not only get to their goal weight and maintain it, but reduce or completely STOP their medications — from high blood pressure to high cholesterol and diabetes medications. It’s truly remarkable and very rewarding not just for you, but for our entire staff as well.
Our structured weight management program is effective, simple, long-lasting and designed specifically for YOU and your body. And you will have expert guidance every step of the way from our medical staff with the goal of minimizing your risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Oh, and getting rid of your medications!
- 1. We set you up for success from day one! Our NP’s Joan and Rachel are trained in the latest in nutrition science including completing a cutting edge nutrition education program at Stanford University.
- 2. We do not charge you membership fees or sell you on products. As a matter of fact, we try to push as much through your insurance as possible to minimize your out of pocket costs.
- 3. We sit down with you one on one and provide you with highly tailored options for weight management that are specific to YOU and your needs, your medical conditions (or what you are trying to avoid), what you have tried in the past for weight management, your exercise abilities, etc.
- 4. We discuss options for weight management in detail at every visit. They include dietary tips and tricks, changes to maintain your metabolism and muscle mass, and options for treatment with medications. One option is a pill called Contrave, which helps people lose weight and is under $100/month even without insurance support. Or, we talk about the GLP1 medications including Ozempic and Wegovy or the newer and more effective GLP “double blockers” called Mounjaro and Zepbound. If we choose to go this route, we can prescribe them to you for less than $150/shot directly from Eli Lilly ($399/mo). We avoid compounding pharmacies because they have very little control over the precise dose you receive and have no FDA oversight. North Coast Cardiology is even a research site for the NEXT generation of GLP1 medications called the “triple blockers” that may be even more effective than any other medication currently available. We can assess if you would be a candidate to join our latest trials and get paid for your time and medication. See our BLOG for more information on this exciting study.
Give us a call and request a consultation for our weight management program at (760) 753-0220. Remember, we try hard to use your insurance for your monthly check in visits and for any medications. We obtain pre-authorizations whenever possible, submit notes and proof of need, and work with you in minimizing your costs. And if your insurance doesn’t cover weight loss options well, we will work with you to find the most effective, least costly way to reach your goals without additional fees.
Maintaining the weight you lose is at least as important as getting to your goal weight. Once you have reached your ideal weight, we work with you for 6 months to maintain your weight in a tight range so that your body can “reset its thermostat,” or homeostasis. During this time, we guide you through a series of adjustments to your eating habits, your movement and exercise goals, building muscle to maintain metabolism, and weaning off any medications. This will keep your body from wanting to pull you back to your old weight and regain it (and sometimes more). We sometimes use what is called the “micro-dosing” technique of medicines like Zepbound or other, lighter medications to help you maintain during this critical time (and save you money). Ultimately, we believe that we can get everyone off their weight loss medications and maintain their new weight successfully!
Because the science of weight loss is rapidly changing, Dr. Ludington, and nurse practitioners Joan (Joe-On) and Rachel are extensively trained in the latest weight management techniques. They attend national obesity society meetings, regularly participate in on-line training programs and nutrition science updates, and lead the latest clinical research on new options for weight loss. And of course, we provide extensive education for you and your family to maintain a healthy lifestyle, good eating habits, and activity that you can stick to with the best of your physical ability. GLP-1 medications especially are major diabetes medications that should not be taken lightly. They require extensive knowledge to use effectively and safely. We recommend that you avoid getting compounded medications from your local nail salon or aesthetician, a practice we see every day. They are a quick fix that do not last, and often they are more pricy than getting the real medication with the supervision that sets you up for long term success.