Commonly Asked Questions

Is Obesity a disease?

Yes. The American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes obesity as a disease. Please read the following article for more information: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/business/ama-recognizes-obesity-as-a-disease.html.

What is an Obesity Medicine Specialist?

An Obesity Medicine Specialist is a physician who is board-certified in Obesity Medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Obesity Medicine Specialists treat overweight and obesity as chronic metabolic conditions and manage chronic diseases associated with unhealthy weight.

The American Board of Obesity Medicine provides the following information on their website:

“An obesity medicine physician is a physician with expertise in the sub-specialty of obesity medicine. This sub-specialty requires competency in and a thorough understanding of the treatment of obesity and the genetic, biologic, environmental, social, and behavioral factors that contribute to obesity.”

How will I pay for the weight loss program? Is this program expensive?

A recent George Washington University study measured the costs of being overweight or obese and concluded that the “overall, tangible, annual costs of being obese are $4,879 for an obese woman and $2,646 for an obese man.” (https://stop.publichealth.gwu.edu/research1)

A 2013 US News and World Report article found that the average gym cost $55 per month and the average weight loss program cost $270 to $300 per month with some programs costing more. (http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/01/02/the-heavy-price-of-losing-weight)

New Start Medical’s weight loss and wellness programs are individualized, which means that they will vary according to the needs of each patient. Typical out-of-pocket costs for New Start Medical’s weight loss and wellness programs will be about the same or even less than for a commercial weight loss program, especially if your medical care is covered by insurance or Medicare. New Start Medical offers self-pay patients affordable pricing and accepts commercial insurance and Medicare patients. Also, no long-term contracts are required. Please see our Financial & Insurance page on this website for more information.

What are some common medical conditions that can be improved by losing weight?

Obesity is one of the leading contributing factors to disease in America. Obese patients are at an increased risk for developing medical problems. Typical comorbidities, or associated diseases, related to being obese include:

  • Type 2 Diabetes

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Hypertension/high blood pressure

  • Dyslipidemia/high cholesterol

  • Hepatosteatosis/fatty liver – one of the main causes of cirrhosis in the United States

  • Cardiovascular diseases

  • Stroke

  • Sleep apnea

  • Neuropsychiatric diseases, such as worsening depression

  • Asthma

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Reflux esophagitis

  • Increased surgical risk and postoperative complications

  • Infertility

  • Certain cancers, including colorectal and prostate cancer in men and endometrial, breast and gallbladder cancer in women

How often do I need to come to New Start Medical for treatment?

Programs are individualized according to each patient’s needs and goals. Success in our program is strongly related to close monitoring by your New Start Medical providers. Our medical team will work closely with you to determine the optimal frequency and number of visits to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight while minimizing disruption to your daily life.

We typically recommend follow up visits every 2-3 weeks while in an active weight loss program (first 6 months) and monthly follow up visits once you transition to a weight maintenance program.

What medications do you use as appetite suppressants?

When indicated, we prescribe FDA-approved medications. They are safe and effective when used as prescribed by a medical provider and are used in addition to a meal plan recommended by your New Start Medical provider that matches your specific metabolism.

We do not prescribe medications for patients who are not following our nutritional and behavioral recommendations or do not follow the New Start Medical safety policy.

Do you offer video (i.e., telemedicine) visits?

Yes. Video visits are only available to Pennsylvania residents as our providers are only licensed to practice medicine in the state of Pennsylvania. Having a BEAT Blood Pressure cuff is a requirement for the video visits. You can purchase this device out-of-pocket from our office or opt in to participate in the Remote Patient Monitoring program, if this service is covered by your health plan.