Newswise — Losing weight can feel like a constant uphill battle for many people. However, patients like Marsha Burks found success with the Weight Navigation Program at Michigan Medicine, a program aiming to make weight loss easier with structured, individualized support. Burks had a strong desire to take control of improving her health since she was concerned about developing complications like diabetes and high blood pressure.
However, she became discouraged by her previous attempts to lose weight. She was frustrated that traditional weight loss advice – like simply moving more and eating less without any personalized recommendations – wasn't working for her. Things changed when obesity specialist Patricia Karina Arizaca-Dileo, M.
D ., started working with her through the Weight Navigation Program. “From the beginning, I felt heard and understood,” Burks said.
“It was a game changer. The program helped me achieve not only scale victories, reaching my realistic weight goal we set together, but also non-scale victories.” How the Weight Navigation Program works What sets the program apart is that it's intentionally integrated into the primary care setting and helps align patients with weight-loss interventions that are tailored to patient needs and preferences.
Eligible patients are referred to the program by their primary care provider. A typical first appointment includes a weight focus visit with a primary care physician trained in obesity medicine. This will i.