Weight Management Center: Our Approach
The UPMC Weight Management Center utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss. This comprehensive program includes ongoing assistance and support from all members of the surgical weight loss team, bariatric specialists, registered dieticians and nurses, psychologists, exercise physiologists, as well as extensive educational and support resources. Through the use of a multi-step approach, each patient receives ongoing treatment and support throughout the weight loss process and beyond.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
To determine individual readiness, prospective patients complete the following self-test:
Is This the Right Time? weight loss readiness test
Step 2: Patient Evaluation
A member of the UPMC Weight Management Center team works with each patient to complete the patient evaluation questionnaire (PDF). The results of the questionnaire assist the team in determining the weight loss options available and specific to each patient.
Step 3: Goal Development
Working one-on-one with a member of the weight loss team, weight loss goals are established. All appropriate treatment plans are presented and, if necessary, referrals are made for health conditions requiring coordinated treatment such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
Step 4: Weight Loss Plan
Once all options are considered, a weight loss plan is selected. Whether the plan involves lifestyle changes alone or a combination of lifestyle changes along with medication therapy or surgery, patients have access to a variety of clinical, educational, and support activities.
Step 5: Support and Educational Resources
UPMC Weight Management Center patients have access to a multitude of educational and support services throughout western Pennsylvania designed to assist patients in realizing their wieght loss and health goals.