Who Qualifies for the Weight Management Program?

The UNC Weight Management Program is open to all qualified participants.

General criteria:

• Greater than 18 years of age
• Body Mass Index/BMI of 30 or greater. Click here to calculate your BMI.
  • OR BMI of 25 or greater AND a diagnosis of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome and/or weight-related liver disease
• Willingness to commit to the full program (6 month minimum)

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What is included?

• After an initial assessment with a provider, participants can enroll in individual counseling (30-minute appointments) and/or group counseling (60-minute group sessions).
• Participants meet with individual counselors ideally every other week for up to 6 months and then assess their progress. After six months, we aim to either move toward less frequent sessions as you build confidence in sustaining your new habits, or refer you to a higher-level service if you are not yet seeing the progress you would like.
• We offer two groups: Appetite Awareness is an 8-week group with a focus on eating behaviors, and building confidence eating when hungry, stopping when full, and learning to stop overeating. Healthy Plate is a 12-week group that focuses on a variety of topics that support weight management (healthy eating, regular physical activity, sleep, stress, etc.).
• Participants who attend appointments twice a month for at least 6 months are more likely to reach their goals.

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When can I see a provider?

Appointment times vary:

• Individual appointments are currently available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoon and Friday.
• We currently offer both in-person and virtual (video, phone) appointments.
• Groups are currently virtual: Appetite Awareness Group meets Mondays from 5:30-6:30pm and our Healthy Plate Group meets Wednesdays from 5-6pm. Both groups meet through MyChart.

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What is the cost? Is it covered by insurance?

Your insurance will be billed for each visit. With most insurances this is a free or low-cost service. Please speak with our financial counselors at 984-974-0210 to help verify your coverage and out-of-pocket costs prior to receiving service. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

All patients are welcome regardless of health insurance status or type of insurance.

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For Referring Providers

Instructions for referral to the UNC Weight Management Program at Family Medicine using EPIC:

• In the orders and medications panel search for “Obesity”
• Click on the “database” tab
• Select AMB REFERRAL TO WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
• Alternatively you could search for “REF166”

If you are a non-UNC provider and/or have questions, please call the UNC Weight Management Program at 984-974-6519.