UNC Medical Weight Program
Obesity is a serious disease which can cause or worsen approximately 200 other medical conditions. Apart from the impact on health, individuals suffering from obesity have a significantly worsened quality of life due to the physical limitations imposed by their weight on a day-to-day basis.
We at the UNC Medical Weight Program understand the medical, physical and social burden that obesity places on an individual and have created a supportive environment to provide modern treatments based on scientific study and understanding of obesity. Our comprehensive medical obesity treatment services are designed to improve patient health and quality of life by concentrating on long term sustained weight loss outcomes. We specialize in treating medically complex patients with serious medical illnesses, who benefit from management of their obesity.
Our Programs
Contrary to common belief, obesity is a very complex disease with numerous causes that go well beyond eating more and exercising less. Due to the complex etiology, multiple strategies are necessary for effective treatment and long term management. Furthermore the responses of individuals to treatments are variable. We therefore offer a range of treatments in a step wise strategy to encompass responses from different individuals with unique medical goals.
The services offered include:
A comprehensive evaluation to identify possible causes for obesity, undiagnosed medical illnesses due to obesity, barriers to treatment. Based on the comprehensive evaluation, the medical provider determines the best treatment options, which are then discussed with patients in detail to formulate the final treatment and follow up plan.
Examples of the treatment options are:
- Dietary modifications by working individually or in groups with a dietitian.
- Additional lifestyle interventions directed by the medical provider or referral to specialized providers as necessary.
- Medication adjustments to reduce exposure to weight gain causing medications.
- Addition of medications to help bring about weight loss safely.
- Referral for effective endoscopic procedures to help with obesity treatment.
- Referral for short-term balanced meal replacement plans in preparation for medical or surgical procedures.
We work closely with the bariatric surgery team to have their services available for patients as needed.
Our Team
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Professor of Medicine
Medical Director, UNC Medical Weight Program
Assistant Professor of Medicine
UNC Medical Weight Program in the News
- Treating Obesity Is Complicated, But There’s Hope | UNC Health Talk
- State Employees in NC Could Lose Coverage of Wegovy | BPR
- Weight Loss Drug Coverage at Risk for NC State Employees | WNCT9
- What Happens if You Stop Taking Weight-Loss Drugs? | UNCHealth
- Eating Earlier in the Day Can Help You Burn Fat More Efficiently | UNCHealth
- Unexpected Pregnancies Linked with Weight-Loss Drug| ABC11
- Is Ozempic Different? | Science History Institute
What to do if you would like to be seen in the UNC Medical Weight program
Welcome! You have taken the first step in familiarizing yourself with our program.
- You will need to contact your primary care physician to get a referral to the program.
- After we receive the referral from your medical provider, we will call you to set up your appointment. You will complete a medical questionnaire at the time of scheduling in preparation for your appointment.
- Coverage for anti-obesity medications (AOMs) can vary significantly by insurance provider and plan. Drug manufacturers have provided some medications at a lower cost in the past. Unfortunately, those assistance programs have ended for the foreseeable future. Please check with your insurance company to determine your current coverage for AOMs prior to your appointment so that together we can make the best decisions for your care.
If you have questions, please call the UNC Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic at Eastowne at 984-974-2950.
