Medical Weight Loss
Weight loss can be a part of an overall plan to improve health and wellness. Those with medical conditions like pre-diabetes, heart disease or chronic pain may find that lowering their bodyweight helps improve overall health, daily function and wellbeing. A medical weight loss plan that you undertake with a medical professional can offer support and a sustainable path to better health. Dr. Carrie Sandborn at Sindecuse Health Center is board-certified in medical weight loss. She is eager to help WMU students, faculty and staff safely reach their goals around health and wellness.
Is medical weight loss for you?
Medical weight loss visits are offered to anyone age 18 or older with a body mass index of 30 or higher. Those with a BMI of 28 or higher with comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes type 2 are also candidates for treatment. You may calculate your BMI here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines obesity as having a body mass index of 30 or higher. Obesity is a disease associated with a significant increase in mortality and many health risks, including diabetes type 2, hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, and coronary heart disease. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of morbidity and mortality to an individual. Lowering body weight contributes to improvements in many of these conditions.
What to expect
A 45-minute initial visit with Dr. Sandborn to assess your health history, health and weight goals, and go over a typical course of treatment. You'll be able to ask questions, review options for treatment and if you choose to continue, Dr. Sandborn will order your lab work, issue a health survey and set up a follow-up appointment in about one week.
Dr. Sandborn will make referrals to a Registered Dietitian, athletic training, and physical therapy as needed. Many insurances cover dietitian visits if referred by a provider. WMU employees and dependents with WMU's Blue Cross PPO policy are covered at 100% for dietitian visits.
While many patients experience weight loss that accompany lifestyle changes, weight loss is not guaranteed.
This service is not appropriate for anyone with a diagnosis of an eating disorder or a history of disordered eating.
All visits and prescriptions will be billed to a patient's insurance. The health center will collect a copay and deductibles will apply to these visits.
Research indicates some patients who pursue a weight loss program that includes medication along with lifestyle and behavior changes report a 3 to 12% weight loss. Find more information about this research, visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
About insurance and weight loss visits
Claims for medical weight loss visits and prescriptions payments at Sindecuse Health Center will be submitted to a patient’s insurance company for reimbursement. Insurance companies base decisions about covering the cost of medical office visits on medical necessity. Many insurance companies do not pay for weight management visits or to treat obesity alone. If a patient has underlying medical conditions (like diabetes or heart disease for example), these conditions may support medical necessity. Patients are responsible for understanding how their insurance covers medical weight loss treatment.
How to get started
Make an appointment on the patient portal or call (269) 387-3287.
This page was updated August 16, 2023 and replaces a previous pre-paid medical weight loss program offering.