At MU Health Care, we offer a full range of weight loss management options and support to best meet your needs, lifestyle and goals. Our experts offer a range of nonsurgical and surgical options, from diet and nutrition counseling and exercise support to weight loss medication and bariatric surgery.
Our personalized approach to care means no matter where you are in your weight loss journey, our team will work with you to foster a lasting, healthy lifestyle through nutrition counseling, health evaluations, educational classes, support groups, treatment of weight-related issues and follow-ups long after your procedure or program. We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, when available.
Nonsurgical Weight Loss
MU Health Care offers the latest nonsurgical weight loss solutions, including a medication program that can help control appetite, as part of a larger weight loss plan. When taken with ongoing monitoring and support from medical weight loss experts, these prescription oral and injectable weight loss medications can help you lose weight by reducing appetite or making you feel full for longer. MU Health Care offers:
- Oral weight loss medications that reduce appetite and hunger cravings
- Injectable weight loss medications that affect the body's glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone, which helps people feel full more quickly and for longer
Some patients may receive an improved benefit by taking prescription medication in addition to weight loss surgery.
Do I Qualify for Medical Weight Loss?
If you are considering weight loss management, you should first consult with a doctor to determine if that is the right choice for you. At MU Health Care, your safety and success are our top priority. Our experts work closely with you to help decide if you qualify and, if so, which option is right for you.
Our Weight Management and Metabolic Center locations in Columbia and Jefferson City coordinate medical weight loss care and also includes support from nutritionists, exercise physiologists and physical therapists to help you reach your goals.
Specific treatment options have their own qualifying factors:
- Weight loss medications such as GLP-1 inhibitors are approved for use in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater who have other health conditions associated with weight, or a BMI of 30 or greater without health conditions related to weight
Our staff will work with you to make sure you meet specific insurance requirements. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted, as are other major insurance providers.
Bariatric Surgery Services
MU Health Care also offers experienced and dedicated surgeons who provide treatment options for weight loss. If you are a candidate, your doctor will discuss your options with you to make sure we choose the best weight management plan for your needs. All bariatric surgery options at MU Health Care reduce the size of your stomach through various methods, including:
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Gastric sleeve surgery
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
- Weight loss revision surgery
Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Surgery for weight loss is a serious step in a person’s weight loss journey. Our surgery team offers a range of services, including counseling, diet and nutrition education and exercise support, to help you understand how weight loss surgery will change your body and metabolism. MU Health Care also offers long-term support to walk with you through this lifelong process.
Good candidates for bariatric surgery:
- Have a BMI of 35 or above with other weight-associated health conditions or a BMI of 40 and above
- Are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes
- Meet insurance requirements set by Medicare, Medicaid are accepted, and other major insurance providers
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At MU Health Care, your weight loss journey can begin by starting a conversation with your primary care or family medicine doctor. You can also schedule a consultation at the Columbia or Jefferson City locations of our Weight Management and Metabolic Center without a referral.
Losing weight and maintaining your goal weight is a lifelong commitment. All of our weight loss consultations start with a full evaluation of your health history. Here, your weight loss team will learn which weight loss options you may qualify for, which options best fit you and how we can help support you in achieving your goals.
If you qualify for medical weight loss treatment, your doctor will talk to you about these options to address any medical clearances needed before treatment and help you understand the physical, mental and dietary changes that you can expect. We will also work with you to find treatment options that are covered by your insurance and help to get treatment authorized.
Long-term Support for Weight Loss Success
We have the tools you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including:
- Nutrition counseling
- Support groups
- Private Facebook groups for bariatric surgery patients
- Video visits for follow-up appointments
What Sets Us Apart
At MU Health Care, you’ll find a lasting solution to weight management. Our board-certified experts are committed to working with you to help you meet your weight loss goals and help you maintain your goal weight at the only comprehensive weight loss program in mid-Missouri.
As part of an academic health system, our doctors stay up-to-date on the latest weight loss procedures and research. And our team is dedicated to ensuring your success by walking with you on your weight loss journey. This includes offering an array of supportive services before and after any procedure.
