Weight Management Clinic
Weight loss can be difficult to achieve — and even harder to maintain. The Weight Management Clinic at UI Health specializes in understanding why and how we gain weight and works to create a personalized weight-loss plan to help you reach your goals.
Led by Dr. Emily Smith, the Weight Management Clinic focuses the medical management of overweight and obesity and developing healthy strategies for weight loss, including:
- Understanding endocrinology disorders that may cause of weight gain, including thyroid dysfunction
- Lifestyle modification
- Habit control
- Prescription medications approved for weight loss
- Surgical options, where safe and appropriate
Weight Management Plans
The ultimate goal of the clinic is to work closely with each patient to create an individualized weight management plan, and there is no minimum body mass index for being a part of the program.
Evidence shows that no one diet or medication works for all patients. Upon visiting the clinic, patients will receive an initial comprehensive assessment. Subsequent visits also will help to create a unique program for the patient. Some patients may choose to meet every few months, while others may choose to visit every month to help stay on track.
If the decision is made to initiate a medication, the physician will meet with the patient monthly for the first three months to be sure the medication is tolerated and the patient is achieving weight loss, then every three months (or more often, if desired) thereafter. Patients must have a BMI of at least 27 and a medical co-morbidity OR a BMI over 30 to qualify for medication management.
Bariatric surgery is discussed as an option with all patients. At the Weight Management Clinic, we offer referrals to bariatric surgery when appropriate, pre- and postoperative nutritional evaluation and management, and help with postoperative weight re-gain.
Clinic Hours & Location
Outpatient Care Center, Suite 1C
1801 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Hours: Wednesdays, 9 am to 5 pm
The Weight Management Clinic operates on Wednesdays from 9 am to 5 pm and is by-appointment-only. To request your first visit, please call 312.413.3631. On your visit, we recommend that you bring:
- Health insurance information, including authorizations or referrals
- List of prescription medications and dosages, including medications you’re allergic to
- Recent test results related to your condition
- List of questions/notetaking materials
