Gold Standard of Weight Loss Management Opens at Penn
The Albert J. Stunkard Weight Management Program is a multidisciplinary, medically supervised treatment program dedicated to providing the highest level of care for overweight individuals in a setting of clinical and research excellence.
As a part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, the program draws on the expertise of specialists in cardiology, clinical nutrition, endocrinology, exercise physiology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, orthopaedics, psychology/psychiatry, pulmonary medicine, rehabilitation medicine, sleep medicine and women's health.
The multidisciplinary team works closely with patients to assess the causes of their excess weight, and develops a customized treatment plan specific to their weight and health needs.
All patients receive an initial assessment that includes a medical evaluation conducted by a program physician or nurse practitioner. This ensures the weight loss program addresses the patients health and wellness goals. In addition, patients receive nutrition counseling, including an individually designed balanced diet and assistance with planning meals for successful and healthy weight loss.
Patients receive ongoing support that can include both individual and group treatment. Current group treatment programs include:
Health First Program |
Health First is a medically supervised program designed to achieve maximum weight reduction and improve cardiovascular health. This program combines the use of meal replacements with prepared, wholesome entrees and fresh fruits and vegetables. |
Penn Start Program |
Penn Start is a lifestyle intervention designed to promote slow and steady weight loss. Participants consume a diet of conventional foods and lose weight by reducing calories and increasing physical activity. |
All patients of the Albert J. Stunkard Weight Management Program learn to increase their physical activity by walking more and participating in other aerobic activities, such as swimming, dancing, or biking. The program's exercise specialists offer demonstrations on the program's state-of-the-art exercise machines.
Other services offered include individual nutrition counseling and individual psychological counseling to treat disorders including binge eating, night eating and body image dissatisfaction.
In addition, the team works closely with the bariatric surgery program at Penn, referring patients who have decided that surgery is the best option for them, and working closely with those individuals pre- and post-operatively to ensure their success.
After losing weight, most patients enroll in Encore, a weight maintenance program that supports patients' efforts to maintain weight loss. Nutrition classes and exercise instruction are central features of the program.
To schedule an initial consultation, call (215) 746-4100, or visit the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders.
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