Weight Loss Program at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness
In today’s health landscape, finding a weight loss program that addresses both physical and mental aspects of weight management can be challenging. That’s why we at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness have introduced a comprehensive Weight Management Program. This program is designed by mental health professionals. It takes a holistic approach to sustainable weight loss and improved well-being.
“This is such an amazing opportunity to be able to work directly with patients, not just as an online chatbot, and provide life-changing GLP-1 medications while also working on lasting success and health,” says Deborah Brooks, MD, Director of the Weight Management Program at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness.
Important Note on Eating Disorders and Our Approach
We want to be clear that this weight management program is not intended for patients with certain eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. At Gladstone, we remain deeply committed to ethical, evidence-based eating disorder treatment and understand that weight-related conversations can be extremely sensitive and potentially harmful for individuals with these conditions.
Our goal is to support every person whose weight affects their mental health, whether they have an eating disorder requiring specialized care or are individuals whose weight may exacerbate symptoms of other conditions like depression or anxiety. Unlike many programs that prescribe GLP-1 medications without proper screening, we require a full psychiatric evaluation to ensure this program is safe and appropriate for each individual.
A Mental Health-Focused Approach to Weight Loss
What sets Gladstone’s weight loss program apart is its foundation in mental health expertise. The program is run by mental health professionals who understand that successful weight management isn’t just about diet and exercise—it’s about addressing the complex bio-psycho-social factors that influence weight and eating behaviors.
For many individuals, emotional eating, stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors play significant roles in weight management challenges. By placing mental health at the center of our approach, Gladstone’s program addresses these underlying issues that other weight loss programs might overlook.
“Sustainable weight loss is more than ‘eat less, exercise more’,” says Dr. Brooks. “There is a genetic component, a psychological component, a physical component, and we are uniquely equipped to address them all.”
Comprehensive Services in One Weight Loss Program
Gladstone’s Weight Management Program offers a multi-faceted approach that includes:
Personalized Nutrition and Wellness Coaching: Tailored dietary guidance from a registered dietitian who helps clients develop sustainable eating habits.
Behavioral and Emotional Support: Both individual and group therapy options to address psychological aspects of weight management.
Medical Management: Access to safe, effective GLP-1 medications that have shown impressive results in clinical trials.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adjust treatment plans and provide continuous support throughout your weight loss journey.
Our approach is medically supervised, individualized, and led by professionals who prioritize patient care above all else. The program is designed for adults and adolescents aged 16 and older who are looking to achieve a healthier weight, struggling with emotional eating, or seeking a structured approach to wellness—after appropriate screening confirms this is the right approach for their specific needs.
The Science Behind GLP-1 Medications
A key component of Gladstone’s weight loss program is the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist medications. These medications have revolutionized weight management by working in multiple ways:
Increased Satiety: GLP-1s slow gastric emptying, helping you feel fuller longer after meals.
Reduced Appetite: They decrease appetite through signals in the hypothalamus region of the brain.
Improved Metabolic Function: These medications help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.
Clinical research supports the effectiveness of these medications. Studies like the STEP trials (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) have demonstrated that patients can lose 5-15% of their body weight over several months, with potential for long-term maintenance.
Beyond weight loss, GLP-1 medications offer additional health benefits, including:
- Reduction in visceral fat
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension
Evidence-Based Results
The evidence supporting GLP-1 medications is substantial. The STEP trials showed that patients treated with semaglutide (Wegovy) experienced an average weight loss of 14.9% after 68 weeks compared to just 2.4% in placebo groups.
For those with type 2 diabetes, the SUSTAIN trials demonstrated that semaglutide (Ozempic) significantly improved glycemic control while promoting weight loss of approximately 6.4 kg on average.
Even more promising, newer dual-action medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), studied in the SURPASS trials, have shown even greater effectiveness for both blood sugar control and weight loss compared to other GLP-1 agonists.
Convenience and Accessibility
Gladstone has structured their weight loss program with convenience and accessibility in mind:
Flexible Scheduling: Choose from in-person or virtual appointments based on your needs and preferences.
Insurance Coverage: Initial and follow-up visits may be covered by insurance, making professional support more accessible.
All-Inclusive Pricing: The monthly fee includes medications, eliminating surprise costs.
Is This Weight Loss Program Right for You?
Gladstone’s Weight Management Program is ideal for:
- Individuals seeking a medically supervised approach to weight loss
- Those who have struggled with traditional diet and exercise programs
- People dealing with emotional or stress eating
- Anyone looking for a sustainable, long-term solution to weight management
- Individuals concerned about weight-related health risks like diabetes or heart disease
What truly distinguishes Gladstone’s program is its integration of mental health expertise with medication management. Our team understands that successful weight loss requires addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of eating behaviors and body weight.
Our Commitment to Ethical Care
Unlike some programs that may prescribe weight loss medications without thorough evaluation, we prioritize comprehensive screening and ongoing support. We understand the complex relationship between weight, mental health, and physical well-being, and we’re committed to providing care that:
- Respects individual differences and needs
- Screens for contraindications including eating disorders
- Provides ongoing psychological support alongside medical management
- Takes a whole-person approach to health and wellness
Getting Started
Taking the first step toward a healthier weight and improved well-being is simple. If you’re interested in Gladstone’s weight loss program, contact us at [email protected] or call (443) 708-5856.
Our team will guide you through the assessment process, which includes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to ensure this program is appropriate for you. We’ll then develop a personalized treatment plan that may include GLP-1 prescriptions, dietary changes, exercise recommendations, and behavioral support—all supervised by healthcare professionals committed to your success.
By choosing Gladstone’s Weight Management Program, you’re not just investing in weight loss; you’re investing in comprehensive care that addresses the complex factors involved in weight management for lasting results and improved overall health.