New Medical Weight Loss Program

 

New Medical Weight Loss Program Launched at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

 

Unique Program Aims to Help Patients Meet Healthy Weight Loss Goals

 

Chicago, Ill. – Sept. 7, 2009 –Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center has partnered with Clinical Weight Loss Corp. to develop, implement and manage unique weight-loss services specifically designed for those patients who need to lose weight in a controlled, supervised environment.

 

The new program is now accepting patients on a rolling enrollment, said Laura Concannon, MD, board certified internist, medical director of the new program. She estimates that 100 million Americans will begin a diet this year, but only 5 percent will be able to consistently maintain a healthy weight.

 

The program works with a patient’s personal physician to increase the likelihood of success. Physicians are involved at every step, not only receiving regular reports on patients’ progress and adherence, but providing diagnostic testing and advice to program administrators. The new program will be hosted at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Family Practice Center, 4600 N. Ravenswood Ave.

 

Of special focus are patients with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac dysfunction and osteoarthritis. Patients undergo diagnostic testing and orientation with a physical therapist, exercise physiologist, registered dietitian and psychologist.

 

“This is the most complete program in Chicago, filling in gaps that other programs have left behind,” Concannon said. “We include several unique elements, such as injury screening, individual exercise planning and supervised exercise. The only option not offered is weight-loss sugery, which we’d like to see used less.”

 

The program consists of three phases, the first of which meets 5 days a week for three months. These five-to-six member groups take part in supervised exercise sessions, weekly meetings with a dietitian and psychologist and weekly weigh-ins. This is followed by two step-down phases, each designed to make certain patients make the life-long habit changes needed.

 

A physician referral is required to participate. To discuss program requirements and fees, please call (312) 943-9910.

 

Illinois Masonic is a 551-bed hospital in Chicago with a Level I trauma center and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care, the highest designations awarded by the State of Illinois. It is a comprehensive inpatient hospital, including medical, surgical, obstetrics and pediatric inpatient care, as well as outpatient services. A recipient of numerous awards for quality and clinical excellence, Illinois Masonic was ranked in 2006 as one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation for Heart and Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report. In 2008, the hospital achieved Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Illinois Masonic is a part of Advocate Health Care, a nationally recognized health care system and the largest provider of health care services in Chicagoland. For more information, log on to www.advocatehealth.com/masonic.

 

Timothy A. Nelson
773.296.8002 (work)
773.401.8343 (cellular)
Timothy.Nelson@advocatehealth.com
836 W. Wellington Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60657-5193
Telephone 773.975.1600