Medically Managed Weight Loss Program

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For individuals seeking professional assistance with weight loss, the Merit Health Weight Loss Clinic offers a wide array of services.

Whether you are an adult who has been suffering with obesity for many years, a teenager struggling with weight issues or a new mom trying to lose post-pregnancy weight, we can create a program tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Our medically-managed weight loss program is directed by a certified nurse practitioner who specializes in treating obese patients. The team also includes nurses certified in bariatric care, a dietician and an exercise physiologist.

Services include:

• Medical assessments and monitoring
• Nutritional guidance and meal planning/replacements
• Educational programs
• Behavior modification classes
• Fitness assessments/exercise guidance

There are options for both group instruction as well as one-on-one sessions.

For Teens

Our weight management program for teens is designed to address the unique medical, nutritional and behavioral needs of obese and severely obese adolescents. The goal of the program is to help the adolescent reach and maintain a healthy weight while building healthy habits. This program is designed for children age 13-17 (and their families). Insurance does not offer payment for these services but the program is offered with a package price.

This medically supervised behavior modification program features materials developed especially for teens, incorporates use of partial meal replacement, and provides exercise/activity guidance and nutrition education for the entire family. The program includes:

• Medical monitoring by a physician
• Support from a team of healthcare practitioners
• A behavioral and educational program specifically designed to help teens manage their weight
• Long-term weight management support and resources

Losing Weight after Pregnancy

Once you are medically cleared by your obstetrician, we offer several programs to help you lose weight, tone up and get back in shape.

MOMMY & ME 8-week program
$200 Program fee (Food cost separate) or $35 per session (If you want to pick and choose classes)
Classes include dealing with postpartum depression, “Eating for One,” shopping healthy and meal planning, exercise with your child, etc. Nutritional options will be available for women who are breastfeeding and those who aren’t.

• Partial meal replacement
• Nutrition/behavior/exercise education
• You may bring your baby with you to class

Other options include:

• 18-week behavior modification program (BMP)
• BMP + partial meal replacement
• BMP + full meal replacement

For more information, please call (601) 292-6383.

Melissa McKissack, R.N., CFNP^*

As a healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience, Melissa has witnessed the increasing incidence of obesity-related chronic conditions, including the rise in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, joint problems and sleep apnea. She now focuses on treating individuals who need to lose significant weight in order to reduce or eliminate their chronic conditions.

Melissa's experience reflects her knowledge of the genetic, biologic, environmental, social and behavioral factors that contribute to obesity. She uses therapeutic interventions such as nutritional counseling, exercise physiology, behavioral therapy and medications to help individuals achieve weight loss.

Her credentials include:

• Master of Science in Nursing, Mississippi University for Women
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center

^*Member of the medical staff at Merit Health River Oaks