Manhattan Primary Care hopes to be the clinic you trust to provide medical care for you and your family.  We are also happy to assist with your weight loss goals.  As Family Physicians, we have extensive training in counseling patients on smoking cessation, weight loss, and healthy lifestyle choices. Weight is one of the most important risk factors that patients can change.  A healthy lifestyle is always recommended, but some people may need the additional help of medication. Book a physical today to discuss general health or book a weight loss appointment.

What is your BMI (Body Mass Index)?

BMI Calculator

Although BMI can be used for most men and women, it does have some limitations:

  • It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
  • It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle.

What is my risk?

  • BMI between 25 and 29.9 increases the risk of heart disease by 32% and stroke by 22%.
  • BMI over 30 increases the risk of heart disease by 81%  and stroke by 64%.  Risk of overall early death is increased by 44%.
  • 90% of people with Type 2 Diabetes have a BMI over 25.

How do I lower my risk?

There are lots of ways to decrease risk.  A 5% decrease in weight will decrease triglycerides by 40 points, improve blood pressure by 5 points, and decrease A1C (diabetes marker) by 0.5 points.

  • Use the Reverse BMI calculator to find ideal body weight.
  • Increase your exercise slowly to get to the recommended amount of exercise from the American Heart Association.
  • Improve your diet with help from American Heart Association or Choose My Plate.
  • Start My Life Check from the American Heart Association!  My Life Check® was designed by the American Heart Association with the goal to improve health by educating the public on how to have a healthy lifestyle. These measures have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference. Start with one or two. This simple, seven step list has been developed to deliver on the hope we all have–to live a long, productive healthy life.

What can your Primary Care Physician do to help?

As your Primary Care Physician, we are uniquely qualified to help every aspect of weight loss.  Whether it is to solve your joint pain, to help you restart exercising or help identify diseases or other barriers, we are uniquely qualified to help you meet your goal.  We like to say “We Specialize in You”!  We know your health better than anyone and can help you improve your health in any aspect.

  • Yearly Physical – Most insurances that are approved by the Affordable Care Act offer once a year physical at no out of pocket cost to the patient.  We can order basic labs – thyroid, kidney, liver, glucose/diabetes, cholesterol screen at no out of pocket cost to you.  At this physical, we can help customize an exercise plan, discuss formal programs available for referral whether it be a nutrition consult, formal Physical Therapy guided exercise program, and other options.
  • Medication – Certain medication can cause weight gain.  As your PCP, we can discuss each medication and the specific risks to customize a treatment plan for you.  We can prescribe phentermine, Saxenda (liraglutide), Xenical (orlistat), or Contrave (bupropion and naltrexone).  Each medication has specific risks and benefits, so as your physician we have the knowledge to help you decide which medication would benefit you the most.