At the Healthful Eating, Activity, and Weight Program, our specialty physicians can help you make changes in diet, physical activity, and behaviors that are key to successfully managing certain women’s health conditions. These include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, menopause, lipedema, and breast cancer survivors. Our team works closely with experts in gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, and oncology to manage your care. We also partner with the Women’s Wellness and Healthy Aging Program.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, which can cause irregular periods and contribute to infertility. Women with PCOS are at high risk for weight gain and the development of complications such as diabetes and cancer.

Infertility: A woman may have difficulties having a child for a variety of reasons. Changes in lifestyle and weight loss complement the treatment strategies used by physicians at your fertility center. In particular, our specialty physicians work together with the experts at the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center.

Menopause: Weight gain can occur as a woman transitions through menopause. Changes in lifestyle can help prevent weight gain or help you lose weight. Our specialty physicians work together with menopause expert, Dr. Wen Shen, at Johns Hopkins Gynecology at Green Spring Station.

Lipedema: Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by a symmetric buildup of adipose (fat) tissue in the legs and sometimes in the arms. This condition is linked with pain, swelling, and easy bruising, and occurs almost exclusively in women. Our specialty physicians can evaluate and diagnose lipedema, and then connect affected women to treatments services.

Breast Cancer Survivors: Healthy lifestyle habits and a healthy weight are key for breast cancer survivors. Obesity has been linked with increased risk for breast cancer recurrence. Many women gain weight while being treated for breast cancer. Our team works with women to make healthy changes to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Our specialty physicians work together with the oncology experts at the Johns Hopkins Breast Center, as well as other oncologists. Women with one of these conditions have an evaluation with one of our specialty physicians to create a lifestyle change plan to meet your unique needs. Our program offers a variety of services for women:

Visits with Physician Experts

Our clinic is staffed by physicians board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. This is recognition of their expertise in strategies that are scientifically proven to treat overweight and obesity. Our physicians will discuss all of your weight loss options. This may include lifestyle changes, group visits, medications, weight loss surgery, and other minimally invasive procedures.

After the first evaluation, all patients will have regular follow-up visits with our physician experts. These visits will focus on one-on-one counseling to support your lifestyle changes and care may include medication management. We work with patients and their healthcare team to manage any chronic conditions linked with excess weight. These visits are usually covered by insurance.

Group Visits

We offer group visits using an approach based on a scientifically proven lifestyle change and weight loss curriculum. Our program is adapted from the landmark Look AHEAD trial, which demonstrated the many health benefits that can occur with weight loss. To begin, you will first complete a self-guided online orientation that includes three introductory lessons. Every other week you will attend live groups – either online or in-person – one of our obesity medicine physician leads the group visit along with a trained health coach. Group visits include a combination of a structured lesson, group discussion, as well as private one-on-one time with the obesity medicine physician. The lessons cover topics to support your weight loss and health goals such as problem solving, healthy eating, managing holidays, and staying motivated. The physician also manages your medications during these visits. We recommend that you plan to participate for at least 6 months.

These group visits may be covered by insurance. All patients need to complete an initial evaluation with one of our obesity medicine physicians before registering for group visits, after which you may enroll in groups at any time.

Visits with Psychology and Nutrition

Our obesity medicine physicians have expertise to counsel and support the majority of patients in making lifestyle change in nutrition, physical activity and behavior. When needed, we partner with psychologists and dietitians with expertise in behavior change and obesity within Johns Hopkins. We will discuss these options with you, if appropriate for your treatment plan, and make any necessary referrals.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 410-616-7420