Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options

SSM Health offers a healthy variety of non-surgical treatments to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Whether you need to make long-term lifestyle changes or small habit adjustments, our specially-trained team will support you on your journey to wellness.

Our physicians, dietitians and weight loss professionals are dedicated to helping you take advantage of diet plans and nutrition and wellness programs that are designed to meet your specific needs. We will provide helpful guidance through every step of these proven programs.

Understand obesity and your medical options by downloading our obesity guide.

Which non-surgical programs are available in St. Louis?

SSM Health Weight Management Services at DePaul Hospital - St. Louis offers a non-surgical weight loss program individualized to each patient. During your initial consultation, you will meet with a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) and have a full medical evaluation. You will be prescribed a low-calorie diet that is medically safe for weight loss and provided a meal plan to help you achieve your short- and long-term weight loss goals. Our team will then tailor the remainder of the program based on the your needs. Your program may include the following elements.

Behavior modification classes:

Behavior modification has been proven to not only help patients lose weight faster, but also help keep it off. SSM Health Weight Management Services Behavior Modification classes meet weekly for one hour and focus on the skills needed for successful weight loss (such as how to set up an environment up for success, reducing stress, how to navigate social events and holidays, how to best deal with hunger, etc.). Patients also participate in a weekly weigh-ins before class begins to add an extra accountability factor to their program. Classes are $100 per month.

Register for our behavior modification class.

Appointments with a physician:

Patients can meet one-on-one with an ABOM every 6-7 weeks or as needed for follow up visits. These visits may be covered by insurance (with a specialist copay) or self-pay.

Appointments with a registered dietitian:

Patients can meet one-on-one with a registered dietitian to further individualize the recommended meal plan.

Individualized exercise programming:

Patients have the opportunity to meet with our Wellness Specialist virtually to develop an 8 week exercise program to be completed on their own.

Get started on your weight-loss journey today.

To get started with our program, please complete a patient application. Then one of our health educators will contact you to schedule your initial consultation.

Which non-surgical weight loss option is right for you?

We offer structured-diets, medically-managed weight loss and out-patient procedures, all of which are supported by a combination of behavior modification counseling, dietary visits, medications, exercise and wellness instruction. Get started today!

Join the POWER Program for a holistic approach to weight-loss.

Weight loss is a journey. You are unique and have your own needs. We know this is only the beginning of your journey. You have your own goals, your own motivators and you know what matters to you. Let us help you get there.

The POWER (Preoperative Weight Loss, Exercise and Risk Reduction) program will address your needs from a holistic and multi-dimensional approach. You will learn tools and skills to make changes that matter to you.

Over a 12-week period, you will meet with a physician to discuss where you are and where you hope to go. You will meet with the SSM Health Ripon Wellness Center team both individually and with a group to learn and perfect your skills. You will join a community that will provide support and help you make changes that will stick.

This one-of-a-kind program includes an SSM Health Ripon Wellness Center membership, six classes and personalized coaching for $100. The office visits will be billed through your insurance plan. Be sure to ask about additional benefits to participating in the POWER program.

The POWER program is a personalized journey. While we know that there is no “quick fix,” we are here to help you with your goal to build long-lasting and lifelong knowledge for a healthier life.

For more information, call 920-926-8500.

Does SSM Health offer nutrition and wellness programs?

At SSM Health, our registered dietitians give you support and guidance by tailoring healthy eating plans to your individual goals and health concerns, including:

  • Weight loss
  • Diabetic diets
  • Cholesterol restrictions/fat restrictions
  • Sodium restrictions
  • Gluten-free diets
  • Lactose-free diets
  • Sports nutrition
  • Balanced nutrition for all ages

Most insurance plans are accepted for nutrition services. Please check with your insurance company to verify your coverage.

Our team of SSM Health registered dietitians and exercise physiologists are here to support you on your weight loss journey. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Does SSM Health utilize anti-obesity medication?

At SSM Health Weight Management Services our Diplomats of the Board of Obesity Medicine Providers utilize FDA approved Anti-Obesity Medications (GLP1 and others) as a tool to assist patients in their weight loss efforts. With proper nutrition and exercise counseling these medications have been shown to help patients lose on average 14% of body weight. Due to lack of regulations and no FDA approval our providers do not prescribe compounded injectable anti-obesity medications.

When appropriate and with proper insurance coverage our physicians will decide the most effective option based on each patient’s medical history. These medications can include Zepbound/Mounjaro, Wegovy/Ozempic, Qysmia, Topamax, Phentermine, etc.

Patient education on anti-obesity medication:

  • Zepbound is FDA approved for the treatment of obesity, while Mounjaro is approved for the treatment of diabetes with weight management
  • Requirements: BMI > 30 or history of obesity
  • Medication Type: Titrated Injection
  • Expected weight Loss: 18% of body weight
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Decreased appetite
    • Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
    • Heart burn, indigestion
    • Constipation
  • Wegovy is FDA approved for the treatment of Obesity while Ozempic is approved for the treatment of diabetes with weight management
  • Requirements: BMI > 30 or history of obesity
  • Medication Type: Titrated Injection
  • Expected Weight Loss: 15% of body weight
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Decreased appetite
    • Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion
    • Dizziness, headache
    • Lowered blood sugar
  • FDA Approved for the treatment of obesity
  • Requirements: BMI > 30 or history of obesity
  • Medication Type: Tablet
  • Expected Weight Loss: 10% of body weight
  • Common Side Effects:
    • Dry mouth
    • Constipation
    • Numbness or tingling
    • Dizziness, headache
    • Joint Pain
    • Increased blood pressure
    • Blurred Vision
    • Drowsiness

Find out if your insurance covers anti-obesity medication:

Patients are encouraged to call their insurance companies prior to meeting with our provider.

What to ask:

  • Do I have coverage for injectable weight loss medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro or Zepbound?
  • Does my plan require a prior authorization for these medications?
  • What is my out-of-pocket cost with my policy?

If your plan does not cover these medications our providers can provide information on savings cards and supplier programs to assist with lower medication costs.

Join the HealthSmart clinical weight-loss program.

with SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group

HealthSmart is a clinical approach to weight loss: bypassing fad diets and focusing on evidence-based practices and accountability. Here are some details about the program:

  • HealthSmart is a year-long program
  • Participants meet with a clinical dietian once a week for the first four weeks, then every other week, and finally once a month for the final six months
  • Meetings focus on:
    • developing a personalized plan
    • how to practice healthy eating in "real life"
    • setting realistic and measurable goals
    • identifying support tools and resources
    • how to find strength and motivation
  • A referral from a primary care provider is required
  • Coverage by insurance varies by the insurance plan

How do you get started?

Contact your primary care provider. If you are in need of a primary care provider, use our provider finder to locate a provider near you.