For the Patient: The Program

During the first visit to the MGH Weight Center, each patient will meet separately with members of a team of professionals, including an internist or pediatrician, a registered dietitian, and a weight counselor (psychologist). We will obtain extensive information about your health, including medical illnesses, weight problems, eating habits, lifestyle, and family medical background. Using this information, the MGH Weight Center team will recommend a treatment approach suited to your personal needs. This plan will include nutritional, exercise and behavioral counseling. These therapies can be offered in group settings or, if you prefer, in individual sessions. Depending on your previous experience and current needs, we may recommend additional medical or psychological evaluation and treatment. The MGH Weight Center offers the full spectrum of treatments for weight disorders, including weight reduction surgery when appropriate.

The MGH Weight Center team will present its assessment and recommendations to you and to your primary care physician for discussion and approval. In some cases, we will recommend that you participate in a comprehensive, personalized weight loss program within the Center.

Depending on your needs, we will refer you to other medical specialists affiliated with the Center. If appropriate, we may offer you the opportunity to participate in research programs within the Center. These programs are aimed at improving our knowledge about weight disorders and identifying new, effective medical therapies for overweight and obesity.

Family-Based Care Your family can be an important asset in developing a successful weight control program. Family members are often exposed to similar environments, stresses and lifestyles. In addition, they share your genetic risks of obesity and its complications, often facing similar challenges in managing their body weight. This shared burden can be an important source of emotional support. At times, however, it may also cause conflict. Whenever possible, we encourage family members to be closely involved in your care at the MGH Weight Center, allowing them to better understand your needs. If other members of your family are overweight, we encourage you to be seen at the MGH Weight Center together. Your medical programs will be tailored to each of your individual needs, but simultaneous participation will allow you to work together to develop a healthier lifestyle.

"It is time to stop treating obesity as if a series of short-term attempts at weight loss is going to solve the problem. As a medical facility, the Massachusetts General Hospital provides an opportunity where individuals can be supported for a long time, where they are understood and treated with dignity, and where they are encouraged to be a vital part of the health care team. Realistic, individualized goals are developed for each patient, to maximize the likelihood of success."

Sue Cummings, MS, RD,
Clinical Programs Coordinator

Support education is a cornerstone of our patient care program. We want you and your primary care physician to make informed decisions about your treatment options. We will provide information on many topics related to your weight, including nutrition, meal planning, behavioral change, exercise, the medical effects of being overweight, the genetics of weight regulation and obesity, current research in weight disorders, and the status of current and future therapies. In addition, the team of MGH Weight Center professionals is always accessible to provide individualized direction and consultation.