Weight Management

Weight Management Program

RCBM is pleased to introduce Medabolic, a lifestyle management program that utilizes a multi-disciplinary, collaborative, and evidence-based approach under the medical leadership of Joel L. Young, MD, and Derek Susalla, PA-C. We address weight concerns from a risk factor reduction perspective rather than an aesthetic one.

Participation in the Medabolic program starts with an intake interview and comprehensive diagnostic assessment. If the program's criteria are met, a carefully tailored treatment plan will be created based on the individual's needs, integrating the services of our highly trained team of medical providers (psychiatrists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners), psychotherapists, and registered dietitians.

We know from thirty years of practice that overweight and obesity can cause or be caused by mental health symptoms. RCBM offers the psychological and psychiatric components that are often missing from most programs that address weight-related concerns. 

Medication may be a part of some individuals' weight loss journey. If you have a BMI greater than 30 and are 18 years of age and older, with no medical contraindications, our prescribing team can evaluate whether pharmacological options are right for you. Our team utilizes the following:

Anti-Obesity medications:

Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone)

Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate)

GLP-1s:

Saxenda
Wegovy
Compounded Semaglutide

GLP1/GIP:
Zepbound

Derek Susalla, PA-C discusses the multi-disciplinary weight management program at RCBM.

If you are interested in being considered for the Medabolic program, please complete this brief intake form. Questions? E-mail Abby at alabeff@rcbm.net. 

Please note: participants must be located in the state of Michigan and willing/able to come to our office in Rochester Hills when needed.

Relevant Case Studies 

Please note: To protect confidentiality and abide by HIPAA, each case study includes patients with fictitious names, ages, and professions.

Kara is a 56-year-old accountant who presented to RCBM with depression. Her depressive symptoms responded to medication treatment, but she was persistently concerned with her weight gain over the last five years. She tried many methods to lose weight through diet, exercise, and various commercial programs. At her recent meeting with her primary care physician, Kara was diagnosed with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and a body mass index (BMI) of 34. RCBM’s Medabolic Program intervened in several ways. First, we were able to move her to an antidepressant medication that did not affect her weight. Secondly, we referred this patient to one of our therapists to address the underlying causes of depression and to one of our registered dietitians to assess eating habits and develop a personalized nutrition care plan using a non-diet approach. Finally, we started her on Wegovy. Six months into treatment, Kara was able to lose 22 pounds, which was 12% of her body weight. Kara began to feel better mentally and physically and was able to reduce her cholesterol medication and remove her blood pressure medication. She found a new interest in exercising and enjoying spending time with her family.

Alex is a 43-year-old teacher who presented to RCBM’s Medabolic program for assistance with their weight. Like many patients, they had been struggling for years with starting the weight loss process. The patient felt they needed a “jump start” to get them back on track. To make matters worse, Alex’s insurance denied the newer anti-obesity medications (semaglutides), making them feel that weight loss was unattainable. RCBM’s medication provider discussed alternative options with the patient and was able to get them started on the FDA obesity medication Contrave. Within the first month of the medication regimen, the patient felt they had better control over their cravings, food choices, and appetite and was motivated to start exercising. After two months of medication treatment, the patient fully committed to their weight loss journey and lost 5% of their body weight within six months with the support of Medabolic’s multidisciplinary team. Alex has a new joy and energy in caring for their family. They are hopeful that weight loss will be a preventative measure to avoid obesity-related health problems such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

---

---

Weight Management Program Professionals

---

Related Services and Programs