Weight Management

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The weight management program at Southwest Missouri Wellness Center involves regularly scheduled visits with Dr. Brian Murphy, MD, a prescribed appetite suppressant, and a recommended diet with nutrition guidelines.  Dr. Murphy (or as we refer to him “Doc”) will assess your health history, current lifestyle, nutrition, and review your suggested water intake before prescribing the most suitable appetite suppressant for YOUR individual needs.

Weight-Loss Facts

Normal Weight

Maintaining a normal weight can prevent gastroesophageal reflux and weight related joint conditions.

The Cure

According to the American Medical Association, of the 20 million type 2 diabetics, over half would NOT have this diagnosis, if they would maintain a normal body weight. Most physicians simply TREAT diabetes; Dr. Murphy helps CURE it!

Progesterone

Women typically crave sweets one week before and during their periods due to the increase in progesterone. This hormone causes women to crave sweets and not feel full.

Blood Pressure

The majority of overweight individuals may be able to stop or decrease their blood pressure medication by losing weight.

Reflux

The majority of people who have reflux will find relief when they lose weight.

Stress

Every pound you lose takes 3 pounds of stress off your knees and 6 pounds off your low back.

The forms of payment we happily accept are Visa, MasterCard, and cash.  Additionally, we process payments for patients using Flexible Spending Account cards.  Although we do not file insurance, our friendly staff will be glad to supply a receipt you may provide to your insurance company which may apply to your deductible.

 

Our mission is to educate each patient on a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle and to offer the consistent motivation necessary for success on their journey to better health.  We love seeing our patients reach their weight loss goals!  Dr. Murphy’s Weight Loss Program has been recognized across the region for helping patients lose weight for over 30 years, but even more importantly, for building and developing long-term relationships with his patients to ensure they maintain the healthy weight they achieve through his program.  Weight management is a life-long journey.  We know many patients have tried every diet and have reached their wits-end.  We understand there are ups and down and strive to support our patients with encouragement and the appropriate medically guided response for long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do insurance companies not pay for weight loss?

They don’t have to pay and it is not in their financial interest to do so.  Our country spends a trillion dollars+ a year on healthcare.  2/3 is spent in the last 3 months of life.  The average lifespan is now 77 years.  At that time, all the problems from weight, diabetes and/or heart disease are typically the cause of death.  Additionally, when you reach this stage, you become less of an insurance problem and more of a government problem with Medicare.

How can stress affect my weight?

It can increase cortisol which acts like predisone or provera (progesterone) and makes you crave sweets and can never feel full. However, it is relative. Stress bothers people in different ways. Some people gain, some lose, and some people’s weight is not affected by stress at all.

Will I gain the weight back when I stop taking the medication?

No, not if you follow the lifestyle change we have taught you.
Remember that the calories you take in versus the calories you burn determines your weight.  It’s really a simple formula.  Example: Goal Weight x 5, 6, or 7 = the amount of calories you should consume a day.  If you’re inactive, use 5.  If you’re very active, use 7.

Can I take Phentermine while pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No.  Your baby will actually lose weight, if you breastfeed while taking Phentermine.

NEW PATIENT FORM

If you are planning your first visit, please fill out the form below to bring along with you!