Weight Management Center of Maryland

      The Weight Management Center of Maryland is located at Centennial Medical Group and is under the direction of Dr. Rajiv Dua. The program incorporates nutritional, pharmacologic, psychological and behavioral components and is tailored to meet each participant's needs. The program is divided into several stages as shown below.  If you would like more information about this weight loss program please call 410-799-8770. You can also call this number in order to register for one of the free biweekly information sessions which are held at Centennial Medical Group.

  Stage 1: Assessment

    Assessment is the first step in customizing a weight loss program for any given patient. All patients will undergo behavioral screening to determine the level of commitment and readiness to make the lifestyle changes necessary for weight management. The assessment will also include EKG, Body composition test to determine the metabolic rate, fasting labs to rule out any secondary causes for obesity and an obesity related history questionnaire.

Stage 2: Weight loss consultation

   The consultation is a full comprehensive analysis of the data obtained from the assessment and will be used to customize a weight loss program and minimize any risk to the participant. A goal target weight will be determined at this time. This visit will also include a history and physical exam.

Stage 3: Active weight loss phase

   For a total of 12 weeks, these visits will provide one on one guidance. Management of weight loss medications (if used) and existing medical problems related to obesity will be treated if necessary. Health education is reinforced at every visit. At each visit a review of the progress and obstacles as well as lab results will be done, and then body composition is repeated right before week 12.

Stage 4: Transition phase

   This phase will encompass the majority of the educational support of the total program. Attendance at a 7 week Transitions program is led by a Personal Trainer. The sessions will be weekly 90 min sessions on behavior modification and nutritional education. There will be monthly visits with the physician to provide continuing guidance and medical management. The principles of stress management, exercise and a healthy lifestyle will be reviewed to enhance the weight loss goals.

Stage 5: Maintenance phase

This is the single most important part of the program. Since obesity is a chronic illness, constant management will be needed to prevent the regaining of weight. Monthly and then quarterly visits occur with the physician. Continue weekly to monthly education series for continued support. Behavior skills training emphasizing weight gain prevention and usage of a realistic eating plan is developed by a nutrition counselor. The patient is then transferred back to their primary care physician with constant attention to any weight regain that might be occurring.