A Personalized Approach to Weight Loss
At FirstHealth, we see the person—not the product. Obesity is a complex, chronic medical condition that deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Our Medical Weight Management Program is designed to uncover the root causes of weight gain and create a treatment plan that’s realistic, sustainable and built just for you.
Led by Ann Marie Richards, M.D., a board certified obesity medicine physician with a background in primary care and training in plant-based nutrition, our program offers a science-based, team-guided pathway to long-term success. We provide virtual visits, allowing you to participate at your convenience, no matter where you are in your life journey.
Our comprehensive care team can include:
- Dietitians
- Lifestyle coaches
- Exercise is Medicine specialists
- Sleep medicine providers
We work together to develop a customized plan that meets you where you are—physically and emotionally.
Who’s Eligible?
- Adults ages 18 to 74
- BMI is 30 or higher, or 27 with a related condition (e.g., GERD, high blood pressure, sleep apnea)
- No physician referral is required—you can self-refer
Why Choose a Medically Supervised Program?
Unlike commercial diets, our program is grounded in clinical expertise. Our team monitors your progress and health every step of the way to ensure your weight loss is safe, effective and long-lasting. Whether it’s managing medications, identifying health risks or offering encouragement through setbacks, we’re here for the long haul.
A Team-Based, Whole-Person Approach
Weight loss isn’t just about willpower—it’s about support. At FirstHealth, you’re cared for by a team of specialists who understand how weight impacts your entire life and body. Our multidisciplinary team includes:
- Medical providers to assess underlying causes
- Dietitians to guide nutrition
- Exercise specialists to support movement at any level
- Lifestyle coaches to reinforce healthy habits
- Sleep experts to address sleep-related barriers
Together, we help you build the skills—and confidence—for long-term success.
What to Expect
Before Your First Visit:
- You’ll complete lab work so we can review a full picture of your health.
During Your First Appointment:
- We look beyond the scale. You’ll undergo an evaluation to assess factors such as thyroid function, medications and potential sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Then, we’ll work together to create a personalized plan that may include medication, fitness support, nutrition guidance or sleep studies.
Our Services
We offer a variety of evidence-based tools to help you succeed, including:
- Nutrition counseling
- Weight-loss medications (Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Zepbound)
- Exercise and fitness planning
- Lifestyle coaching
- Sleep evaluations
- Behavioral support
- Referrals for bariatric surgery when appropriate
Considering bariatric surgery?
You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if:
- Your BMI is 40 or higher
- Your BMI is 35-40 with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea
- You are between 18 and 70 years old
- Revision surgery for those who have previously undergone weight-loss surgery and are facing challenges such as weight regain, insufficient weight loss, anatomic complication, or intolerable gastric reflux disease (GERD)
We work closely with FirstHealth’s expert bariatric surgery team from Pinehurst Surgical Clinic and will guide you every step of the way if surgery is your best option.
Better Health Starts with a Healthier You
Treating obesity can lead to dramatic improvements in other health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Fatty liver disease
By addressing the root cause, many patients are able to reduce or eliminate medications they previously needed for these chronic conditions.
Get Started Today
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