Welcome to Northway Medical Weight Loss
We are excited to be part of your weight-loss journey. We understand that losing weight can be challenging and often feels like an uphill battle. Not only is weight loss difficult, but the many available treatment options can be confusing and overwhelming. Our trained medical providers are here to guide you through these choices and help you find the approach that best supports your success and long-term health.
Obesity is a complex, chronic medical condition with many contributing factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We recognize that obesity is not simply the result of a lack of willpower, nor is it solved by “just eating less and exercising more.” At Northway Medical Weight Loss, our providers are dedicated to helping patients achieve meaningful and sustainable results through a scientific, individualized approach.
Our comprehensive weight-loss program may include personalized nutrition plans, nutrient supplementation, behavior modification, physical activity counseling, and FDA-approved weight-loss medications when appropriate. Our mission is to provide professional, personalized, and compassionate care tailored to your unique goals and needs. With your commitment and our medical expertise, you can move toward healthier living and long-term, sustainable weight loss.
Take the first step toward better health today by scheduling a medical weight loss consultation with our team. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey.
Who We Are
Northway Medical Associates’ Baldwinsville location is an internal medicine practice offering a structured, physician-supervised medical weight loss program. We welcome both established primary care patients as well as individuals outside of our practice who are seeking medical weight loss and obesity medicine services in a supportive, clinical setting.
Our Approach to Obesity Medicine
Our providers are trained in obesity medicine and deliver personalized, physician-supervised weight loss care. Unlike many commercial weight loss programs that focus solely on medications or meal replacements, our approach is comprehensive and closely monitored by a medical provider. Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on medical history, lifestyle, and personal health goals.
Our medical weight loss program may include:
Nutrition counseling
Robard® meal replacements, scientifically designed to support safe and effective weight loss
Behavior modification strategies, including self-monitoring, goal setting, stimulus control, problem solving, nonfood rewards, sleep habits, meal timing, sustainable lifestyle changes, and relapse prevention.
Physical activity guidance, tailored to each patient’s abilities and needs
FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications. We recognize that the body often responds to dieting by increasing appetite and slowing metabolism. For some patients, FDA-approved weight loss medications can be a helpful tool when used alongside nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral changes. Several medications are available for the treatment of obesity, and our providers work closely with each patient to determine whether medication is appropriate and which option best supports their long-term success.
As an internal medicine practice, we are uniquely positioned to monitor and manage weight-related medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol disorders, throughout the weight loss process.
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects how the body stores and uses energy. It is influenced by many factors—not just diet and exercise—and it often requires ongoing medical care, just like conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Having excess body fat can affect many areas of health. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, joint pain and arthritis, skin infections, gallstones, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and reproductive health problems. Obesity can also impact emotional well-being, confidence, and quality of life.
The good news is that even modest weight loss can lead to meaningful health benefits. Losing just 5–10% of your starting body weight has been shown to improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall quality of life.
Why Is Weight Loss So Difficult?
Weight loss is challenging because obesity is not caused by a lack of willpower. Many factors contribute, including genetics, environment, metabolism, and daily habits such as eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep.
Genetics play a significant role in body weight, accounting for up to 40–75% of differences in body mass index (BMI). These genes once helped humans survive during times of food scarcity by promoting energy storage. Today, those same genetic traits can make weight loss more difficult.
The body also adapts quickly to weight loss. As weight decreases, hunger hormones increase, hormones that help control appetite decrease, and metabolism can slow down. These natural biological responses help explain why maintaining weight loss can feel like an uphill battle—and why medical support can make a difference.
How Do We Measure Obesity?
There are several ways healthcare providers assess obesity, and no single measurement tells the whole story. At Northway Medical Weight Loss, we use these tools together to gain a complete picture of your health.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a commonly used screening tool that compares weight to height:
Normal weight: 18.5–24.9
Overweight: 25.0–29.9
Class I obesity: 30.0–34.9
Class II obesity: 35.0–39.9
Class III obesity: 40 or higher
BMI helps guide care, but it does not measure body fat directly.
Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage offers additional insight into body composition. One method used to estimate body fat is a bioimpedance scale.
Body Fat Classification:
Men
Essential fat: 2–5%
Athletes: 6–13%
Fitness: 14–17%
Acceptable: 18–24%
Obesity: over 25%
Women
Essential fat: 10–13%
Athletes: 14–20%
Fitness: 21–24%
Acceptable: 25–31%
Obesity: over 32%
Waist Circumference
Waist circumference is another helpful measurement, as excess abdominal fat is linked to increased health risks.
Men: greater than 40 inches (102 cm)
Women: greater than 35 inches (88 cm)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to be a current patient of Northway Medical Associates to participate?
No. While we welcome our established primary care patients, you do not need to be a current patient to participate in our medical weight loss program. We accept patients who are seeking physician-supervised weight loss care, even if their primary care provider is outside our practice.
Is medical weight loss the same as a commercial weight loss program?
No. Medical weight loss is physician-supervised and tailored to your individual health needs. Unlike commercial programs that may focus on a single approach, our program considers your medical history, current health conditions, medications, lifestyle, and personal goals to create a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan.
Will I have to take weight loss medication?
Not necessarily. Weight loss medications are one tool that may be used when appropriate. Some patients achieve success with nutrition counseling, behavior changes, and lifestyle support alone. Our providers will discuss all available options and help determine whether medication is appropriate for you.
Are weight loss medications safe?
There are several FDA-approved medications for the treatment of obesity. When prescribed and monitored by a medical provider, these medications are considered safe and effective for many patients. Your provider will review potential benefits, risks, and side effects to help you make an informed decision.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss varies from person to person. An individual can expect to lose 5% to 10% with lifestyle modification and diet alone, and 5% to 25% with medication (depending on which medication). Even modest weight loss—as little as 5–10% of your starting weight (e.g., if your starting weight is 200 lbs this would mean a 10-20 pound weight loss)—can lead to significant improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall health. Our focus is on safe, sustainable weight loss, not quick fixes.
How often will I need to be seen?
Most patients are seen once a month, especially early in the program, to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and provide ongoing support.
Do you monitor other health conditions during the program?
Yes. Because we are an internal medicine practice, we are able to monitor and manage weight-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other medical concerns as part of your weight loss care.
Is obesity really a medical condition?
Yes. Obesity is recognized as a chronic medical disease influenced by genetics, metabolism, environment, and behavior. It is not simply a matter of willpower, and many people benefit from medical guidance and long-term support.
Will my insurance cover medical weight loss?
Most health insurance plans will cover some or all of your visit costs particularly if you have weight-related health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes. Our office staff can help review coverage and discuss self-pay options when applicable.
How do I get started?
Schedule a 15-minute medical weight loss consultation to see if physician-supervised weight loss is right for you. You’ll review your body composition and BMI, explore diet plan options, and get answers to any questions about the program.