Mahaska Health Offers Personalized Medical Help for Weight Loss

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Losing weight isn’t simply a matter of sticking to a diet or starting an exercise program, since health conditions, stress, sleep, mental health, and daily habits can all affect the process.

The Medical Weight Loss Clinic run by Mahaska Health provides professional assistance to those who have had difficulty losing weight on their own; the program may involve individual health evaluations, the creation of nutrition and activity plans, medical supervision, referrals to other health professionals, and the issuance of prescribed medication where appropriate.

Makayla Leathers, a board-certified physician assistant at Mahaska Health, said medical weight loss gives patients direct guidance from a healthcare professional.

“As Leathers explained, medical weight loss is different from simply someone losing weight on their own since you have direct supervision from a healthcare provider who gives specific recommendations, goals and guidance.”

Medication might be included in the treatment but need not be. In some cases, the care will also include a dietitian, the sleep clinic, cardiology, mental health support, or another member of the healthcare team.

Leathers stated that the clinic can assist people ranging from children to older adults who want to lose weight but have been unable to do so on their own.

The first visit typically continues for between 45 minutes and one hour. The healthcare provider asks about the patient’s health history, eating habits, activity level, past attempts to lose weight, and personal goals. The conversation also includes what has worked, what hasn’t, and what might be making weight loss more difficult.

The discussion also covers stress, sleep, and mental health because each can affect a person’s weight and ability to make lasting changes; the clinic may suggest additional testing or refer the patient to another service if needed.

DEXA body-composition imaging is also part of the clinic’s assessment procedure. The scan establishes a baseline and helps monitor changes in both body fat and muscle mass. As a result, both the patient and the care team have more information than weight alone provides.

Based on the assessment, the patient and the provider then develop a plan that considers the patient’s health, needs, daily life, and preferences. However, Leathers stated that she does not prepare the same plan for all patients.

For instance, an activity goal could start with a single five-minute walk each week, while another patient might be ready to carry out 30 minutes of activity multiple times a week. The aim is to choose steps that suit the individual and can be increased over time.

GLP-1 medications have become a major topic in public discussion about weight loss, but Leathers stated they are by no means the only option. She first asks the patient if they are interested in taking medication.

When a patient considers taking medication, the clinic reviews the person’s medical history, potential side effects, safety concerns, and insurance requirements. Although medical conditions such as diabetes, a previous heart attack or stroke, or severe sleep apnea may affect insurance approval for certain medications, coverage will vary by plan.

The clinic also looks for any conditions that might make a certain medicine inappropriate and discusses with the patient how to manage possible side effects. Patients with heart problems or other complex medical needs can arrange for their care to be coordinated with specialists.

Leathers stated that some patients arrive thinking that they will be made to take medication.

By no means is that true, she said. I have several examples showing that all we have to do is focus on lifestyle, and that helps.

For those patients who would like to take medication but are unable or unwilling to afford a GLP-1 drug, there may be other prescribed treatments available. The appropriate option will vary according to the individual’s medical history, objectives, and the doctor’s professional judgment.

It is still important to focus on nutrition and physical activity even while taking medication; Leathers stated that lifestyle changes help patients keep making progress over the long term.

Patients can notice improvements in many ways. As Leathers pointed out, some people notice their clothes fit differently, their joints feel better, they don’t feel short of breath as much during activities, or they feel more pleased with themselves.

Advancement doesn’t have to be quick or consistent; losing a few pounds can still be significant, and it’s also an achievement to keep your weight stable during a stressful month. With regular follow-up appointments, the clinic can monitor progress, adjust the plan as needed, and help the patient stay accountable.

He compared the provider’s role to a GPS and the patient’s role to the driver.

As she explained, we’re somewhat like a GPS, since we give them guidance and provide them with all sorts of resources and education as well as all the other things that can help them, but the patient is the one who is in the driver’s seat.

Mahaska Health presents its program as one that emphasizes steady progress and long-term health rather than fads or quick fixes. Although the clinic does not perform bariatric surgery, it can arrange care with bariatric specialists if needed.

Leathers urged those who have struggled with their weight not to think they have to solve the problem on their own.

She said, “They should know that you’re not alone,” adding that “it’s a long and difficult process and don’t fear asking for help since it’s not easy.”

To arrange a medical weight-loss consultation, call Mahaska Health at 641-672-3360. Patients can contact Mahaska Health directly or ask their primary care provider for a referral. Mahaska Health’s address is 1229 C Avenue East, Oskaloosa.