Weight Management
Weight Management in Northern Virginia
Dr. Mandana Shafai provides comprehensive medical weight management for patients at Prima Medicine Concierge Care.
Weight gain is often driven by complex factors such as:
- Insulin resistance
- Hormonal imbalance
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleep
- Inflammation
- Perimenopause and menopause
Identifying these contributors is the first step toward sustainable, medically informed weight loss.
Why the Concierge Medicine Model Support Weight Management
Sustainable weight loss requires ongoing support. Concierge membership allows close physician supervision and strategic adjustments. It requires:
- Comprehensive metabolic evaluation
- Personalized nutrition strategy
- Hormone assessment
- Medication guidance when appropriate
- Regular monitoring
- Long-term planning
Our Approach to Medical Weight Management
Medical weight management at Prima Medicine is physician-supervised and grounded in metabolic testing, lab analysis, and individualized treatment strategies. This is not a commercial weight loss program—it is a clinical process designed to create lasting change.
Medically supervised weight management is an investment in your long-term health and quality of life.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fatty liver disease
- Joint pain and mobility issues
- Sleep apnea
- Hormonal imbalance
- Certain cancers
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastrointestinal Health
Is medical weight management different from other weight loss programs?
Yes. Commercial programs often use generalized diet plans. Medical weight management at Prima Medicine Concierge Care is physician-supervised and based on metabolic testing, lab analysis, and individualized treatment strategies.
What should I expect during my first weight management appointment?
Your initial visit includes a thorough review of your health history, dietary habits, exercise patterns, stress levels, and sleep quality. Dr. Shafai will order comprehensive lab work to assess your metabolic and hormonal profile. Based on these results, a personalized weight management plan will be developed and adjusted over time.
Do you prescribe GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide or tirzepatide?
When medically appropriate, medication options may be discussed as part of a comprehensive plan. Medication is only one component of long-term metabolic health and is always used in conjunction with nutritional, lifestyle, and metabolic interventions.
What is insulin resistance and how does it affect weight?
Insulin resistance occurs when the body does not respond efficiently to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar and increased fat storage, often seen in adults with sedentary jobs and high stress levels. Identifying and addressing insulin resistance is often key to breaking through weight loss plateaus and achieving sustainable results.
Can stress and sleep problems cause weight gain?
Absolutely. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can increase abdominal fat storage. Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, making weight loss more difficult. Addressing stress and sleep is often an essential component of effective weight management.
How much weight can I realistically lose with physician-guided treatment?
Healthy, sustainable weight loss typically ranges from 1–2 pounds per week, though this varies based on metabolic health, hormone status, starting weight, and adherence to treatment recommendations.