Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute

Short answer: there’s no single “best” program for every woman over 40 — the best choice is a medically supervised, multidisciplinary program that 1) evaluates hormones/menopause and metabolic health, 2) is led or overseen by an ABOM‑certified physician/endocrinologist, 3) provides a registered dietitian + behavioral support + exercise guidance, and 4) can offer evidence‑based medical options (including anti‑obesity medications or procedures) with ongoing follow‑up. Programs / services worth considering Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Program — multidisciplinary, evidence‑based, access to endocrinology, bariatrics, nutrition and menopause specialists. Good if you want a comprehensive, medically rigorous approach and have complex medical history. Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute — similar strengths: team care, metabolic evaluation, surgical and nonsurgical options, and long‑term follow up. Profile by Sanford — medically supervised program with one‑on‑one coaching, individualized plans and dietitian support. Easier access than academic centers and good for women who want structured coaching plus medical oversight. Optifast (medical meal‑replacement programs offered through clinics) / Optavia — intensive, clinician‑supervised meal‑replacement approach with high short‑term weight loss; appropriate as part of medically supervised care and for people who need a structured, simplified plan. Parsley Health — functional‑medicine model that emphasizes hormone and gut testing and personalized plans. Useful if you suspect menopause, thyroid, or hormonal drivers that need detailed evaluation and lifestyle prescriptions. Allurion gastric balloon program (clinic partners) — a non‑surgical temporary balloon plus structured coaching; an option for women who want a non‑surgical device‑based approach and meaningful initial loss. Plenity (prescription device/aid) — an FDA‑cleared prescription aide for people with BMI 25–40; used with lifestyle changes and prescribed by a clinician. How to pick one for you See an ABOM‑certified physician or endocrinologist if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, long weight history, or complex meds. (You can search the American Board of Obesity Medicine for providers.) If you’re perimenopausal/menopausal, prioritize programs that evaluate hormones, bone health and cardiometabolic risk. Decide on access: academic centers (Mayo, Cleveland) are thorough but can be costly/slow; national programs (Profile, Optavia) are more accessible; device/medication options require prescribers and follow‑up. Ask any program these questions before joining: who will supervise medication or devices, what is the long‑term maintenance plan, what are costs and insurance coverage, and how often will labs/monitoring occur? Next steps Book a visit with your primary care physician or OB‑GYN and ask for referral to an ABOM‑certified obesity medicine doctor or one of the programs above. Bring recent labs, medication list, menstrual/menopause history, and your weight history so they can recommend the most appropriate program. If you tell me your location, current medical conditions, BMI or goals (weight loss target, timeline), and whether you prefer in‑person vs telehealth, I can recommend 2–3 specific programs or clinics near you.

Mentioned in position 2 of 8