Hyde Park Weight Loss Clinic Ranks Number One

A Hyde Park-based weight loss clinic has recently been ranked as the number one up-and-coming franchise by the digital financial media company TheStreet.com.

Medi-Weightloss Clinics opened its franchise headquarters at 509 S Hyde Park Ave. in 2006. Today, its 86 clinics in 22 states have helped folks lose a combined total of over 1.7 million pounds. 

“I thought I was settling into the lifestyle of being a large girl,” said Tiffany Stuart. “Now, I am looking forward to living my life in this new version of me.”

The 31-year-old Tampa Bay area woman said she reached her goal of losing 85 pounds after 10 months from joining the weigh loss program in 2009. 

Before shedding the extra weight, she felt out of breath and sweaty just by walking up the stairs. Now, she exercises everyday and runs 5-Ks. 

“I feel so healthy,” she said. 

Patch recently caught up with Medi-Weightloss Clinics medical director Edward Zbella.

Patch: Congrats, Medi-Weightloss Clinics was ranked number one up and coming franchise. What does it mean for the business?

Dr. Zbella: “We hope to expand across the country so that we can make a positive impact on the obesity epidemic. We are focused on changing lives.”

Patch: Why is obesity growing at an alarming rate in the United States? Is the problem worse than 10 years ago? 

Dr. Zbella: “During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2009, only Colorado and the District of Columbia had a prevalence of obesity less than 20 percent. Thirty-three states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25 percent; nine of these states - Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia - had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30 percent, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.”

Patch: What are the causes? 

Dr. Zbella: “A report by Trust For America’s Health says that Americans consume an average of 300 more calories per day than they did 25 years ago and eat less nutritious foods. Nutritious foods are significantly more expensive than calories-dense, less nutritious foods. Americans walk less and drive more, even for trips of less than one mile. Parks and recreation spaces are not considered safe and well maintained in many communities. Many school lunches do not meet nutrition standards, and children engage in less physical activity in school. Increased screen time - TV, computers, video games - contributes to decreased activity, particularly for children. Adults often work long hours and commute further.” 

Patch: How do you describe Medi-Weightloss Clinics?

Dr. Zbella: “Medi-Weightloss Clinics is a physician-supervised three-phase weight loss program. The average patient loses seven pounds the first week and two to three pounds each week thereafter for the first month. Medi-Weightloss Clinics physicians and medical staff provide an individualized weight loss program, including nutritional and exercise plans and counseling, dietary supplements, vitamin-based injections and FDA-approved appetite suppressants if needed.  Medi-Weighloss Clinics can assist individuals shed unwanted and unhealthy pounds rapidly, and then help them keep them off.”

Patch: What can people expect from the clinic? What kind of services and plans do you provide?

Dr. Zbella: “There are three phases designed to help you reach your goal weight and then maintain the weight loss for your lifetime. Your weight loss journey starts with an initial consultation. This 90-minute visit includes a one-on-one evaluation with a physician or nurse practitioner. We’ll review your detailed medical history and take note of any health conditions, prescriptions, or other concerns so the physician can identify factors that could affect your weight loss and overall health. A blood panel and EKG will be administered. We’ll also measure your weight, body fat percentage, determine your BMI (Body Mass Index), and take other simple measurements. We then create an individualized weight loss program just for you. Your plan will include a nutrition and exercise plan, supplements, vitamin-based injections, and, if prescribed, an FDA-approved prescription. You will then be seen on a weekly basis, to review your progress and see if any adjustments need to be made to your current weight loss plan. You will also receive nutrition and exercise education, motivation and support from the medical staff, as well as vitamin-based injections at your weekly visits. One you reach your goal weight, you will transition into the wellness phase where you will learn the tools to keep the weight off for life.”

Patch: What are the main mistakes people make while trying to lose weight?

Dr. Zbella: “People often try to set unrealistic goals when it comes to weight loss. Instead of focusing on their big, overall weight loss goal, we try to tell our patients to focus on their smaller, short-term goal. This will help them stay motivated and on track. Another mistake people have is not following a proper diet. Many people assume that something marked fat-free or low calories is good for you. But in large quantities, many of these food options are not a healthy choice. Our program is designed to educate people on nutrition. We teach them about food labels and give them recipes and tips for dining out.”

Patch: Who is your typical client?

Dr. Zbella: “Women who have tried everything else and are ready to see serious results. Many of our patients are women between the ages of 35-54 who have tired losing weight with other programs in the past, only to gain it all back plus more. They come to us when they are ready to make a lifestyle change that will allow them to not only reach their goal weight, but to keep it off for life. 

Patch: Are patients who come to the clinic just folks with an overweight or obesity problem, or also people who want to shed a few pounds?

Dr. Zbella: “Both. Whether someone is looking to lose ten pounds or 100, our program is designed to help them reach their goal weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle. We have several patients who want to lose between 20 to 40 pounds, but then we also have patients like our national spokesperson, Jerome Biggars who has lost 300 pounds.”

Patch: How much does the Medi-Weighloss Clinics  program cost?

Dr. Zbella: “The 90-minute initial consultation is $268 which includes a complete medical exam, including blood panel and EKG, vitamin-based injections as well as a 30-day supply of supplements and appetite suppressants, if applicable. Weekly visits are $70, and wellness visits are $50 per month.”

Patch: How much money do consumers spend on weight loss each year?

Dr. Zbella: “The weight loss market is $58 million industry!”

Patch: Why would someone choose this clinic over another one? How do you differentiate yourself from other weight loss programs?

Dr. Zbella: “We understand that losing weight requires much more than counting calories. Long-term weight loss and maintenance requires focusing on all aspects of your health. The Medi-Weightloss Clinics’ five keys to success ensure patients are given the tools they need in all areas of their health to lose weight and transition to a healthier lifestyle. The five keys to success are: medical, motivational, physical, nutritional, and educational.”