Tip of the Month:

Obesity is a chronic disease linked to the development of other common, chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, joint pain and even infertility. Our staff are specially trained to diagnose and treat weight-related diseases, and routine medical monitoring ensures that you improve your health while you lose weight.

Click here to see the results of our program.

Three easy steps to a new you:

• Step One: Information Packet
  An information packet will be sent to you by mail. The information packet will contain treatment options, cost, payment, medical and tax deductions and insurance reimbursement options. Call us at (501) 767-6200 and leave your name, address and phone number to receive your free information packet.
• Step Two: Initial Evaluation
  Initial evaluation includes evaluation of your health, lifestyle and weight loss goals to determine the best weight loss plan for your unique needs. To schedule an evaluation, call (501) 767-6200.
• Step Three: Active Weight Loss
  Active weight loss generally includes 12 weekly clinic visits, lifestyle education classes twice a month, periodic medical and lab monitoring and personalized support. This is followed by a 6-week, personalized transition to self-prepared foods and personalized meal plans. Ongoing support and classes help you to stay on track with your weight management plan.

Following are important documents from the Heritage Physician Group Weight Management Center:

The OPTIFAST Program is a very structured approach to weight management. Because of the magnitude of this type of treatment, weekly attendance is of utmost importance. The Weight Management Center requires its participants to read the OPTIFAST Program Commitment Information and to sign an OPTIFAST Commitment Agreement. We, too, are committed to your weight management plans and will be signing the agreement with you.

For many, the weekly costs for the OPTIFAST Formula are less than what you are now spending on food, snacks and dining out. Complete the attached form to estimate your weekly food expenditures.

OPTIFAST is a great program and one Heritage Physician Group is proud to be associated with. However, the program is not for everyone. Please read the attached Contraindications to an 800 Calorie Diet to see if this program is right for you. Of course, our medical professionals will be happy to talk with you about any concerns you have about entering the program. Remember, the program will not accept patients who are pregnant and will remove patients from active treatment at the first suspicion of pregnancy.

As with most medical treatments, there are Potential Side Effects and Precautions Related to an 800 Calorie Diet. To learn about other aspects of the program, please read Frequently Asked Questions about OPTIFAST.

Click here for OPTIFAST recipe ideas.

Marni Keck joined Heritage Physician Group in 2003 and is the backbone of our Weight Management Center. Marni has over 16 years of nursing experience and completed her Masters in the Family Nurse Practicioner program at UAMS in 2001.

Specialty: Weight Management Certification:

• ACLS/CPR since 1988
• Trauma Nursing (TNCC)
• Advanced Practice for Family Nurse Practitioners (through April 2007)
• Licensed in the State of Arkansas as a Registered Nurse
• Registered Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Nurse/Family Nurse Practitioner
• Prescriptive authority in the State of Arkansas