How the SLIM Weight Management Program Works

The SLIM Program starts with three intake visits for each patient to establish the patient-physician relationship, cardiometabolic risk assessment, comprehensive lifestyle and weight history and physical, as well as tailored recommendations based on patient-centered decision-making and motivational interviewing. The patient is also prescribed weight management medications if needed at this time.

Over the next 3 months, 12 shared medical appointments are administered by a physician and health coach. Each visit provides knowledge, skills, patient education and group support. These interactive group sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for patients to share their experiences and acquire long-term skills to manage their weight and improve their overall health. Currently, the program is completely conducted virtually via Zoom.

The virtual visits cover patient education on diet, culinary medicine, exercise, sleep, stress and most importantly, behavior change techniques, including mindfulness, mindful self compassion and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Upon completion of the shared medical appointment curriculum, two follow-up medical visits are provided to reassess patient labs, manage medications and provide a tailored maintenance plan for the needs of each patient.

Program Costs and Insurance

The resources on this website are completely free and provide all of the materials and curriculum needed to start implementing SLIM in your own practice.

For patients, SLIM Program is a medically supervised program that is covered by most insurance plans. It is also a qualified employer-provided flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) expenditure.