FAQs

How Does Our Program Work?
Well, we don't have just one program. Keep in mind that over 70% of the adults in this country are overweight or obese.

That is a lot of people, and one size doesn't fit all. We try to figure out what each patient's problem is and individualize the approach. What worked for your Aunt Sally may not work for you.

We start by taking a comprehensive history that we ask you to fill out before you come. This frequently helps us identify what your problem may be.

We also look at your medical history as a whole.

Are there metabolic factors that may be influencing your weight gain? Are you taking any medications that may lead to weight gain (antidepressants, birth control pills, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, etc.), and can they be modified if necessary?

What about your lifestyle? Are you doing something that is leading you to gain weight that you haven't realized? You wouldn't believe how many people we've helped by getting them to change one or two habits.

We then measure your metabolism with our indirect calorimetry, to know how many calories you should be taking in.

We provide some dietary counseling to help you stay in those limits.

The programs that research shows, and our experience confirms, that work best are the ones that combine a lunch and dinner with multiple nutrition supplements called meal replacements during the day, but we don't insist that you follow them. You don't have to purchase a single meal replacement item to be a patient here.

As physicians, we can do something that commercial weight loss programs can't do--we can prescribe medications to help people lose weight.

Aren't weight loss medications bad?
The use of Weight Loss Medications has a checkered history that has stigmatized it. However, there are many medications that are safe when used appropriately. We have had extra training through the American Society of Bariatric Medicine in how to use these medicines and follow their guidelines.

What is "bad' is not doing anything about a serious weight problem that could endanger your health. I also find it somewhat weird that in this country, having a surgery to fix your God-given anatomy to help you lose weight is considered normal, and something that people are not shy about discussing in public, but taking a pill that in turn helps one lose weight and get off of multiple medications in exchange is considered "bad".

Do the pills work?
We will never be able to claim a 100% success rate. However, 80% or more patients get a major benefit.

Do the pills have side effects?
None serious. We tell you what they might be and we monitor you for them. Our first issue is safety--we do this to help people with their health, not to worsen it.

Do I have to take pills?
No. They are a tool. Many patients see us for the other things that we offer and choose not to use medications and still do well.

Do I really have to go through this whole analysis? All that I want is a pill to lose weight. Can't I just come in and get a prescription?
Nope. We are not a pill factory. Unlike other physician sponsored centers that will remain nameless, you will always see a physician, and your health is paramount.

Will you work with my regular doctor?
Absolutely. We intend to keep them informed of all we do. Be aware, however, that most physicians don't know anything about weight loss medicine other than shipping people off for surgery and are prejudiced against what we do. Hopefully this will change with time.

How important is exercise?
Extremely important. People can lose weight without exercising, but it tends to be a lot of protein (from muscle and internal organs, such as the brain and heart); if they regain it, it tends to come back as fat. We see many people that have yo-yo dieted for years, and their body fat percentages are much higher than would be expected from their weight alone. Exercising not only burns calories and increases your metabolism, but forces your body to shed pounds as fat--which is what we all want.

Do you offer exercise programs?
We do. Not everyone needs to sign up for an exercise program because they can accomplish this without our guidance. For people who benefit from the structure that a formal exercise program provides, we offer a package that for 3 months, consists of:
1) 3 months of M.D. visits;
2) 3 months of meeting with a registered dietitian;
3) a Health club membership with structured exercise regimen, and
4) Group Behavioral counseling

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RICHARD D. FINEGOLD, M.D.

Born: 01/24/58, Detroit, Michigan
High School: Southfield Lathrup High School, Graduated 06/76
Undergraduate: Graduated Summa cum laude from the University of Michigan, Ann Harbor, 1980 Bachelor of Science
Medical School: Wayne State University of Medicine 1980-1984, Graduated with Doctor of Medicine
Internship: Northwestern University School of Medicine Evanston Hospital, Evanston, Illinois 07/84-06/85
Residency: Internal Medicine, Evanston Hospital, Evanston, Illinois 07/85-06/87
Certifications: Certified by the American College of Physicians 09/87 as having passed Internal Medicine Boards
Certified by the American Board of Bariatric Physicians, 2001

Private Practice
Attending Physician Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, Elmhurst, Illinois 09/09 to present
Attending Physician Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Melrose Park, Illinois 07/88 to present