Curriculum Available: UC San Diego Health’s Supervised Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine (SLIM) Weight Loss Program
With grant support from Ardmore Institute of Health (AIH), UC San Diego Health has successfully implemented the Supervised Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine (SLIM) Weight Loss Program, integrating shared medical appointments and Food as Medicine principles to address chronic conditions.
Developed in partnership with the UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine, the SLIM program is available to UC San Diego Health patients by referral. It offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to weight management, focusing on healthy habits and intensive lifestyle changes. Led by Dr. Deepa Sannidhi, a physician with specialized training in weight management, Lifestyle Medicine, and Integrative Health, the program focuses on sustainable weight loss and improved quality of life.
Key components of the SLIM program include:
Individualized plans – The program provides personalized weight loss plans based on assessments of each patient's lifestyle and goals, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
Shared medical appointments – In addition to one-on-one appointments, patients participate in 12 group medical visits supervised by a physician and health coach. These sessions cover key aspects of Lifestyle Medicine including diet, culinary skills, exercise, sleep, stress management, and behavior change techniques.
Accessibility and feasibility – The program is a billable service covered by insurance, eliminating the financial burden associated with other weight loss programs.
Long-term support – Following the initial 9-10 week program, patients can participate in weekly and monthly weight management classes to reinforce healthy habits and ensure long-term success.
The SLIM program offers a replicable model for integrating the principles of Lifestyle Medicine into clinical practice, and physicians can leverage the program to empower patients to achieve sustainable weight loss, improve overall health, and prevent and reverse chronic diseases.
If you are a healthcare provider interested in implementing this model, click here to learn more and access the SLIM curriculum.
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