The Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) Healthiness Program is a lifestyle change program that helps you reach your weight-loss, health, and activity goals with nutrition and wellness support, ongoing education, and personalized guidance by a team of experienced health professionals.
The ARC Anti-Obesity Medication Program is available for patients ages 18 to 75 with a BMI of 27+. The program is medically supervised and includes monthly follow-ups with a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC) and a weekly or bi-monthly health guide check-in. We combine cutting-edge medications with expert guidance to create a customized plan that addresses your unique needs.
What's new for the ARC Healthiness Program
New faces
We recently welcomed Melissa D. Mason, APRN, DNP, FNP-C, to the ARC Healthiness Program team at ARC Far West. Melissa says, "My main objective is to educate patients, providing them with the tools necessary to make empowered decisions." Melissa sees patients 18 and older who are interested in weight loss with the assistance of weight-loss medication.
New medications
The program will now prescribe the Wegovy® GLP-1 pill. This pill form of semaglutide was recently approved in the U.S. for weight-loss and diabetes management.
Some benefits of the oral semaglutide pill are that it avoids needles and may be more convenient for many users. Clinical trials show results comparable to injectable forms when taken properly.
The program will continue to offer patients access to injectable weight-loss medications.
Technology
We have added the InBody body composition analyzer device to our program. Our participants now have two methods to analyze their body composition. There is a separate fee for each scan.
Body composition analyzer (InBody): This scan sends safe, low-level electrical currents through the body to measure impedance (resistance). Since different tissues like muscle, fat, and water conduct electricity differently, the device can estimate body composition based on these factors.
The InBody is excellent for tracking trends like muscle gain, fat loss, and hydration changes. This scan can be done in the clinic during appointments. Monthly or quarterly scans are recommended to track progress.
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) body composition scan: This FDA-approved scan uses x-ray technology combined with software to provide an in-depth analysis of fat tissue and lean mass. It essentially gives a detailed snapshot of how body weight breaks down into fat and lean tissue (muscle).
Put simply:
- Both estimate fat mass and lean mass
- InBody uniquely breaks down body water
- The technologies and assumptions are completely different
- InBody = trend tracking tool
- DEXA = snapshot accuracy
How does this fit into the ARC Healthiness Program?
The ARC Healthiness Anit-Obesity Medication Program's annual fee includes:
- Access to healthcare providers who focus exclusively on obesity medicine and metabolic health, with extensive experience prescribing and monitoring anti-obesity medications.
- Review of weight-loss medications and what may be appropriate for you.
- Access to the InBody and DEXA technologies for an additional fee.
- Weekly or bi-monthly health guide lifestyle coaching for one year.
- Personalized nutrition targets.
- Educational topics and recipe of the month.
Some visits and medications may be covered by your health plan. Out-of-pocket costs may apply when visits, services, or medications are not covered.
Make an appointment today
Appointments are made with the ARC Healthiness Program by calling 512-483-9595.