Online obesity medicine · NC · CA · FL · ME
Physician-Led Obesity Treatment
Have you tried changing your diet, exercising regularly, or following different weight loss plans without seeing lasting results? If managing your weight feels like an ongoing struggle, there may be more involved than your eating habits or activity level.
Obesity is a complex, chronic medical condition influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism, and environmental factors. Effective obesity treatment involves understanding these connections and developing a plan that supports your overall health.
At SustainMD, Dr. Allison Pope Barbee provides personalized, physician-supervised weight loss and obesity management through convenient virtual appointments. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she helps patients address weight-related health concerns through evidence-based medical care, practical lifestyle guidance, and ongoing support.
What obesity means
Understanding obesity
Obesity is a chronic disease involving excess body fat that can affect your health. Doctors often use body mass index (BMI) to screen for it.
Adult BMI screening ranges
- Overweight
- BMI25–29.9
- Obesity
- BMI30 or higher
- Severe obesity
- BMI40 or higher
BMI doesn’t tell the whole story, though. Body composition, waist size, medical history and metabolic health matter too. That’s why obesity medicine focuses on improving your overall health, not just reaching a number on the scale.
Common signs include
Signs and symptoms of obesity
Obesity doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, and many people first learn about weight-related health concerns during a routine checkup.
Shortness of breath
During everyday activities
Joint pain
Especially in the knees, hips and back
Fatigue
Along with low energy
Sleep problems
Including a higher risk of sleep apnea
Reduced mobility
Such as difficulty walking or climbing stairs
Metabolic changes
Like high blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar
These symptoms can have other causes too, so it’s worth talking them through with a physician.
Causes of obesity
Obesity develops through a combination of biological, behavioral, genetic, and environmental influences. Although energy balance matters, the processes regulating hunger, fullness, and body weight are complex.
- 01
Genetics and Family History
Genetics can influence appetite, metabolism, fat storage, and how your body responds to weight changes. A family history of obesity may increase your likelihood of developing the condition.
- 02
Hormonal and Metabolic Factors
Hormones help regulate hunger, energy use, and fat storage. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may contribute to weight management difficulties.
Obesity and insulin resistance are also closely connected. Excess body fat can reduce insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
- 03
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Sleep patterns, physical activity, food availability, stress, and daily routines can influence weight over time.
Certain medications and medical conditions may also contribute to weight gain.
Your evaluation
Obesity diagnosis and evaluation
A thorough evaluation shows how weight is affecting your health and which treatment fits you best. Dr. Barbee reviews your BMI, body composition, weight history, medications and lifestyle, and may recommend lab tests for blood sugar, cholesterol or liver health.
Dr. Barbee reviews your
- BMI
- Body composition
- Weight history
- Medications
- Lifestyle
Lab tests may check
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
- Liver health
This way, your treatment plan reflects your whole health, not just your BMI.
Available obesity treatment options
Your obesity treatment is tailored to your health, risks and goals. For most patients, combining lifestyle changes with medical care works better than restrictive diets.
Personalized Nutrition
Realistic eating strategies that support appetite control and metabolic health, with no extreme restrictions.
Activity and Habits
Movement, better sleep and steady routines that help you build and keep progress.
Obesity Medications
FDA-approved options, including GLP-1 treatments, when they suit your health and goals. Not everyone needs medication.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-ups to review progress, adjust your plan and track your health beyond weight.
Care at SustainMD
Personalized obesity management at SustainMD
At SustainMD, obesity care focuses on identifying contributing factors and building realistic, medically appropriate treatment plans.
Dr. Barbee combines her Family Medicine experience with a special interest in obesity medicine to support patients who need more than general weight loss advice.
Depending on your medical needs and selected membership, care may include
- Comprehensive medical and metabolic evaluation
- Personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations
- Body composition monitoring
- Prescription weight management medications when appropriate
- Laboratory testing and medication monitoring
- Ongoing physician visits and accountability
Weight loss programs
- Membership
Basic Weight Loss Membership
For patients primarily seeking weight management.
- Membership
Premier/Intensive Weight Loss Membership
For individuals managing obesity alongside chronic conditions.
- Program
Insulin Resistance Boot Camp
A structured program that may also benefit patients with insulin resistance or early diabetes.
These programs provide different levels of physician involvement, allowing treatment to reflect individual health needs.
Why choose SustainMD for obesity treatment?
The right doctor makes a real difference when it comes to weight. At SustainMD, you see Dr. Allison Pope Barbee directly, every time, not a rotating care team.
- ExperiencedBoard-certified in Family Medicine, a member of the Obesity Medicine Association, with more than two decades of clinical experience
- PersonalizedTreatment built around your health, goals and life
- Judgment-freeClear communication and long-term support
- ConvenientSecure virtual visits across North Carolina, California, Florida and Maine, plus in-person visits at the Concord, NC office
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about obesity
Can obesity be treated without medication?
Yes. Nutrition, physical activity, behavioral changes, and ongoing medical guidance can help manage obesity. However, some patients may benefit from prescription medications depending on their health needs and treatment response.
What is the difference between overweight and obesity?
For adults, overweight generally refers to a BMI between 25 and 29.9, while obesity begins at a BMI of 30. BMI is a screening tool and should be interpreted alongside other health factors.
Can obesity cause insulin resistance?
Yes. Excess body fat, particularly around internal organs, can contribute to insulin resistance. This may increase the risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.
Who qualifies for medical obesity treatment?
Eligibility depends on your health history, BMI, existing conditions, and treatment goals. Many prescription weight management medications are considered for adults with obesity or overweight accompanied by weight-related health concerns, according to the medication's approved indications.
Does SustainMD provide online obesity treatment?
Yes. SustainMD provides physician-led virtual obesity care in California, Florida, Maine, and North Carolina. Treatment may include medical evaluations, personalized lifestyle guidance, medication management, and ongoing monitoring.
Online obesity treatment across North Carolina, California, Florida & Maine
Finding medical support for weight management should be straightforward, no matter where you live. SustainMD provides physician-led online obesity treatment focused on understanding the medical factors influencing your weight and helping you build healthier, sustainable habits.
Dr. Allison Barbee combines medical evaluations, personalized lifestyle guidance, and obesity medications when appropriate to create treatment plans that address your individual needs.
Where we offer virtual obesity care
- NC
North Carolina
Work with an obesity medicine doctor in North Carolina through convenient virtual appointments. SustainMD also offers in-person visits in Concord upon inquiry.
- CA
California
Access online obesity treatment in California, with physician-supervised weight management, appropriate medication options, and ongoing progress monitoring.
- FL
Florida
Receive personalized virtual obesity treatment in Florida, with medical guidance that considers weight, metabolism, and related chronic health conditions.
- ME
Maine
Connect with Dr. Barbee for obesity medicine telehealth in Maine, including individualized treatment planning and consistent physician support.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Start your weight management journey with SustainMD
Lasting weight management involves more than following another diet. At SustainMD, Dr. Allison Barbee provides personalized medical care that considers your health history, metabolism, and long-term goals.
With convenient virtual appointments across North Carolina, California, Florida, and Maine, you can receive the support you need without unnecessary travel.
Take the first step toward better health with physician-led obesity care.