SustainMD offers a physician-guided weight loss program that addresses the metabolic relationship between excess weight and high blood pressure. Dr. Allison Pope Barbee helps patients lose weight safely and effectively while actively managing their cardiovascular health.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common consequences of excess weight and metabolic dysfunction. When the body carries excess fat, particularly visceral fat around the abdomen, it places increased demands on the cardiovascular system, narrows blood vessels, and disrupts hormonal signals that regulate blood pressure.
Weight loss can have a meaningful impact on blood pressure. Even modest reductions in weight have been shown to lower blood pressure readings, reduce the need for antihypertensive medications in some patients, and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke over time.
At SustainMD, the connection between weight and blood pressure is treated as an integrated medical concern. Dr. Allison Pope Barbee develops personalized weight loss plans that address both the metabolic drivers of weight gain and the cardiovascular implications of high blood pressure.
Increased Cardiac Workload
Excess body mass requires the heart to pump harder to circulate blood throughout the body. Over time, this sustained increase in cardiac workload elevates blood pressure and strains the cardiovascular system.
Insulin Resistance and Vascular Function
Insulin resistance, which frequently accompanies obesity, impairs the function of blood vessel walls and promotes sodium retention, both of which contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Inflammation and Hormonal Disruption
Excess adipose tissue produces inflammatory compounds and disrupts hormones that play important roles in blood pressure regulation, including aldosterone and leptin.
Sleep Apnea
Hot flashes, night sweats, and hormonal fluctuations frequently disrupt sleep during menopause. Poor sleep increases cortisol and hunger hormones that promote fat storage and increase appetite, creating an additional metabolic challenge.
Your Care Journey
Step 1
Comprehensive Physician Consultation
Your evaluation begins with a thorough virtual consultation. Dr. Barbee reviews your blood pressure history, cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic health markers, and current medications.
Step 2
Metabolic Lab Evaluation
Lab testing helps identify the metabolic drivers contributing to both weight gain and elevated blood pressure. Results guide a more targeted and effective treatment plan.
Step 3
Personalized Weight Loss Plan
Your treatment plan is built around your metabolic profile and cardiovascular health. This may include nutrition strategies that support blood pressure reduction, physical activity recommendations, and medical therapies when appropriate.
Step 4
Integrated Blood Pressure Monitoring
Dr. Barbee monitors your blood pressure and metabolic health markers throughout your treatment, adjusting medications and your weight loss plan as your health improves.
Step 5
Long-Term Cardiovascular Health Strategy
The goal is not just short-term weight loss but lasting improvements in cardiovascular health. Dr. Barbee works with you to build sustainable habits that protect your heart over the long term.
This program may be appropriate for individuals who:
Patients who achieve meaningful weight loss often experience:
Program Fee
Initial Consultation
Measurable reductions in blood pressure readings
Reduced reliance on antihypertensive medications
Improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
Lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease
Improved energy levels and physical capacity
Better overall metabolic health
Program Fee
Initial Consultation
Dr. Allison Pope Barbee brings expertise in both obesity medicine and family medicine, allowing her to address weight and blood pressure as the interconnected conditions they are.
Weight loss in patients with high blood pressure must be approached carefully, particularly when medications are involved. Dr. Barbee monitors your cardiovascular health throughout and adjusts your plan accordingly.
You can receive expert, physician-guided weight loss and blood pressure management from home with no waiting rooms and no unnecessary travel.
SustainMD provides telehealth services for patients located in
Patients can access physician guided weight loss care through secure virtual visits.
Patient12
Dr. Barbee listens to your concerns, is empathetic and knowledgable. Not once has she made me feel ashamed or less than. She gives practical, reasonable and most importantly, doable recommendations. She uses lifestyle interventions instead of immediately jumping to medications, but will also use medications if you and she believe
Patient11
Dr. Barbee has been a remarkable weight loss physician for me. She distinguished herself by customizing her approach to suit my individual needs. Throughout our sessions, she was incredibly attentive, understanding my specific health concerns and weight loss goals. Dr. Barbee excelled in explaining the details of the medications she
Patient10
Dr. Barbee is an extremely knowledgeable physician who I rely on with all my medical needs. Her bedside manner is impeccable and very friendly. She listens to all of my issues and gets to the bottom of any problem you may have. I honestly cannot say enough good things about
Patient9
Dr Barbee actually listened to me and was able to diagnose my symptoms and actually treat and control the issue. I can not thank her enough! She was super patient and kind. Something you don’t really see now a days.
A.M.
Dr. Barbee understands that health is not one-size-fits-all. She takes the time to listen, remembers details, and works collaboratively with me as things evolve. The most meaningful part of working with her is feeling truly heard and supported, not just during appointments but overall in my care.
Andrea
The best! I have been a patient of Dr. Barbee’s for years! She has guided and treated me in my worst and best days. Her professionalism is top notch, along with her knowledge of health. You cannot ask for any better care than Dr. Barbee!
Suzanne Layser
Truly a compassionate Doctor- I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Barbee. I felt truly cared for. Dr. Barbee was incredibly compassionate, took the time to really listen, and never made me feel rushed. She asked thoughtful questions and genuinely wanted to understand what I was experiencing. What impressed
Patient8
Dr. Barbee is an extremely knowledgeable physician who I rely on with all my medical needs. Her bedside manner is impeccable and very friendly. She listens to all of my issues and gets to the bottom of any problem you may have. I honestly cannot say enough good things about
Patient7
Great doctor- Dr. Barbee is a kind and caring doctor. She is the type of person you can talk to and really will listen. She understands your problems and will work with you to solve them. She is very thorough and make sure everything is looked at does not miss
Patient6
Thoughtful, caring and truly helpful-I have been a patient of Dr. Barbee for many years. I have always found her honest and helpful. She works hard to look at root causes, which can take a while to figure out. She is persistent, yet kind. As we age, our bodies change.
Yes. Research consistently shows that weight loss can significantly reduce blood pressure. Even a modest reduction in body weight can produce meaningful improvements in blood pressure readings.
Even a 5 to 10 percent reduction in body weight can produce measurable improvements in blood pressure for many patients. Dr. Barbee will discuss realistic goals based on your individual health profile.
Medication reduction is possible for some patients who achieve significant weight loss and blood pressure improvement. This is always done gradually and under close physician supervision.
Physical activity is beneficial for both weight loss and blood pressure management. Dr. Barbee will provide activity recommendations appropriate for your current blood pressure levels and cardiovascular health.
SustainMD’s program is physician-led, metabolic-focused, and specifically designed for patients managing complex health conditions like high blood pressure. The approach addresses the root causes of weight gain alongside cardiovascular health, not just calorie restriction.
High blood pressure and excess weight are not separate problems. They are deeply connected, and treating them together produces better outcomes than addressing either one alone. SustainMD’s physician-guided program is designed to help you make progress on both fronts.
Physician Credentials
Care is provided by Dr. Allison Pope Barbee, MD, a board certified family medicine physician with advanced training in obesity medicine and metabolic health.
Educational Disclaimer
Information on this page is provided for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Not Emergency Care
SustainMD telehealth services are not intended for emergency medical situations.
Privacy and Security
All virtual visits are conducted using secure, HIPAA compliant telehealth platforms to protect patient privacy.
Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Whether you’re interested in our comprehensive medical weight loss program, our dedicated obesity management services, or our revolutionary direct primary care model, SustainMD is here to help.
