SustainMD provides physician-guided weight loss care for patients with high cholesterol. Dr. Allison Pope Barbee develops personalized metabolic treatment plans that target the root causes of elevated cholesterol and support meaningful, lasting improvements in cardiovascular health.
Excess body weight, particularly visceral fat stored around the abdomen, has a direct impact on cholesterol levels. It tends to raise LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and triglycerides while lowering HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, a combination that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Weight loss can meaningfully improve this picture. As excess fat is reduced, the liver becomes more efficient at processing cholesterol, triglyceride levels tend to fall, and HDL often rises. For many patients, physician-guided weight loss can reduce cholesterol levels significantly and decrease or eliminate the need for cholesterol-lowering medications over time.
At SustainMD, high cholesterol and excess weight are addressed together as the interconnected metabolic conditions they are. Dr. Allison Pope Barbee develops personalized plans that combine targeted nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and medical treatment to produce meaningful improvements in both weight and cholesterol.
Elevated LDL and Triglycerides
Excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, promotes the liver's production of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Both are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Reduced HDL Cholesterol
Obesity is associated with lower levels of HDL, the protective cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. Improving metabolic health through weight loss tends to raise HDL levels.
Insulin Resistance and Lipid Metabolism
Insulin resistance disrupts how the body processes fats. When insulin function is impaired, the liver overproduces triglycerides and LDL particles, worsening cholesterol profiles even in the absence of a high-fat diet.
Inflammation
Excess adipose tissue generates chronic low-grade inflammation that damages blood vessel walls and contributes to the buildup of arterial plaque, the primary mechanism of heart disease.
SustainMD’s Medical Weight Loss Program provides structured physician guided care through telehealth.
Your Care Journey
Step 1
Comprehensive Physician Consultation
Your evaluation begins with a thorough virtual visit. Dr. Barbee reviews your cholesterol history, cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic health, and current medications.
Step 2
Metabolic Lab Evaluation
A full lipid panel along with blood sugar, insulin function, and inflammatory markers provides the data needed to develop a precise, targeted treatment plan.
Step 3
Personalized Weight Loss and Cholesterol Plan
Your treatment plan is designed to address both weight and cholesterol together. Nutrition strategies are tailored to improve lipid profiles while supporting sustainable weight loss. Medical therapies may be included when appropriate.
Step 4
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular lab reviews and virtual follow-up visits allow Dr. Barbee to track your cholesterol and weight progress and make precise adjustments to your treatment plan.
Step 5
Long-Term Cardiovascular Health Strategy
The goal extends beyond numbers on a lab report. Dr. Barbee works with you to build lasting habits that protect your heart and support long-term metabolic health.
This program may be appropriate for individuals who:
Patients who achieve meaningful weight loss often see:
Program Fee
Initial Consultation
Reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Improvements in HDL cholesterol
Reduced need for cholesterol-lowering medications
Lower overall cardiovascular risk
Improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
Greater energy and improved metabolic health markers
Program Fee
Initial Consultation
Dr. Allison Pope Barbee understands how weight, insulin resistance, and cholesterol are interconnected. Her treatment approach addresses all of these factors together rather than in isolation.
Treatment decisions at SustainMD are grounded in lab data. Your lipid panel and metabolic markers guide a plan that is tailored specifically to your health profile.
You can access expert metabolic care from wherever you are with no waiting rooms, no scheduling disruptions, 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. Weight loss, particularly the reduction of visceral abdominal fat, can significantly improve cholesterol levels. Many patients see meaningful reductions in LDL and triglycerides alongside improvements in HDL through physician-guided weight loss.
Even a 5 to 10 percent reduction in body weight can produce meaningful improvements in lipid levels for many patients. Dr. Barbee will set realistic, individualized goals during your consultation.
Reducing saturated fat, increasing fiber intake, limiting refined carbohydrates, and improving blood sugar stability are all dietary strategies that can improve cholesterol profiles. Dr. Barbee provides personalized nutrition guidance as part of your treatment plan.
For some patients, meaningful weight loss and lifestyle improvement can reduce the need for cholesterol-lowering medications. This is always evaluated and managed carefully under physician supervision.
Yes. Insulin resistance impairs how the body processes fats and promotes the overproduction of triglycerides and LDL particles. Addressing insulin resistance is often a key part of improving cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol is not just a number on a lab report. It is a signal that your metabolic health needs attention. SustainMD’s physician-guided weight loss program is designed to address both the weight and the metabolic dysfunction driving your cholesterol, giving you the best chance at meaningful, lasting improvement.
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.
