THE FOLLOWING IS A HORIZON HEALTH RELEASE
ABOVE: Horizon Health is expanding its weight loss services with the addition of Medical Weight Management within its Center for Weight Management. The new service complements the organization’s nationally recognized bariatric surgery program, giving patients access to a full range of surgical and non-surgical weight loss options tailored to their individual needs and health goals.
(Paris, IL)—Horizon Health is expanding its commitment to comprehensive weight loss care with the addition of Medical Weight Management within its Center for Weight Management.
The new service complements the organization’s nationally recognized bariatric surgery program, led by program director Dr. Fouad Hachem, giving patients access to a full range of surgical and non-surgical weight loss options tailored to their individual needs and health goals.
“While we’ve long provided these services across Horizon Health, bringing them together under one program makes care more convenient and gives patients access to more coordinated support,” said Lacey Stults, Vice President of Clinic Operations. “Patients who aren’t sure which weight loss option is right for them can start with a single point of entry and receive guidance toward the approach that best fits their needs.”
Medical Weight Management
Medical Weight Management offers a medically supervised approach to weight loss and long-term weight management. The program helps patients achieve sustainable results through expert guidance, lifestyle modifications, evidence-based treatment plans, and medication support when appropriate. These services complement the comprehensive support provided to patients in the weight loss surgery program.
Medical Weight Management may also serve as an important first step for patients considering weight loss surgery, particularly when insurance plans require documentation of medically supervised weight loss before surgery approval.
Program Specifics
Medical Weight Management services are available at the Paris Clinic in Paris, Illinois, and at Sycamore Wellness in Terre Haute, Indiana. Nurse Practitioners Charlene Moore and Millie Kooistra lead the program, which may include medications such as GLP-1 therapies and other weight-loss treatments, nutrition assessments, laboratory testing, exercise program development, and body composition analysis.
Weight Loss Surgery
For patients who have not achieved their weight loss goals through medication, lifestyle changes, or other non-surgical approaches, weight loss surgery may be an effective option, according to Dr. Yaniv Cozacov, Chief of Surgery at Horizon Health. Also known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery is considered one of the most effective long-term treatments for obesity.
“Bariatric surgery can significantly improve—or even resolve—chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and diabetes,” Dr. Cozacov said. “It may also help reduce the risk of developing these conditions in the future, leading to better overall health and quality of life.”
Dr. Cozacov noted that most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery, and an initial consultation with a Horizon Health surgeon is provided at no cost.
Horizon Health offers common weight loss surgery options using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques performed through small incisions. This approach typically results in less pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring, with most patients returning to work within one week.
The Horizon Health bariatric surgery program is accredited through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Accredited programs are recognized as Comprehensive Centers that meet rigorous standards for surgical quality, patient safety, and long-term support.
The Support Patients Need
Through the Center for Weight Management, patients have access to a multidisciplinary team and a wide range of resources designed to support lasting success. Services include guidance from a program coordinator and insurance specialist, as well as access to physical rehabilitation specialists, registered dietitians, and behavioral health support throughout the weight loss journey.
To determine the best weight loss option for you, call the Horizon Health Center for Weight Management at 217-466-4868 or visit MyHorizonHealth.org.
