LeanMD Looks to End the Obesity Epidemic One Person at a Time

San Ramon, CA - LeanMD, Inc., a medically supported weight loss program that features a mobile app, and offers patients a way to lose weight safely and effectively, is aiming to take control of today’s obesity epidemic - one person at a time. With nearly 40% of Americans considered to be obese and 71% either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LeanMD’s launch into the wellness market has never been more important.

Obesity, defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 and above, is one of the largest drivers of preventable chronic diseases. In fact, studies show a greater risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression and osteoarthritis for obese people. Specifically:

• If your BMI is greater than 35, your risk of developing diabetes is 93 times higher;
• Overweight patients have a 32% higher risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) while obese patients have an 81% higher risk of developing CAD;
• Obese patients have a 55% higher risk of developing depression; and depressed patients have a 58% higher risk of becoming obese; and
• Obese patients account for 33% of all joint replacement operations.

According to Family Medical Specialist Dr. Mark Musco, who is co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of LeanMD, patients are still unaware of the health consequences of being overweight. “Being overweight correlates to lower life expectancy, decreased quality of life, negative health side effects, and much more,” Dr. Musco said. “We try to communicate to our patients that obesity is not just about bathing suit season and what you look like in the mirror; it is about your health.”

That’s why Dr. Musco and his partner, Board Certified Internal Medicine and Primary Care physician, Dr. Mike Temkin, started LeanMD. The doctors first introduced LeanMD in their own respective California practices where they educated patients on how to successfully lose weight and keep it off.  Patients on average lost weight 4.5 times faster than other popular weight loss programs…and word quickly spread.

“Today, we are so confident in our weight loss program, that we want to provide physicians with the tools they need so that they can intervene and support their patients,” Dr. Temkin added. “At LeanMD, we partner with health systems that desire to take a more accountable and active stance against the obesity epidemic. In fact, studies show that 69% of patients expect their doctor to talk about weight and are apt to lose more weight when they partner with their doctor.”

So why consult with a physician when tackling weight loss?

According to LeanMD:

1. As medical providers, we have access to all the medical tools needed to maximize metabolism and help you reach your optimum health levels. We can check hormone levels, thyroid function and other key metrics.
2. Doctors can prescribe medications to help the patient manage hunger safely if needed.
3. Losing weight can be risky – especially if you have known (or unknown) health conditions. By working with a medical professional and having your weight loss and vital signs monitored, your weight loss can be accomplished more safely. 
4. Having a doctor in your corner is critical. It gives you access to the most current research available and means your doctor will be able to choose the right and best diet for you.
5. Working with a physician means you are not guessing. “We can personalize your care and dial in on your specific caloric needs,” according to Dr. Musco. “When we look at a patient, we see the entire person, including their lab results, medical history, body composition analysis, and more.”

About LeanMD, Inc.

LeanMD is a medically supported weight loss program that features a mobile app, and offers patients a way to lose weight safely and effectively. Founded on evidence-based medicine and scientifically backed nutrition principles, LeanMD was developed by a team of dedicated professionals that included physicians, registered dieticians, technologists and software engineers. The medically supervised program gives participants access to the best and most up-to-date medical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional support available. Both high tech and high touch, LeanMD is designed to help users achieve weight loss that is both healthy and sustainable. Powered by mobile technology, physicians and patients alike benefit from the efficiency, one-stop convenience and remote access that LeanMD offers. Today, LeanMD has locations throughout California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Texas and Oregon, with new markets scheduled to launch. Learn more at www.leanmd.com.