MercyOne Des Moines Weight Loss & Nutrition Center

Weight Loss Clinic in Clive, Iowa

Call (515) 358-940012493 University Ave, Ste 110, Clive, IA 50325

About MercyOne Des Moines Weight Loss & Nutrition Center

Treatment at MercyOne Des Moines Weight Loss & Nutrition Center

MercyOne Des Moines Weight Loss & Nutrition Center in Clive, Iowa, is part of the MercyOne health system, which means you're working with a team that has the full backing of a major regional medical network. The clinic brings together physicians, registered dietitians, and behavioral health specialists to create programs that go beyond simple calorie counting. It's real medical oversight combined with nutrition science.

The center focuses on sustainable results rather than quick fixes. Whether you're managing obesity-related conditions like Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, or you're just trying to lose weight and keep it off, the staff here builds a plan around your actual health picture. They take your medical history seriously and adjust recommendations as your body changes throughout the process.

Services Offered

The center offers a comprehensive range of medically supervised weight loss services designed to meet patients at different stages of their journey. At the core is individualized nutrition counseling with registered dietitians who help you understand not just what to eat but why your body responds the way it does to different foods. Medical evaluations are conducted by physicians who can assess metabolic issues, hormone imbalances, or medications that may be affecting your weight. Behavioral counseling is built into many programs here, recognizing that eating habits are closely tied to stress, sleep, and emotional patterns. The team also offers body composition analysis so you can track changes in fat versus muscle rather than just watching a number on a scale. For patients who qualify, prescription weight loss medications may be discussed as part of a broader treatment plan. Group education sessions are available and give patients a chance to learn alongside others facing similar challenges. The clinic coordinates care with your primary physician when needed, making it a strong option for people managing multiple health conditions at once.

Weight Loss Centers

Nutritionists

Treatment Options

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program

A structured program led by physicians and dietitians that combines medical evaluation, customized nutrition planning, and behavioral support to address weight from multiple angles.

3 to 12 months depending on goalsVaries by insurance; out-of-pocket costs typically $150-$400/month

Registered Dietitian Nutrition Counseling

One-on-one sessions with a credentialed dietitian who helps you build eating habits based on your health conditions, food preferences, and realistic lifestyle.

Ongoing; initial series of 4-8 sessions common$80-$150 per session without insurance

Behavioral Weight Management Counseling

Sessions focused on the psychological and emotional patterns that drive eating behavior, helping you identify triggers and build sustainable coping strategies.

6-12 weeks initial series$100-$200 per session; often partially covered by insurance

Prescription Weight Loss Medication Management

Physician-supervised use of FDA-approved weight loss medications for patients who qualify, integrated into a broader program rather than used as a standalone solution.

Ongoing with regular monitoring$50-$500/month depending on medication and coverage

What to Expect

Getting started typically begins with an initial medical evaluation where a physician reviews your health history, current medications, and any lab work that might affect how your program is structured. From there, you'll meet with a registered dietitian who builds a nutrition plan tailored to your preferences, lifestyle, and medical needs. Behavioral support is often introduced early, since the psychological side of weight loss is just as important as what's on your plate.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled regularly, usually every few weeks at the start, to track your progress and make adjustments. The team uses metrics beyond just weight, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and body composition, to get a full picture of how your health is improving. As you move through the program, the intensity of visits often tapers off while the focus shifts toward maintaining habits long term. The goal is for you to leave with tools you'll actually use, not just a diet sheet.

Why Choose MercyOne Des Moines Weight Loss & Nutrition Center

Choosing a clinic backed by a full health system means you're not working in isolation. If your physician at another MercyOne facility needs to coordinate with this team, that happens easily. There's no reinventing the wheel with your medical records every time you see someone new. The staff includes credentialed professionals across multiple disciplines, so the advice you get isn't coming from a single perspective.

For people who've struggled with weight loss because of underlying health issues, this center offers something most commercial programs can't: actual medical expertise applied to your specific situation. The integration of nutrition, medicine, and behavioral health under one roof means your care is more cohesive. You won't be told to just eat less and move more without anyone checking whether something else is going on. That kind of thorough, coordinated approach is exactly what complex cases often need.

Insurance & Pricing

As part of the MercyOne system, the center works with many major insurance plans common in Iowa, including Medicaid and Medicare in certain cases. Coverage for weight loss programs varies significantly by plan, so it's worth calling your insurance provider before your first visit to understand what's included. Some services, like nutrition counseling tied to a diagnosed condition, are more likely to be covered than others. The billing team can help you navigate what your plan allows and what out-of-pocket costs to expect.

First-Time Patient Tips

Before your first appointment, it helps to gather your recent medical records and a list of any medications or supplements you're currently taking. If you've had lab work done in the past year, bringing those results can save time and give the team a useful baseline. Think about your schedule honestly, because programs like this work best when you can commit to regular follow-up visits, especially in the first few months.

Come in with realistic expectations. Medically supervised weight loss is effective, but it's not instant. Most patients see meaningful progress within the first two to three months, and the real work is building habits that hold after the program ends. Be honest with the dietitian and counselor about what you've tried before and what made it hard. The more context they have, the better they can build something that actually fits your life.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Backed by the MercyOne health system, which means easy care coordination with other specialists and facilities.
The team includes physicians, dietitians, and behavioral health professionals all working on the same plan.
Well suited for patients managing obesity alongside chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Things to Consider

Insurance coverage for weight loss programs can be inconsistent, and out-of-pocket costs add up for some patients.
The medical model means more appointments and more structure, which may feel like too much for patients looking for a simple program.

Service Area

MercyOne Des Moines Weight Loss & Nutrition Center is located in Clive, Iowa, and serves patients from across the greater Des Moines metro area. That includes Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, and surrounding communities. Because the center is part of the MercyOne health system, referrals and care coordination with other MercyOne facilities throughout central Iowa are straightforward for patients who need it.

Interior of MercyOne Des Moines Weight Loss & Nutrition Center

Local Insight

Clive sits in the western suburbs of Des Moines and has grown into one of the metro's busiest medical corridors. The area has a dense concentration of health services, making it convenient for residents from the western suburbs to access specialized care without a long drive into the city. The MercyOne center sits in a part of town that's easy to reach from major roads, which matters when you're scheduling regular follow-up visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to start the program?

A referral isn't always required, but it depends on your insurance plan. Calling the center directly is the fastest way to find out what your specific plan needs before booking an appointment.

What happens at the first visit?

Your first visit typically includes a medical evaluation with a physician, a review of your health history and current medications, and possibly some baseline lab work. You'll also meet with a dietitian to start building your nutrition plan.

Will I be put on a very low calorie diet?

Not necessarily. The team tailors your nutrition plan to your health status and goals, which doesn't always mean severe calorie restriction. They focus on sustainable approaches that your body can handle over the long term.

Can I get weight loss medication here?

Yes, if you qualify medically, a physician can discuss prescription weight loss medications as part of your program. Medication is generally used alongside behavioral and nutrition changes, not in place of them.

How often will I need to come in?

Visit frequency is usually higher at the start, often every two to four weeks, and then tapers off as you progress. The team adjusts your schedule based on how you're doing and what you need.

Is this program covered by insurance?

Many major Iowa insurance plans cover at least some services, especially when weight loss is tied to a diagnosed condition. Coverage varies widely, so it's worth verifying with both the center and your insurer before starting.

What if I have diabetes or another chronic condition?

The center is well set up for patients with chronic conditions. The medical team can factor those diagnoses into your program and coordinate with your other providers to make sure everything is aligned.

How is this different from a commercial weight loss program?

The main difference is medical oversight. Commercial programs typically don't involve physicians or address underlying health conditions. Here, your plan is built around your actual medical situation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.