Shawn Howland, MD
Weight Loss Clinic in Providence, Rhode Island
About Shawn Howland, MD
Dr. Shawn Howland's practice in Providence offers comprehensive medical weight loss services as part of a broader healthcare approach. With a background in addiction medicine and urgent care, Dr. Howland understands the complex relationship between physical health, mental wellness, and sustainable weight management.
His medical practice takes an evidence-based approach to weight loss, recognizing that successful long-term results require addressing underlying health conditions and lifestyle factors. Dr. Howland works with patients who may have struggled with traditional diet and exercise approaches, providing medical supervision and support throughout their weight loss journey.
Services Offered
Dr. Howland's weight loss services include comprehensive medical evaluations to identify underlying conditions that may contribute to weight gain, such as hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, or medication side effects. He provides prescription weight loss medications when appropriate, combined with detailed nutritional counseling and lifestyle modification guidance. The practice offers regular monitoring and follow-up appointments to track progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. Dr. Howland's background in addiction medicine provides unique insight into the behavioral aspects of weight management, helping patients address emotional eating patterns and develop healthy coping strategies. His holistic approach considers each patient's medical history, current health status, and personal circumstances to create realistic, sustainable weight loss plans.
Treatment Options
Medical Weight Loss Program
Physician-supervised program including comprehensive evaluation, prescription medications when appropriate, nutritional counseling, and ongoing monitoring for safe, effective weight loss.
Metabolic Evaluation Package
Complete assessment including laboratory tests, hormone evaluation, and metabolic analysis to identify underlying causes of weight gain and customize treatment approaches.
Behavioral Weight Management
Specialized counseling addressing emotional eating, habit modification, and psychological factors affecting weight management, drawing on addiction medicine principles.
What to Expect
Your weight loss journey begins with a comprehensive medical examination and detailed health history review. Dr. Howland evaluates potential underlying causes of weight gain and assesses your overall health status to develop a safe, effective treatment plan.
Laboratory tests may be ordered to check hormone levels, thyroid function, and metabolic markers. Based on your results, Dr. Howland creates a personalized plan that may include prescription medications, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications. Regular follow-up appointments monitor your progress, adjust medications if needed, and provide ongoing support. The frequency of visits is tailored to your individual needs and progress rate.
Why Choose Shawn Howland, MD
Patients choose Dr. Howland for his comprehensive medical approach to weight loss and his understanding of the psychological factors that influence eating behaviors. His background in addiction medicine provides unique insights into breaking unhealthy patterns and developing sustainable habits.
Unlike commercial weight loss programs, Dr. Howland provides true medical supervision with the ability to prescribe medications and monitor health conditions throughout the weight loss process. His experience treating diverse medical conditions allows him to safely manage weight loss for patients with complex health histories. Patients appreciate his compassionate, non-judgmental approach and his commitment to addressing the root causes of weight gain.
Insurance & Pricing
Dr. Howland accepts most major insurance plans for medical consultations and evaluations. Coverage for weight loss services varies by insurance provider and plan type. Many patients find that visits related to obesity-related health conditions like diabetes or hypertension are covered.
We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify coverage for weight loss treatments. Our office staff can help verify benefits and provide cost estimates for services not covered by insurance. Payment plans may be available for patients paying out of pocket.
First-Time Patient Tips
Before starting a medical weight loss program, gather information about your weight history, previous diet attempts, current medications, and any health conditions. Be prepared to discuss your eating habits, exercise routine, and lifestyle factors that may affect your weight.
During treatment, follow medication instructions carefully and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Keep a food diary if requested and report any side effects or concerns promptly. Remember that medical weight loss is most successful when combined with lifestyle changes including regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. Be patient with the process, as sustainable weight loss typically occurs gradually over several months.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Medical supervision ensures safe weight loss for patients with health conditions.
- Unique expertise in addiction medicine provides insight into behavioral change.
- Comprehensive approach addresses underlying medical causes of weight gain.
Things to Consider
- Insurance coverage for weight loss services may be limited.
- Medical approach may require more time and patience than commercial programs.
Service Area
Dr. Howland's practice serves Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island communities. Located in the heart of Providence, the office is easily accessible to patients throughout the greater Providence area, including neighboring cities like Cranston, Warwick, and East Providence. As a medical practice offering specialized weight loss services, patients often travel from across Rhode Island to benefit from Dr. Howland's unique expertise in medical weight management combined with behavioral health insights.
Local Insight
Located in Providence, Dr. Howland's practice is part of Rhode Island's healthcare community serving the state's diverse population. Providence's urban setting provides access to various resources that support weight loss success, including fitness centers, healthy food options, and walking-friendly neighborhoods. Rhode Island's compact size allows Dr. Howland to serve patients from across the state who need specialized medical weight loss care combined with behavioral health expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover medical weight loss treatment?
What makes medical weight loss different from commercial programs?
How does your background in addiction medicine help with weight loss?
Do you prescribe weight loss medications?
How often will I need to come in for appointments?
Can you help with weight loss if I have diabetes or other health conditions?
What should I expect during my first visit?
How much weight can I expect to lose?
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