Weight Control FAQ’s
Do you think you can help me lose weight and keep it off?
Yes. Most physicians receive very little training in the assessment and treatment of overweight and obesity, and weight loss maintenance, but Dr La Puma has made long-term weight loss and weight loss maintenance his personal medical focus since 1995.
To be effective, he integrates the medical with the behavioral. He focuses on lifestyle change, not a quick fix. He is skilled in evaluating, assessing and treating nutritional deficiencies and metabolic problems, while helping you to break old habits, practice new ones and make them your own. His approach, using Chef Clinic methodology, has been widely praised as innovative and unusually effective.
Do I have to see Dr. La Puma in person for my medical consultation, or can I just have an initial phone or online consultation?
He needs to see you in person, and wants to; his medical licenses require that, and he believes he can be more effective in person than any other way. Follow-up appointments are usually by phone and e-mail.
Where are you located?
We are located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. The Santa Barbara Airport is 20 minutes and Los Angeles International Airport is 95 minutes away.
What should I expect at the first visit?
The initial appointment for a weight control program with Dr. La Puma is scheduled for up to 1.5 hours. Other first visit appointments can be as long as 2.5 hours. During that time Dr. La Puma will personally review your medical history and your current medication and supplements. You’ll mutually develop a list of your goals and if you’re ready, begin your program.
Does Dr. La Puma prescribe medication?
He does when necessary. The focus of his approach, however, is to help you change your habits with nutritional and lifestyle measures, and with coaching and practical strategies.
Can Dr. La Puma be my primary care physician?
No: although he is a board-certified internist and trained as a general internal medicine physician, Dr. La Puma specializes in nutrition, preventive medicine and wellness. He focuses on weight control and “what do I eat for this” medical problems, often requiring state-of-the-art research. He will work with you as a consultant and coach to help you address your problems.
Do you take insurance?
No, although most of our clients get at least some portion of the bill reimbursed by their insurer, including Medicare. You can also use flex spending accounts and medical or health savings accounts to pay for your program. Payment in full by check, cash or credit cards is due at the time services are provided. There is no payment plan or sliding scale.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept MasterCard and Visa.
Where can I learn more?
Contact Ms. Barbara Henry, at (805) 284-2238 or by e-mail.
BMI Calculator
About the Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a ratio of your weight to your height, and how doctors think about weight in adults.
A normal BMI for kids and teens depends on age and gender, and is not the same for adults over age 18.
| Diagnostic Status and Risk According to Body Mass Index (BMI).* For adults over age 18. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Status | BMI Category (kg/m2) | Risk of developing health problems** |
| Underweight | <18.5 | Increased |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 | Least |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 | Increased |
| Obese Class I | 30.0 – 34.9 | High |
| Obese Class II | 35.0 – 39.9 | Very high |
| Obese Class III | ≥40.0 | Extremely high |
I know my weight is high, but it’s proportional for my body: why is my BMI high?
A BMI of over 35 with two weight-related conditions qualifies you for bypass surgery; a BMI of 40 or over is sufficient by itself. A BMI of between 18.5 and 25 is considered normal, and a BMI of 30 is considered obese.
BMI in kids means your kid’s BMI is in the 85th% tile or greater. Under age 7, that means a BMI of 17. Age 7-15, it means age plus 10.
