Michigan Weight Loss Institute is Metro Detroit’s premier physician-led medical weight loss clinic. Founded by Dr. Rita Kathawa, MD — dual board-certified in Obesity Medicine and Internal Medicine — MWLI treats obesity as the complex medical condition it is.
We serve patients across Sterling Heights, Bingham Farms, and the greater Metro Detroit area. If you have struggled with weight loss despite trying on your own, you deserve a real medical solution. That is exactly what we provide.
Why We Built Michigan Weight Loss Institute
Dr. Kathawa built MWLI after recognizing a critical gap in patient care. Too many people were told to “just lose weight” — without ever receiving the medical tools, diagnostic support, or physician oversight to actually succeed.
Conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease all improve dramatically with medically supervised weight loss. Yet most patients were left to figure it out alone.
That gap inspired Michigan Weight Loss Institute. Additionally, Dr. Kathawa saw that the standard model of primary care — brief appointments, one-size protocols — was failing patients who needed real obesity medicine. We built something different.
Our Approach to Medical Weight Loss
At MWLI, every patient receives a personalized, medically supervised weight loss plan. We investigate the root cause of weight gain — not just the number on the scale.
Our approach includes FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments such as GLP-1 receptor agonists — medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — alongside non-pharmacologic interventions including behavior modification, diagnostic testing, and nutrition counseling.
Furthermore, if a treatment is not producing results, we adjust. Dr. Kathawa is a results-driven physician who pivots when the evidence calls for it. You will not be left without a plan.
Meet the MWLI Clinical Team
Dr. Rita Kathawa, MD — Founder & Medical Director
Dr. Kathawa is dual board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She was named a Top Obesity Medicine Specialist in Michigan in 2024 and featured in Hour Detroit magazine for her contributions to the field.
Her internal medicine background gives her a comprehensive understanding of how excess weight affects every system in the body. As a result, her patients receive care that addresses obesity and its downstream conditions simultaneously.
Stephanie Shaheen, PA-C — Behavior Modification Specialist
Stephanie Shaheen, PA-C leads MWLI’s behavior modification program. Her work addresses physical activity, energy expenditure, sleep hygiene, sleep apnea management, and stress reduction — structured in alignment with WHO guidelines for obesity treatment.
Stephanie is also trained in advanced aesthetic treatments, including Morpheus8 skin-tightening and body-contouring. As patients progress through significant weight loss, she helps address skin laxity and contouring concerns that often follow — supporting the full physical transformation alongside their medical care.
Rana Papale, PharmD, BCACP — In-House Clinical Pharmacist
Rana Papale, PharmD, BCACP is a board-certified clinical pharmacist in Ambulatory Care. Her work at MWLI addresses weight loss medication access, insurance prior authorizations, drug interaction reviews, GLP-1 education, and cost-reduction strategies — a clinical role distinct from retail pharmacy.
Together, Dr. Kathawa, Stephanie, and Rana provide coordinated medical, behavioral, and pharmacologic support that most standalone programs simply cannot offer.
Comprehensive Services for Metro Detroit Patients
MWLI is a full-service medical weight loss clinic in Metro Detroit — not a diet program. We treat obesity and its related conditions as the chronic medical issues they are. Our services include:
- Medically supervised weight loss and GLP-1 medication management
- Personalized nutrition counseling in Metro Detroit
- Comprehensive metabolic and diagnostic testing
- NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) evaluation and treatment
- Bariatric surgery evaluation and referral coordination
- Wellness services including hormone and vitamin therapy
- Medical aesthetics: Morpheus8 skin tightening and body contouring
Everything you need is available at our Sterling Heights and Bingham Farms locations. No referrals. No fragmented care. One physician-led team — start to finish.
Serving Sterling Heights, Bingham Farms, and Metro Detroit
Michigan Weight Loss Institute operates two physician-led locations across Metro Detroit. Our Sterling Heights clinic serves patients from Macomb County, northern Oakland County, Utica, Troy, and Rochester. Our Bingham Farms clinic is convenient for patients coming from Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and Novi.
Consultations are covered by most major insurance carriers — including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Medicare Advantage. Our team handles insurance prior authorization in-house so you do not have to navigate it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes MWLI different from other weight loss programs?
MWLI is a physician-led medical clinic — not a diet center, wellness spa, or telehealth service. Every treatment plan is designed by Dr. Kathawa and supported by a licensed PA-C, a clinical pharmacist, and a dedicated care team. We treat obesity as a disease, not a lifestyle failure.
Do I need a referral to come to MWLI?
No referral is needed. You can call 586-287-7330 or request a consultation online. Most major insurance plans cover the initial consultation, and our team will verify your benefits before your first visit.
Does MWLI prescribe GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Zepbound?
Yes. Dr. Kathawa prescribes FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide and tirzepatide when medically appropriate. Our in-house pharmacist helps manage access, affordability, and medication safety for all GLP-1 patients.
What if I have tried medical weight loss before and it did not work?
That is exactly why MWLI exists. We investigate why previous approaches failed and build a new, individualized plan. Because obesity is a complex, chronic condition, there is rarely a one-size solution — and our clinical depth allows us to go deeper than most programs.
Take the first step. Request a consultation at either our Sterling Heights or Bingham Farms location — most insurance accepted, same-week availability at both offices. Call 586-287-7330.
