Michigan Weight Loss Institute
Expert Care for Weight, Metabolic Health & Chronic Disease
Many health conditions are closely connected to weight, hormones, metabolism, genetics, and inflammation. At Michigan Weight Loss Institute, we provide evidence-based medical care to help patients address the root causes of these conditions and improve their long-term health.
A Medical Approach to the Conditions We Treat
Obesity is a chronic medical disease, not a failure of willpower. Weight gain is often influenced by appetite-regulating hormones, insulin signaling, genetics, medications, sleep, life stage, inflammation, and other biological factors. Because many weight-related conditions share these underlying drivers, treating one symptom in isolation may not support lasting health.
Michigan Weight Loss Institute takes a comprehensive medical approach. Dr. Rita Kathawa is dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She evaluates the whole person and develops an individualized plan designed to improve metabolic health, function, quality of life, and long-term disease risk, not simply reduce a number on the scale.
Depending on your needs, care may include medical weight loss, weight loss medications, nutrition counseling, metabolic testing, and ongoing physician-guided support.
Conditions We Treat
Explore common metabolic and weight-related conditions evaluated and treated by our physician-led team.
Obesity
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by biology, environment, genetics, and metabolism. Medical treatment can support meaningful, sustainable health improvement.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes signals rising blood sugar and future diabetes risk. Early metabolic care may help improve insulin sensitivity and prevent progression.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors including abdominal weight, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome can affect hormones, ovulation, insulin sensitivity, and weight. Individualized treatment addresses both symptoms and metabolic risk.
Lipedema
Lipedema causes a disproportionate, often painful buildup of fat, commonly in the legs and arms. Expert evaluation helps distinguish it from obesity and lymphedema.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea disrupts restorative sleep and can worsen appetite regulation, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure often overlaps with insulin resistance, sleep apnea, and excess weight. Comprehensive care can address multiple risk factors together.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance can increase hunger, blood sugar, and fat storage. Identifying it early allows treatment of a key driver of metabolic disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when insulin resistance and reduced insulin production lead to persistent high blood sugar. Weight-focused treatment may improve control.
Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD)
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is linked to insulin resistance and excess liver fat. Early care can reduce progression risk.
Menopause Weight Gain
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can affect body composition, sleep, appetite, and insulin sensitivity. Treatment is tailored to this life stage.
Genetic Obesity
Some forms of severe or early-onset obesity have a strong genetic component. Testing may clarify biological drivers and inform more precise care.
High Cholesterol
Abnormal cholesterol and triglycerides may reflect insulin resistance and increase cardiovascular risk. Nutrition, medication, and metabolic care may help.
How These Conditions Are Connected
Insulin Resistance
When cells respond less effectively to insulin, the body may produce more insulin, increasing hunger, blood sugar, and fat storage.
Inflammation
Chronic low-grade inflammation can affect insulin signaling, cardiovascular health, liver health, pain, and energy regulation.
Hormonal Imbalances
PCOS, menopause, sleep disruption, and appetite-hormone changes can influence weight and metabolic health in interconnected ways.
Metabolic Dysfunction
Obesity, fatty liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol frequently overlap and amplify one another.
Comprehensive treatment matters because improving one shared driver can benefit several conditions at once. Our team considers the full clinical picture, then builds a coordinated plan for long-term health.
Why Choose Michigan Weight Loss Institute?
Board-Certified Expertise
Care led by a physician dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine.
Personalized Plans
Treatment based on your health history, biology, goals, preferences, and response to care.
Evidence-Based Care
Modern obesity medicine, nutrition strategies, testing, and medication when clinically appropriate.
Long-Term Health
A focus on metabolic health, disease prevention, daily function, and sustainable progress.
Explore Our Services and Support
Weight Loss Medications · Medical Weight Loss · Nutrition Counseling · Genetic Obesity Testing · Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program · Bariatric Support Services · Locations · Contact Us
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
Whether you are struggling with obesity, insulin resistance, PCOS, fatty liver disease, lipedema, menopause-related weight gain, or another metabolic condition, our team is here to help.
