Annie Miller, a wife and busy mother of two, also has a background in law, owns multiple businesses and is involved in real-estate development and investments with her family. By Cindy Charette
Weight Loss Franchise Grows to Meet National Safety Demand in Fight Against Pandemic.
TAMPA, Fla. — Medi-Weightloss®, a proven weight loss program with an evidence-based and clinical approach grew exponentially over the last 12 months since COVID-19 began to severely impact the nation. They recently opened seven new locations with more opening soon, and since March 2020, treated over 36,000 patients who collectively lost over 270,000 pounds. System-wide revenue remained strong throughout the pandemic and this year looks even better. The growth of the national franchise brand was spurred by scientific evidence that obesity is one of the top treatable risk factors associated with COVID-19 complications, as Americans seek to prevent or reduce their chances of complications from the virus.
“Our top focus has always been patient care. When the CDC began recommending quarantine, I immediately directed our leadership team to develop and implement COVID-19 specific modified medical and operations protocols which allowed providers and their staff to safely continue providing care to our patients,” said Edward Kaloust, Medi-Weightloss Founder and CEO. Even during the uncertainty and chaos the pandemic brought along, the Medi-Weightloss medical offices across the country remained open with CDC-guided modified protocols. A telemedicine platform was even implemented for those patients who were unable to safely come to their in-person visits.
Kaloust leads with long-term growth in mind and remained committed to communication through the pandemic, hosting weekly calls and encouraging franchisees to share best practices. To assist Franchisees in the early stages of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, he, without hesitation, announced a COVID-19 Franchise Assistance Program, which provided a reduction in fees to give franchisees more access to operating capital to stay open and retain their employees, which was key to continuing patient care. “This has been the most unpredictable challenge I have encountered in my entire career. I am extremely proud of our entire system for working together during this time and I am excited that we are now poised for even more growth and success as obesity and metabolic syndrome gain recognition as serious diseases and contributing factors to so many other chronic health conditions.”
Front and center in this growth are long-standing Medi-Weightloss franchisees, Christopher and Jeanine Tracy. The couple has a long history in Medi-Weightloss franchise ownership, having opened three clinics throughout the central Florida area prior to COVID-19. After the pandemic started, they opened additional locations in Lake Mary and Winter Garden. The Tracy’s saw a significant increase in their revenue during 2020 compared to 2019, as many patients noted fears of obesity being tied to COVID-19 complications risk as a key reason why they sought treatment.
“Opening a business during COVID-19 would normally be intimidating and daunting, but it made perfect sense for our line of work, as Americans want and need help to reduce their chances of experiencing further complications from this virus. Health and wellness goals have always been important, but now obesity has taken a new meaning for many during the pandemic,” said Jeanine. “We have a major opportunity to reduce health risks that come from excess body weight, and we’ve seen how impactful accessible weight loss programs are for our patients. Lowering our body mass index lowers COVID-19 complication risks, and that’s why we’re growing now.”
In regard to body mass index and obesity, data and studies have found:
Medi-Weightloss providers offer individualized programs proven to produce impactful results. According to a study published in the Journal of Public Health, patients reduced their weight by 14%, reduced body fat by 12%, and decreased their weight circumference by 5 inches after only 13 weeks. The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome also reduced by 45 weeks.
Medi-Weightloss is seeking to continue growth with prospective franchisees – both investors and physicians with a “service-first” and “relationship-focused” mentality for patients. Franchisees should also be passionate about having a positive impact on the health of the members in the community they serve.
For more information and to learn about its weight management programs, visit www.mediweightloss.com.
ABOUT MEDI-WEIGHTLOSS®:
Established in 2005, Medi-Weightloss® offers a physician-supervised weight loss program known as The One That Works®! Physicians and medical professionals provide individualized care based on each patient’s goals, current health status and medical history. The program includes weekly consultations that focus on nutrition, lifestyle, and exercise. Patients learn how to keep weight off through a specialized Wellness Phase. In addition to weight loss programs for adults – that have resulted in patients losing more than seven million pounds so far – Medi-Weightloss also offers specialized weight loss to address the unique needs of adolescents and people with different health challenges, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Visit www.mediweightloss.com for more information. Find details about franchise opportunities at www.mediweightlossfranchising.com.
Landmark Clinical Research Featured in Current Issue as Editor’s Choice and Cover Story.
TAMPA, Fla. — Medi-Weightloss®, a proven weight loss franchise program with an evidence-based and clinical approach, had its trial results about the prevalence of metabolic syndrome published in the highly-regarded Journal of Public Health. It was also featured on the cover of the issue.
Oxford’s Journal of Public Health is one of the university’s oldest publications dating back to 1892. It is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal featuring a spectrum of health-focused topics related to public health research and practice submitted by researchers, scientists, and clinicians from around the world. In its latest issue, Medi-Weightloss’ study on weight loss and prevalence of metabolic syndrome received several accolades due to the cutting-edge research sponsored by the company.
Despite the fact that more than one third of the global population has metabolic syndrome, the topic has been long overlooked and rarely discussed in public or the clinical setting. The purpose of Medi-Weightloss’ study was to identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the patient population and its change as patients progressed through their weight loss journeys. The results of its study indicated that metabolic syndrome becomes less prevalent in patients as they lose weight with Medi-Weightloss.
“This study reinforces prior research indicating that lifestyle choices and proper patient management are essential components of success in efforts to address the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and help patients effectively lose weight,” said Macklin Guzman, DHSc, MPH, Chief Science Officer for Medi-Weightloss. “It’s remarkable that our research and findings have been published as an Editor’s Choice in the Journal of Public Health and is a testament to the significance.”
Reducing obesity has become a top priority for individuals due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. People who have metabolic syndrome and/or obesity are at greater risk of experiencing complications and worsened symptoms than those who do not have metabolic syndrome and/or obesity. According to new research on the topic, roughly 56% of patients with metabolic syndrome end up in intensive care, while only 24% of those without metabolic syndrome do so. It has also been recorded that those with metabolic syndrome are almost four times more likely to die if they contract COVID.
“Now more than ever, we are proud to continue to offer our patients a program that is not only evidence based, but also clinically proven to be an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome and its obesity related components. Our medical providers work hand-in-hand with our patients and their primary care providers to improve their overall health and further reduce their risk for developing chronic health conditions through weight loss,” said Gretchen San Miguel, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Medi-Weightloss.
About Medi-Weightloss
For more information and to learn about its weight management programs, visit www.mediweightloss.com.
Ringing in 2021 means millions of Americans are making their annual New Years’ resolutions – especially to lose weight. Unfortunately, many will embark on their weight loss journey alone, and without guidance, will break those promises before this month is even over. By Rochelle Miller
Though COVID-19 rocked all businesses, their response to those challenges will be the key to their future. For Medi-Weightloss, a significant player in the weight-loss industry with locations nationwide, the future is bright because of its swift and effective response to adversities presented by the pandemic. By Rochelle Miller
September marks National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, raising awareness for a growing health issue in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly one in five children are obese, which leads to an increased risk of serious health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and sleep apnea. By Rochelle Miller
Being overweight doesn’t only mean not looking svelte in last year’s swimsuit or not fitting into your favorite pair of jeans. It also can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or stroke. With more than 42% of Americans classified as obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the demand for healthy weight-loss programs is increasing. By Rochelle Miller
Losing weight is never easy, but it can be especially challenging when gyms are closed and everyone is home all day with a kitchen stockpiled with food. That’s why Medi-Weightloss has taken extra steps to ensure continuous contact with clients to keep them on track during the coronavirus crisis. By Rochelle Miller
Obesity is the No. 1 medical epidemic in world today. Medi-Weightloss has made a dent in this epidemic. In fact, their patients have lost over 6 million pounds nationwide since 2006. By Rose Mango