The last weight loss program you’ll ever need.
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS・FAIRFAX, VA
Our genes are not our destiny.
A common misconception is that being overweight is a result of poor habits or laziness. Anyone who has tried fad diets, or struggles with emotional eating will tell you that’s simply not true. Science has taught us that obesity is a disease and should be treated as such.
I’ve created a medical weight loss program that combines lifestyle medicine with evidence-based medications (when needed) to give you the power to lose weight, feel better, and live a healthier, happier life.
Welcome to your new beginning.
Physician-Guided Medical Weight Loss Program
“The key to weight loss success is treating the whole person, not just a single area.”
The reason so many weight loss plans fail is that they are either too extreme, which makes them unsustainable, or they’re oversimplified and leave you guessing why you’re not seeing results.
Medical weight Ioss is different.
Physician guidance: I use my medical knowledge to pinpoint areas in your genetics and biology that could make it more difficult for you to lose weight.
Weight loss medications: I’ll review your current health and pinpoint which medications would be the best match for you.
Beyond the body: We will identify and treat the underlying mental barriers that prevent you from losing weight…including the way you process emotional eating triggers and stress.
You can’t manage what you don’t measure.
As we now understand, obesity is a multifactorial condition that is related to genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Test. Analyze. Optimize.
Each patient is given a full lab evaluation, including:
- Lipids
- Hemoglobin A1c
- CBC
- CMP
- TSH
- Vitamin D
- Cardiac C-Reactive Protein
- additional tests may be needed
We’ll examine the root causes, genetic or otherwise, to create a plan that’s sustainable.
*Labs to be completed at LabCorp (Price of labs included in plan)
Better overall health tracking with our InBody™️ body composition analyzer.
Did you know that body mass index (BMI) isn’t always the best indicator of health?
For many of my patients who lose weight rapidly, there is a concern about excess muscle loss.
With the use of our InBody machine, we track your body composition, ensuring that you’re maximizing fat loss while minimizing muscle loss or even increasing mass.
Medical Weight Loss Medications
Let’s talk about weight loss medications…
In recent years there have been major breakthroughs in weight loss medications. There are many options on the market today, and each tends to work via one or more of these mechanisms:
- decrease hunger
- increase fullness
- decrease absorption
- slow gastric emptying
We’ll find the right weight loss medication for you and your lifestyle to help you cross the finish line faster.
How do weight loss medications work?
Weight loss medications work by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced by the body in response to food intake that helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes feelings of fullness or satiety. The weight loss drug binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain.
This enhances your “full” feeling and reduces your appetite, which in turn causes you to eat less and leads to weight loss. Additionally, these medications may also slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and reduce the release of glucose from the liver, which also contributes to weight loss.
In response to weight loss, the brain naturally responds by increasing appetite and holding onto weight as an act of self-preservation. Medications along with intensive lifestyle and cognitive therapies are tools used to counter this effect.
Obesity medications are intended for long-term use, as obesity is a chronic disease. They improve health, quality of life, and body weight in patients with overweight and obesity.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss is highly individualized and there is no guarantee that any two people will respond the same way.
Generally speaking, with lifestyle measures alone, many people can lose 5-7% of their excess body weight.
However, with the addition of medications, another 5-15% of weight loss can reasonably be acheived for most.
More than pounds lost, patients who work with me gain more confidence, increased energy, and overall improvement in well-being after working with her.
Which medication is right for me?
As part of your weightloss plan, I may prescribe medication to help you lose weight and treat obesity if medically appropriate based on:
– Individual’s medical history and physical exam
– Medication accessibility due to availability and insurance cost
– Side effect profile
I’ll look at your medical history and find the right match to assist with your weight loss efforts.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy is a brand name for the medication semaglutide, which was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes but was found to be effective for weight loss as well.
Who is it for: Wegovy is intended to be used in combination with diet and exercise to help promote weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater or in those with a BMI of 27 or greater who also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
How do I take it: The injection is administered by the patient once weekly and is only available with a prescription.
Is it covered by my insurance: Check if Wegovy is covered by your insurance
Saxenda
Who is it for: Saxenda is intended to be used in combination with diet and exercise to help promote weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or in those with a BMI of 27 or greater who also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
How do I take it: This injection is administered by the patient once-daily and is only available with a prescription.
Is it covered by my insurance: Check if Saxenda is covered by your insurance.
Contrave
Contrave is a combination of two medications, bupropion and naltrexone, which work together to reduce food cravings and decrease appetite.
-Bupropion is a medication that is commonly used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. It is thought to help with weight loss by reducing food cravings and increasing energy levels.
-Naltrexone is a medication that is commonly used to treat addiction to drugs or alcohol. It is thought to help with weight loss by reducing the reward response that people experience from eating high-calorie foods.
Who is it for: Contrave is intended to be used in combination with diet and exercise to help promote weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or in those with a BMI of 27 or greater who also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
How do I take it: It is taken orally in the form of a capsule once-daily and is only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Qsymia
-Phentermine is similar to amphetamines and is used as an appetite suppressant. It is thought to work by increasing the release of certain chemicals in the brain that help control appetite.
-Topiramate is a medication that is commonly used to treat seizures and migraines. It is thought to help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing food cravings.
Who’s it for: Qsymia is intended to be used in combination with diet and exercise to help promote weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or in those with a BMI of 27 or greater who also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
How is it taken: It is taken orally in the form of a capsule once daily and is only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Is it covered by my insurance: Learn about insurance coverage for Qsymia here.
Zepbound
Zepbound (Tirzepatide) was recently FDA approved for chronic weight management and has promising results for weight loss, in addition to data improving cholesterol and blood pressure.
– Tirzepatide is a medication that activates both GLP1 and GIP hormones. This powerful combination reduces appetite, food intake, body fat, and body weight.
How is it taken: This injection is administered by the patient and is only available with a prescription.
Who is it for: Zepbound is intended to be used in combination with diet and exercise to help promote weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or in those with a BMI of 27 or greater who also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
What results can I expect? Patients over 72 weeks may lose 15-25% of their body weight depending on dosage when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Adipex / Ionamin / Suprenza (Phentermine)
Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine that works by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters help to decrease hunger and increase feelings of fullness or satiety.
In addition to reducing appetite, phentermine may also have other effects on the body that contribute to weight loss, such as increased metabolic rate, which can help the body burn more calories even when at rest. Phentermine may also help to increase the body’s energy levels, making it easier for people to engage in physical activity and burn more calories.
Who is it for: Phentermine is for people with obesity or overweight who haven’t been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone to improve their health. But it isn’t a good choice for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland or glaucoma.
How is it taken: It is taken orally in the form of a capsule once-daily and is only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Is it covered by my insurance: Phentermine is typically covered by insurance with a prescription from a doctor.
Plenity
Plenity is a weight loss device that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019. It is a non-stimulant, non-systemic, prescription-only therapy that helps to reduce weight in overweight and obese adults. Plenity is considered a weight loss device and not a drug because it is not absorbed or metabolized by the body.
Who is it for: Plenity is intended to be used in combination with diet and exercise to help promote weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-40.
How is it taken: Plenity is taken in capsule form before meals, and when it is consumed with water, it absorbs water in the stomach to create a gel-like substance that takes up space in the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness, and potentially helping people to eat less and reduce calorie intake.
Results Matter
Our feedback says it all
Jacqui WintersApril 18, 2024I have felt very fortunate to work with Dr. Selim along my health journey. She is insightful, intuitive and dedicated to each of her patient’s unique circumstances. She spends time with you in conversation to understand your needs and she places an emphasis on realistic and healthy goals that gradually improve your overall health and wellbeing. She has been a tremendous resource for me, getting results that I couldn’t imagine were possible.
Mary CrockerFebruary 23, 2024Dr. Nancy is both knowledgeable and passionate about what she does. Her personalized holistic approach goes beyond the numbers on a scale, it addresses overall well-being. I highly recommend Dr Nancy to anyone seeking effective and compassionate support on their path to a healthier lifestyle.
Arian AvilaNovember 23, 2023If you’re looking for someone to help you chart a path to a healthier lifestyle, I highly recommend Dr. Nancy Selim. She is more than a healthcare provider; she’s a true partner in my well-being journey. Her medical expertise is complemented by a commitment to holistic health. She not only provides insightful guidance on diet and exercise but also helps me set realistic goals and holds me accountable along the way with grace. I would give 10 stars if I could!
Katie MacBogAugust 24, 2023Dr Selim took a holistic look at my body composition, bloodwork, my nutrition, lifestyle and exercise patterns after I came to her frustrated with how I was feeling post 40 and after 3 years in the pandemic (like poo). She recommended some changes and gave me a relatively simple plan to follow with app support. She was also available every step of the way through the app and in her bi monthly coaching meetings . With her positivity, extensive knowledge, coaching and support I was able to get the results I’d been trying to achieve for 3 years in just under 4 months. She also was the best about reminding me of the whole idea of progress and not perfection, and just trying to make the best choice for long term health in the moment. There were never any feelings of judgment- only support. Definitely would never have been able to do it on my own without her program, support and accountability. Thank you, Dr. S. Xo.
Hala IshakJuly 31, 2023I wish there is 10 stars that I can give to Dr. Selim, she is the best, knowledgeable, most updated, willing to hear and advise, she made it so easy to me changing life style, many thanks Dr. Nancy for your big effort with me.
Kaneez AnwarFebruary 2, 2023I made an appointment with Dr. Selim after hearing positive reviews from a friend. Dr. Selim really knows what she's doing and has even looked at factors that other doctors I've seen completely missed. She's worked with me to create healthy habit goals that are reasonable and has encouraged me throughout the process. Really impressed with my care and am looking forward to continue working with her and leading a healthier lifestyle.
Christine MalatiSeptember 21, 2022Dr. Nancy Selim is one of the kindest, most compassionate, culturally competent, thorough physicians I have ever met. She always takes her time to address my concerns and I never feel rushed. I recently completed the Revived Woman Project which is a 10 week group coaching program that explains the fundamental reasons we make poor food decisions from the physiology of our endocrine system to the neuropsychological aspects and myths that we believe. Each week she gave us practical tips to implement and I saw my percent body fat decrease from 34% to 28% over the course of the Project! I highly recommend her!
Rania HelitoSeptember 12, 2022She is the next.. Very encouraging Dedicated to her patients
Lydia DimyanSeptember 12, 2022I participated in a 10 week weight loss group with Dr. Selim. She was simply wonderful. Dr. Selim was caring, understanding, and extremely personable. She took the time to work with each participant one-on-one and made sure to follow up with me through out to keep me engaged and on track. She always made time to answer questions and went above and beyond to encourage and support me throughout the process. I can’t speak enough on Dr. Selim’a bedside manner. The program content was really great too. Dr. Selim knows that it’s not one size fits all when it comes to weight loss and she worked with us to give us a lot of different tools and then helped us identify what is the best approach for each of us based on our life style and needs. She spoke about different things that affect our journey for a healthy life style that I had not thought about enough (like stress, sleep, etc.). I really benefitted from my time in the group and was able to lose 6% of my body weight during that time. I really believe I’ll be able to continue using the tools I learned about during this program to continue losing weight and become a healthier version of myself. Thank you Dr. Selim!
Mariam MAugust 22, 2022Dr. Selim has great bed side manners. She listens, patient and is always there to help. She has a lot of knowledge too. I loved my nutrition journey with her because she taught me to deal with food as fuel and not as a coping mechanism. That’s the place to be if you are looking to change your life to a healthier you. I always left her sessions encouraged and empowered. Thank you Dr. Selim.
Medical Weight Loss Plans
What I’m offering you
There are several plan options to choose from. Each is customized to your individual goals, needs and lifestyle. I believe everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy life. We’ll figure out a plan that fits you and your budget.
Full Health Assessment
A 60-90 minute visit with in-depth review of family history, medications, lifestyle, nutrition, goals and blood evaluation (cost of labs included), and a 30 minute follow-up call to discuss results and pinpoint areas of improvement.
Health & Weight Loss Plan
A customized lifestyle action plan for you to implement into your daily life.
Ongoing Coaching
This is what makes this program so special.
I won’t simply write you a prescription and send you on your way. With ongoing coaching, I’ll do the deep work of educating and empowering you to understand how your habits and thoughts are affecting your outcome.
We’ll look at;
- Lifestyle causes (sleep, stress, nutrition, movement, substances, relationships)
- Biological causes (genetics, hormones, biology)
- Environmental causes (food industry, work environments, feelings of overwhelm, etc.)
Daily Emails with Recipes, Exercises & Motivational Tips
Unlimited Secure Messaging with Dr. Selim
Weight Loss Medication Prescriptions (when needed)
Regular Visits to Monitor Vitals & Body Composition
Let’s do this!
Still have questions? Read our FAQS.
Weight Loss & Management
How it works
01.
Schedule Free Consult
We’ll discuss your current lifestyle, goals and expectations. We’ll discuss all the plan options available and I’ll help you pick the right one for you.
02.
Health Assessment
You’ll come into our Fairfax office for a complete lifestyle and metabolic health assessment so that we have a better understanding of where your health is currently.
This includes labs to be completed at the local Labcorp.
03.
Follow Up
Once your assessment is complete, we’ll follow up to review the findings and make a plan to get you started on your weight loss journey.
04.
Get Excited!
With a customized weight loss plan to follow and with me by your side, we’ll start the next phase of your life. I’ll cheer you on, encourage and support you and we’ll take each step together.
Are you ready?
Still have questions? Read our FAQS.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you accept insurance?
In order to provide exceptional care that is thorough and unrushed, Dr. Selim is an out-of-network physician and does not accept insurance. If desired, a superbill can be provided to submit to your insurance company, but there is no guarantee that you will be reimbursed.
FSA/HSA is accepted. Please confirm with your employer regarding benefits.
What is Medical Weight Loss?
When someone says, “Medical weight loss program”, it means that it is prescribed and monitored by a medical professional that specializes in Medical Weight loss also known as Bariatric Weight Management.
How are Medical Weight Loss plans different from other weight loss plans?
EDUCATION: The primary difference between medical weight loss and other weight loss plans is that medical weight loss is physician guided. This is extremely important. Doctors undergo years of education and training, which makes them far more knowledgeable about weight loss than a personal trainer or dietician.
BIOLOGY: A medical weight loss doctor customizes a plan specifically for you, based on your biology. We take labs and evaluate your results to pinpoint the root causes that make losing weight difficult for you, then tailor a weight loss plan to your specific needs.
How long do I need to see Dr. Selim?
Most patients see me on a regular basis for the first 6 months, starting with every 2 weeks and moving to monthly visits after 3 months. After 6 months, many patients have achieved a happy and healthy weight and are then seen every 3 months for maintenance of medications and continued accountability and coaching on lifestyle habits. Since obesity is a chronic disease, it requires long term management.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Telemedicine visits are available to patients who live in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., where I hold an active medical license.
Who is a good candidate for your program?
Adults between the ages of 18-64 in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC area who have a BMI over 25 and desire safe and successful weight loss, or those who want to optimize their health through intensive lifestyle modifications.
Who would NOT be a good fit for this program?
If you are unmotivated or unwilling to make significant changes to your habits and lifestyle, or unable to follow up consistently, then you should wait before enrolling as a patient. Sometimes major life events need to be worked out such as a change in job, death of a loved one, divorce, or recent hospitalization. These are not good times to start this program. If you are looking for a quick fix, then our service is not a good match for you.
Additionally, if you are seeking pregnancy in the next 3 months, we can work with you on intense lifestyle changes, but may not be able to prescribe medications.
Can Dr. Selim be my PCP?
While I am trained as a Family Medicine Physician, I will be acting as a consultant and I advise that you have your own Primary Care Physician to manage your general health. I’m happy to communicate with your personal doctor at your request.
Do I have to use medications to lose weight?
For some, medications are not necessary to lose weight if they are committed to making significant changes to their lifestyle. For those who have struggled with their weight for years, or have a strong genetic predisposition to obesity, medications can be a safe and highly effective adjunct to help lose and maintain weight. Ultimately, lifestyle interventions including nutrition, movement, and behavioral modifications are equally as important in long lasting change.
For those who are interested or recommended for prescription medications, I will offer personalized recommendations based on your health history and risk factors.
Medication coverage is dependent upon each person’s insurance benefits. I offer prescriptions for Phentermine, Qysmia, Contrave, Wegovy, Plenity, and Rysbelsus.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
To maximize the value of your initial appointment, please bring any recent blood work completed in the past 6 months and an EKG if available. If medications are recommended that require an EKG, you will be asked to complete this test prior to any prescriptions being given.
Is Dr. Selim going to place me on a diet?
My goal is to teach you how to improve your eating habits by incorporating nutritious and delicious foods. We are not a diet program, but a medical treatment program for those patients at risk from the disease of obesity and its associated chronic conditions. I will formulate an individualized nutrition plan that is well balanced and sustainable with each patient.
What is the cancellation policy?
All appointments that are not canceled 24 hours in advance will be charged a $75 cancellation fee.