Welcome
At the Metabolic and Weight Control Center, we realize that patients face enormous challenges in managing their weight. Family and friends may not understand the difficulties of losing weight, and societal views of those who are overweight make having a weight problem extremely stressful. Some of our patients struggle with a genetic predisposition to weight gain.
Source: Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.
Losing weight and transforming habits can be challenging, requiring motivation and readiness to make lifestyle adjustments. This process, which requires commitment, may feel overwhelming at first. Our goal is to empower individuals to succeed at the unique challenges of losing and controlling their weight.
In recognition of the fact that many factors impact losing weight and keeping that weight off, we take an integrated approach to weight management by:
Assisting patients in maintaining a healthy diet
Providing guidance in increasing physical activity
Delivering stress management, mindfulness and problem-solving therapy to help the patient cope with emotions that have led to weight gain in the past
When appropriate, prescribing medications to help promote further weight loss
We incorporate cutting-edge information, such as the latest on available therapeutics to provide our patients with the best tools to achieve optimum health. As part of a world-renowned academic center we have access to and conduct research protocols on weight loss.
About
Practicing weight management medicine since 2000, Dr. Judith Korner started the Metabolic and Weight Control Center (MWCC) in 2006 to address the need for patients to have their weight issues managed compassionately and accurately based on evidenced based medicine.
Since then, the MWCC is one of the most highly respected weight management centers in the region. Our work is geared toward reducing the presence or risk of weight-related diseases such as insulin resistance, diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea. We will work with you and your primary care physician to treat these weight-related conditions.
Medical Weight Control Faculty and Staff
Judith Korner, M.D., Ph.D., DABOM Director, Metabolic and Weight Control Center
Dr. Korner, who founded the Medical Weight Control Center at Columbia University Medical Center, is a renowned expert in the science and treatment of weight management. Dr. Korner completed her MD and fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and her PhD in biochemistry and molecular biophysics at Columbia University. Dr. Korner is a Professor of Medicine and is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) and serves as Chair of the ABOM Board of Directors. Dr. Korner is the author of multiple research papers, review articles, and textbook chapters, and heads several research studies investigating the hormonal aspects of weight control and diabetes as well as hormonal changes that occur with weight loss surgery.
Tirissa J. Reid, M.D., DABOM Associate Director, Metabolic and Weight Control Center
Dr. Reid is a physician at the Metabolic and Weight Control Center. She completed her medical training and internship/residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, NY). She received her training in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Columbia University and is board-certified in the field. Her clinical practice focuses on assisting patients in meeting their weight and health goals using lifestyle and/or medical interventions. Her research interests include changes in hormones and weight-related comorbidities after medical and surgical weight loss, as well as the development of interventions to decrease weight bias in medical students and clinicians. Dr. Reid is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) and serves on the ABOM Board of Directors.
Heidi Guzman, M.D.
Dr. Heidi Guzman is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at Columbia University. She graduated from Brown University with degree honors in Community Health and then earned her M.D. from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry where she was awarded the highest distinction in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. Dr. Guzman completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine as well as a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She served as Chief Endocrine Fellow during her last year of fellowship training.
Dr. Guzman has expertise in a wide variety of endocrine disorders with specific clinical interest in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and PCOS. Her academic interests include improving medical education training in endocrinology across all learning levels. She has authored book chapters and has been awarded a clinical grant award to improve endocrine care in patients with Cystic Fibrosis.
Hewan Chekol, DNP, CRNP
Hewan Chekol is a nurse practitioner at the Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery. She completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Calvin University before earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Grand Valley State University. She specializes in medical weight loss management with clinical interest in type 2 diabetes and PCOS. Her clinical practice approaches medical weight loss management from a holistic perspective. She focuses on integrating lifestyle changes, nutritional counseling, and emotional support to empower patients on their journey to better health.
Amanda Tsang, DNP, MPH
Amanda Tsang is a nurse practitioner at the Metabolic and Weight Control Center. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and earned her Master’s Degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) at Columbia University. Amanda previously served as a research coordinator for Dr. Judy Korner and Dr. Gabrielle Page-Wilson, focusing on endocrinology research related to hormones affecting weight, metabolism, PCOS, and Cushing’s disease. Amanda also completed her nursing education at Columbia University, where she earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice. As a nurse practitioner, she has previous experience and focused training in gastroenterology, neurosurgery, and neuroendocrinology.
Fluent in Spanish and proficient in Mandarin Chinese, Amanda approaches patient care with compassion and a non-judgmental attitude. Her goal is to empower patients to achieve sustainable weight loss by focusing on emotional well-being and integrating manageable lifestyle changes. Amanda is committed to increasing awareness about obesity as a medical disease, reducing stigma and bias around obesity and addressing systemic factors that contribute to it.
Jamie Leskowitz, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN
Jamie Leskowitz is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator practicing at the Metabolic and Weight Control Center. She is passionate about helping others achieve a healthier weight and improve health related conditions by finding a sustainable and balanced eating lifestyle. She specializes in weight management and related conditions, including pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and weight regain after weight loss surgery. Jamie received her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania in Biological Basis of Behavior. She then went on to earn her Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University and completed her Dietetic Internship at the Bronx VA Medical Center.
Your Visit to the Metabolic and Weight Control Center
During your initial visit, we will assess your weight history, health issues and medications you may be taking. Our doctors may evaluate your hormones that can hinder weight loss or contribute to weight gain and may recommend medication changes. Return visits will be scheduled according to your treatment needs. Oftentimes, our patients are referred to our dietitian for more frequent visits between doctor’s appointments because research shows regular follow up is essential for weight loss and long term weight maintenance. For patients who decide to pursue weight loss surgery, we work closely with practitioners in the Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.
Additional Support Offered at the Metabolic and Weight Control Center
Nutrition Appointments
We offer individual appointments with our registered dietitian. Visits are tailored to meet individual needs addressing concerns that pertain to eating habits, physical activity and behaviors. You can expect to build on your current strengths and work together with the dietitian to create a plan to achieve your goals. Please contact our office at 212.305.5568 to schedule an appointment.
The Weight Control in 12 Weeks Group Program
Source: Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.
Description: The MWCC is offering an interactive, registered dietitian-led weight management group that will focus on making long-term changes for a healthier lifestyle. Each group session will involve discussions exploring the benefits, barriers, thoughts and specific action plans around changing old habits and establishing new, healthier habits.
Details: The program's focus will be on realistic goal setting and action plan formulation to allow each participant to execute their personalized plan to reach their goals. This will be a time-limited, in-person or virtual 12-week group. Each session will last 60 minutes and includes a private weigh-in and handouts. The small group format is intended to give everyone a voice during the session and allow for individualized attention.
Where: Metabolic and Weight Control Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue (at the corner of W. 165th Street), 5th floor, Room 512. (Alternatively, there may be the option for a virtual group.)
Cost: Our dietitian accepts insurance. Please contact our office or your insurance carrier to confirm with your specific plan.
Contact: For more information about group meeting times and dates or to register, please contact Jamie Leskowitz, MS RD CDN CDCES at jll2221@cumc.columbia.edu or 212.305.5568.
Continuation Group
Description: After completion of the 12-week group program, continuation groups may be available for those who wish to continue receiving group support. Advanced topics are discussed at each session to further improve and explore ways to continue and maintain weight loss.
Details: Session format is the same as the 12 week group program; however, continuation groups are weekly or biweekly and booked in 6 session blocks.
Source: Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.
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In an interview with Dr. Art Caplan, Dr. Korner explains how hormones control appetite, food intake and body weight. She discusses the latest appetite hormone research and provides insights drawn from her clinical and research experience on how to best address weight concerns. We hope this interview provides you with a better understanding of how hormones affect weight and hunger! Please click here to view.
Dr. Korner talks to CUIMC about diet trends, weight loss strategies, and how the MWCC can help.
What do people need to know about obesity medications like Ozempic? Registered Dietitian, Jamie Leskowitz, and endocrinologist, Dr. Korner, discuss the benefits, side effects, and if these medications are really game changers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the Metabolic and Weight Control Center
What is an endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists are medical doctors who have completed training in internal medicine and endocrinology. Endocrinology is a medical specialty that involves close study of the body’s metabolic processes and hormones and treatment of related diseases. The doctors of the WCC are all Board-Certified endocrinologists with a particular interest in weight regulation; they can offer both medical insight and practical advice to patients trying to lose weight.
Will I be seeing a doctor or a dietitian?
It depends on your needs. The MWCC has both physicians and a dietitian on staff. The physicians will spend time going through your weight history and current eating issues and usually will provide you with an eating plan. However, if you would like more individualized attention to your diet or behavior modification then you’ll need to make a separate appointment with our registered dietitian.
What is the difference between a nutritionist and dietitian?
A practitioner who is a registered dietitian has at least a four-year bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics (or a graduate degree), has completed a six to twelve month internship in a hospital, and has passed a national registration exam from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Registered dietitians are a reliable source of nutrition information and are capable of devising meal plans and advising you on nutritional recommendations for the improvement of your health. Nutritionists have attained varying levels of education. For example, some may have a bachelor’s or master's degree in nutrition, whereas others may have attended a weekend-long nutrition seminar. The title is used by a variety of persons, including those with only a personal interest in nutrition but little to no education in the field.
Will the MWCC doctors understand my special metabolic condition?
Each of our physicians at the MWCC is Board-Certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Our physicians are extensively trained in the evaluation and treatment of metabolic disorders.
I am 10 pounds overweight. Is the MWCC for me?
The MWCC physicians typically see individuals who are at least 30 pounds overweight. However, even if you do not meet these criteria, you can schedule a visit with a physician or dietitian if you are having difficulty losing weight.
I am underweight. Is this the right practice for me?
Unfortunately, no. The MWCC focuses on those who need to lose weight.
My primary care doctor says I need someone to manage my diabetes. Can the MWCC doctors do that?
The MWCC physicians are Board-Certified specialists in the management of diabetes and overweight and obesity and will review all of your medications (including diabetes medications). Our physicians will determine if your current medications can be changed to medications that are either weight neutral or reduce weight gain. However, they tend not to directly manage their patients’ diabetes care. Usually the patient’s primary care doctor or diabetologist will be involved as well.
Do the MWCC doctors perform surgery?
No. However, the MWCC physicians do work with individuals to meet their weight loss goals before and after bariatric surgery. The bariatric surgery group at Columbia can be reached at 212-305-4000 or via their website.
Do the MWCC doctors see pediatric patients?
No. All patients are 18 years or older. You can make an appointment with a pediatric endocrinologist by calling 212-305-6559. The pediatric bariatric surgery center can be reached at 212-305-8862 or via their website.
I already had weight loss surgery but am regaining weight. Can the MWCC help me?
Yes. We understand how frustrating this may be and help many individuals who regain weight after weight loss surgery. A registered dietitian is also available to assist with eating and behavioral changes.
My doctor wants me to see an endocrinologist, but I'm not overweight. Is this the right practice for me?
No. The doctors in the MWCC are endocrinologists, but their focus in this practice is on weight control. If you have a general referral, please call 1-877-NYP-WELL or visit the Division of Endocrinology website.
I’m in a wheelchair. Can the MWCC work with me to lose weight?
Yes, as long as you fit the criteria of being 30 pounds or more overweight or having difficulty losing weight.
Your first appointment
What should I expect from an initial consultation with one of the MWCC physicians?
The first appointment with a MWCC physician will be 45-60 minutes. It is best if you arrive fifteen minutes before your appointment is scheduled to fill out a medical and nutritional assessment form. The doctor will take a full medical history and perform a physical exam. You will discuss your eating and exercise habits. With your input and agreement, your doctor will make a treatment plan.
Will the doctors need me to do blood work before my first appointment?
No. The doctors will order blood work based on the initial consultation. However, if you have had recent blood work done, please bring a copy of the results to your appointment.
Will I be given a prescription on my first visit?
Possibly. Sometimes the physician is able to prescribe a medication after a physical exam and medical history. Other times the doctor will need to see blood work or EKG results, or to consult with one or more of your other doctors to make sure it is safe for you to take the weight loss medication. Some of our patients are not prescribed medications for weight loss.
Will the doctor write out a meal plan for me?
The physicians provide eating guidelines that focus on healthy and balanced food choices designed to reduce hunger. If you would like more personalization, you can meet with the dietitian to tailor the meal plan to your needs. We will take the time to guide you in that process.
Follow-up
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss varies greatly from person to person and can be affected by factors such as initial weight, medical history, medications, body type, limitations on physical mobility, willingness to try and commit to different weight loss strategies and responsiveness to the different therapies.
How often will I need to come to the MWCC?
It depends on your goals and the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your provider. Patients on prescription medications for weight loss or those with a history of weight regain may need to schedule frequent visits as often as weekly or monthly. Typically visits with the dietitian are scheduled between visits with the doctor to improve outcomes. Patients who are planning to have weight loss surgery often need six months of attempted weight loss documented by a doctor in order for their insurance to cover the cost of surgery. Those patients who have met their weight loss or maintenance goals might come in only as problems or concerns arise.
Insurance coverage
How do I know if my insurance plan covers my visit?
It is recommended that new patients call their insurance carriers before coming to the initial consultation. Although the MWCC secretary can tell you whether the doctors or dietitian participate with your carrier, it is not possible for us to know to what extent each plan covers weight loss services. After your visit, our billing office will submit a claim to your insurance carrier and you are responsible for whatever costs your plan does not cover.
Do I need a referral?
That depends on your plan. If you do not know whether visits to specialists require a primary care doctor’s referral, please call your insurance company.
The insurance I have is not one that any MWCC provider accepts. What other options do I have to try to lose weight?
You can still see the physicians or dietitian by what is referred to as “self pay” or paying “out-of-pocket” for the visit. The fee is paid at the time of service. Please call the office for the providers’ appointment rates.
Contact Us
Please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Phone: 212-305-5568
Fax: 212-305-5420
Address:
161 Fort Washington Avenue
5th Floor Room 512
New York, NY 10032
