The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), the nation’s leading
professional medical society representing the specialty of Preventive
Medicine and physicians dedicated to prevention, announced today that it
has certified RediClinic’s Weigh Forward® weight/lifestyle management
program as meeting evidence-based standards for healthy weight loss.
This is the first time in ACPM’s nearly 60-year history that the
organization has certified a third-party program, and it signifies the
launch of its new certification
program.
“The American College of Preventive Medicine has supported the practice
of preventive medicine in many ways over the years, and recognizing
third-party programs that meet quality and effectiveness standards for
physicians, their patients and consumers is a new way for us to pursue
this mission,” said ACPM’s Executive Director Michael A. Barry. “It was
logical to begin our certification initiative with weight management
programs since obesity is one of the nation’s most critical and
challenging public health issues, and Weigh Forward® went through a
rigorous evaluation process to gain our certification.”
The certification program allows organizations to apply to certify that
their program meets ACPM’s evidence-based standards for health promotion
and weight management. Programs are reviewed for both content and
individual process elements, placing emphasis on health improvement. The
criteria for evaluation focus on weight loss strategies, medical
monitoring, weight maintenance, and patient support. Organizations that
have received ACPM certification for their weight management program
will be able to market the product as such to potential customers. And,
for the first time, consumers will have the ability to seek the
certification seal when assessing their options to create and support a
healthy lifestyle.
RediClinic, one of the nation’s leading operators of retail clinics, has
offered Weigh Forward® at 30 Texas-based RediClinics since 2011. Weigh
Forward® is now being licensed to other providers who want a turn-key
weight/lifestyle management solution for their practice or clinic. The
10-week program combines 15-minute visits with a healthcare professional
with access to a comprehensive online platform that supports both the
clinician and the patient. It has proven successful in helping patients
lose one-two pounds per week while significantly improving their
cardio-metabolic health.
The Weigh Forward® program has four key components: a medical component,
which includes an initial physical exam, lab tests at the beginning and
end of the program, and regular biometric monitoring; a proprietary
behavior modification component, which identifies each patient’s
individual barriers to success and offers proven strategies for
overcoming them; a diet/nutrition component, which includes five meal
plans (including a diabetic plan) and more than 500 low-calorie,
nutritious, and easy-to-prepare recipes; and a physical activity
component, which features customized fitness-improvement regimens for
each patient.
“Weigh Forward® is a uniquely comprehensive and effective program, and
we are honored that the American College of Preventive Medicine has
recognized this through its newly created certification program,” said
RediClinic’s Chief Executive Officer Web Golinkin. “We have created a
program that all healthcare professionals can use to help their patients
achieve sustained weight loss and health gains, and we hope that ACPM’s
certification will assure potential licensees that our program meets the
highest professional standards.”
About RediClinic
RediClinic has given consumers easy access to high-quality, affordable
healthcare since 1989. The company currently operates 30 clinics inside
H-E-B grocery stores in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas, and has
successfully treated more than 1.4 million patients since opening its
first in-store clinic in 2005. In addition, the company’s Weigh Forward®
program is a leading solution for physicians and other healthcare
professionals who want to offer a turn-key weight management program in
their practice or clinic. For more information about Weigh Forward® and
clinic locations, hours of operation, services and prices, visit www.RediClinic.com.
RediClinic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:
RAD).
About the American College of Preventive Medicine
The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) is the national
professional society for physicians committed to disease prevention and
health promotion. ACPM was established in 1954. Its 2,700 members are
engaged in preventive medicine practice, teaching and research.
Specialists in preventive medicine are uniquely trained in both clinical
medicine and public health. They have the skills needed to understand
and reduce the risks of disease, disability and death in individuals and
in population groups. For more information, visit www.acpm.org.
To learn more about the certification program, please visit the ACPM website
or contact Dani Pere, Associate Executive Director, Programs and
Operations, at dpere@acpm.org.
Copyright Business Wire 2014