NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month to celebrate the launch of its new Weight Management and Healthy Lifestyles Program.
The program will address health issues, including diabetes and obesity, by providing counseling from nutritionists, psychologists, and physicians specializing in weight management to support patients holistically.
Queens Hospital, located at 82-68 164th St. in Jamaica, is the first NYC Health + Hospitals site in the borough to offer the Weight Management and Healthy Lifestyles Program.
The program aims to support patients in losing 5-10% of their baseline weight, which has been correlated with improved blood pressure, lower glucose levels, lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduced likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome.
Patients with a BMI of 27 or more than one weight-related co-morbidity, such as hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or osteoarthritis, can be referred to the program. Patients with a BMI of 30 or more with no comorbidities will also be eligible for the program.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Chief Executive Officer Neil J. Moore said the ribbon cutting represents a significant milestone for the hospital and an important step in helping to improve health outcomes for the southeast Queens community. “Our vision at Queens Hospital is clear: we strive to create a health system that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of every individual in our community. We recognize that achieving healthier outcomes is not solely about treating illness; it is about fostering an environment that prioritizes preventive care and encourages healthy lifestyle choices,” Moore said in a statement.
Dr. Leia Stathakos, NYC Health + Hospitals Director of the Weight Management and Healthy Lifestyles Program, said that the program was designed to focus on proactive health measures to empower community members to make informed decisions about their well-being. “With tailored support from our multidisciplinary team, participants will receive guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral modification strategies, forging pathways to healthier living,” Stathakos said.
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