Commonly Asked
Questions

What is the CoreLife program?

CoreLife is a physician-led program that incorporates medical, nutrition, fitness and behavioral health services to treat patients who struggle with obesity. Our providers are experts in the disease of obesity, and the associated challenges and conditions. Based on each individual’s needs, medical problems, goals and preferences, we develop and implement a personalized care plan for every patient. With compassion and skill, the CoreLife team provides the motivation, education, guidance, and resources you need to be successful in your weight loss journey.

Do you take insurance?

Yes! Our medically necessary medical and nutrition services are covered by most major insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare. You may be responsible for copays and deductibles, per the terms of your plan, so check with your provider for specifics regarding your coverage. Our team can verify your benefits and provide an outline of expected costs prior to your first appointment. Many patients also use their Flex Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Saving Account (HSA) to pay for additional services related to their treatment, like personal training, gym membership, or nutrition coaching.

What is the success rate of CoreLife patients?

CoreLife patients typically lose 5% of their body weight every 6-12 weeks that they are engaged in the program. This reduction is proven to lower blood pressure, improve sugar control, and decrease risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Approximately 80% of patients who engage in the CoreLife program reach their goal weight.

How is CoreLife different from other weight loss options, especially programs that are widely used and don’t usually help people keep the weight off?

Obesity is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive individualized treatment plan. There is no single treatment that works for everyone. Furthermore, the treatment that works for you today, may not work for you next month, or a year from now. CoreLife not only provides a customized weight loss solution that conforms to your lifestyle, medical needs, budget, preferences and goals - we go one step further. CoreLife patients meet regularly with their medical provider and dietitian to review what is working and what isn’t, and make the necessary adjustments to keep you moving in the right direction. You learn how to modify your plan in response to the inevitable challenges and changes that life presents. With the CoreLife program, we don’t just help you lose weight, we teach you the skills and behaviors you need to sustain your weight loss. Most programs fail for a variety of reasons. Most of the time it is because all components were not addressed (medical, nutrition, exercise, and behavioral health). Others promote product purchases, but do not develop or emphasize the importance of education, strength training, lifestyle and behavioral health. CoreLife addresses all of these components and does it based upon scientifically proven principles. This approach allows for the highest rate of successful, safe and sustainable weight loss.

How long has CoreLife been in operation?

Our first CoreLife office opened in 2012. Today, we currently operate in more than 30 locations, across Maryland, North Carolina, and Delaware.

What hours are CoreLife offices open?

To accommodate every schedule, we have appointments as early as 7 a.m., and are open as late as 7 p.m. Visit our Find Locations page for a complete list of hours for each clinic.

Do I have to come in weekly? How long do I have to come?

Research shows that the most effective interventions for obesity are comprehensive with at least 12-26 planned sessions to work towards a weight loss goal in the first year. Whether it is for medical visits, nutrition therapy or fitness sessions, the more frequently a patient comes into CoreLife, the more successful they will be. Thus, we recommend weekly visits for the first 8-12 weeks, with a gradual decrease in frequency based on your progress. Together with your medical provider, you will develop your care plan and visit frequency during your first visit.

Can you help me learn what to eat with a condition (celiac, lactose intolerance, lupus, etc.)?

Yes. Our registered dietitians are skilled in working with patients who have complex medical conditions and nutritional needs. They will work with you to provide nutritional guidance and education specific to your conditions.

Do I need to fast for my Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Test or blood tests?

We ask that you fast for at least 4 hours, do not take any stimulants or exercise for 12 hours prior to the RMR. You are not required to fast for most blood work. If your medical provider determines fasting blood work is needed, this can be arranged at a different appointment.

How will fitness help me achieve wellness?

Moving your body is necessary to achieve a higher quality of life. At CoreLife, we believe moving better equals feeling better. This is why our programs focus on progressively improving movement quality and function, rather than high-intensity or performance training. CoreLife Exercise is guided by the principles of medical exercise, helping patients reverse diagnoses, lower BMI, decrease pain, and increase function.

How is CoreLife’s personal training services different from what I’d get at my gym?

CoreLife’s Personal Training is guided by exercise specialists who understand the limitations and challenges associated with obesity. Our personal training services begin with a focus on movement quality and function to establish comfort in daily living. Other personal training programs jump right into a boot-camp style of high-intensity exercise, focusing on quantity over quality. At CoreLife, we recognize the difficulty of beginning an exercise program, that is why we work with your individualized starting point, appropriately progressing to improve your function and quality of life. Patients enrolled in our exercise program, when compared to those who do not participate, lose 47% more body weight and also report better sleep, mood, increased confidence and strength, and higher energy levels!

Can I join the gym only?

Our gyms are exclusive for current or past CoreLife patients. Even after you have achieved your health goals, you will be able to continue using the CoreLife gym as a monthly member.

Where will you send my blood work for lab tests?

Labcorp or Quest are the labs we typically send blood work to based on the type of insurance you have. However, if you are unsure and want to double check your insurance's preferred lab, please call your insurance’s customer service department and ask.

Does CoreLife offer services for children or minors?

CoreLife provides services to pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who are referred by their pediatrician or primary care provider. For children, the focus is on creating healthy lifestyle habits as opposed to losing weight. Our program is modified for pediatric patients to include time with family members or caregivers. Children are introduced to our fitness facility and personal trainers early in the program with an emphasis on creating a fun and enjoyable experience.

Can I do this program with my Primary Care Physician instead of the CoreLife Medical Provider?

Although your Primary Care Physician may be able to prescribe medication to help you lose weight, prescription medication is only one element of a successful weight loss program and may not be for everyone. The structure and accountability of having a team of nurse practitioners, dietitians, exercise specialists and behavioral health experts is unparalleled. Our program includes individual counseling, educational tools and techniques, in-house fitness studio with training and the medical expertise needed to help you reach your weight loss and wellness goals for a lifetime. You will meet with your CoreLife care team frequently, as often as weekly in the beginning, but as you make progress on your goals, your plan and frequency of visits will be adjusted.

Will I have to cut out all of my favorite foods to lose weight?

No! At CoreLife, we do not label foods as 'good' or 'bad.' We work hard to help individuals develop a positive relationship with food and to eliminate any guilt associated with eating. We want everyone to learn to love food for the energy and nourishment that it provides. We focus on portion control and nutrient density to ensure you are getting the right amount of nutrients you need, specific to you, in order to feel energized and lead a healthier lifestyle. By shifting our thinking in this way, and not trying to go 'cold turkey' avoiding our favorites, we can control our cravings and feel good about our occasional indulgences instead of feeling guilty.

How is CoreLife different from Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, or another retail weight loss program?

CoreLife takes a customized approach to nutrition. We work with you to understand your unique health profile and then offer a personalized care plan. We understand that the definition of success is different for everyone, which is why we offer one-on-one nutritional counseling sessions with a registered dietitian rather than a group setting. We support you throughout your journey with long and short term goal setting. Our personal trainers also work with you one-on-one and our fitness studio is private, for CoreLife members only.

How much does CoreLife cost?

The cost of the program depends on which services you will be utilizing and what your specific insurance plan will cover. Our verification specialists can assist with gathering your insurance coverage details and someone from our team will go over your coverage details with you. All insurance plans are different and pricing may vary.

Can you check my coverage before I schedule?

Yes. Please be sure to have the following information handy including your insurance carrier, policy holder, date of birth, contact information, and the provider or benefits contact information that’s usually found on the back of your insurance card.

Do you offer self-pay pricing?

Yes. The office manager at the clinic will review self-pay prices with you at your first visit. If you would like more information prior to your visit, please contact us for details.

What is the cost of the gym and personal training?

We offer 3 affordable membership opportunities available for patients with features ranging from gym access, video content, to automatic personal training discounts. View our membership options here. Our personal training remains lower than other options, with costs as low as $25 per session. Group classes are another great way to get involved at CoreLife, but vary by location. Those with a "Health Savings or Flex Spending Account" may find coverage, but ultimately most insurance plans do not cover personal training. We hope to see this change in the near future as movement is key to health and weight loss.

How would you describe a typical CoreLife patient?

A typical CoreLife patient has a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, and has the diagnosis of overweight or obesity . Many struggle with one or more chronic health conditions that are related to or associated with weight, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, sleep apnea, depression and more. Most have been referred by a physician who recommended weight reduction as a way to improve their health or treat a medical condition. A successful CoreLife patient is 100% ready and committed to work toward a healthier life.

What types of blood work tests are needed?

Your CoreLife provider will review your cholesterol and triglyceride levels(Lipid Panel), Complete Blood Count(CBC), electrolytes and kidney function (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel), thyroid test (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and if appropriate, a test for diabetes if indicated (HgbA1c). If these tests have not been performed within the last six months, the CoreLife provider will order them.

I just had blood work done. Can I bring that with me?

Yes, if your blood work is current (within 180 days), you can bring the results to your first appointment for the provider to review.

What if I have never exercised before?

We have a wide range of programs and solutions. It doesn’t matter if you are completely new or have extensive experience. We always individualize these programs to meet the goals and needs of each patient.

Do you offer anti-obesity medications?

Yes. Obesity is a chronic disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes. Just like medication is often necessary to treat blood pressure or diabetes, medication is often essential to treat obesity. Anti-obesity medications alter physiology and behaviors to enable patients to make the lifestyle changes necessary to lose weight. At your initial visit, your CoreLife medical provider will discuss all treatment options, including anti-obesity medications. They will recommend or prescribe the one(s) that would be most effective, safe, and affordable for you, based on the causes of your obesity, your associated conditions, and your insurance coverage. Close supervision by and frequent interactions with your provider ensure a safe and successful experience with anti-obesity medication.

Is the medication given in the office or do I need to have a prescription filled?

All medication prescriptions will be sent to and filled by the pharmacy of your choice.