For millions of Floridians living with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic conditions, navigating weight loss care can often feel fragmented, confusing, and short-lived. AdventHealth is addressing this challenge with a new, comprehensive approach that combines medical expertise, lifestyle support, and personalized guidance in one coordinated program.
The initiative aims to provide tailored care for individuals at every stage of their health journey. Rather than basing treatment on the first provider a patient sees, AdventHealth’s model prioritizes listening and guiding each person to the care options that best suit their needs. This may include medical support, surgery, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches, all designed to support sustainable health and well-being.
At the heart of this effort is the Health Optimization Center, a dedicated medical practice offering modern weight management and metabolic care. The center provides coordinated, whole-person support, integrating lifestyle interventions, medical management, and advanced therapies like bariatric surgery when appropriate. Patients receive guidance to make informed decisions and build lasting healthy habits.
The Health Optimization Center is a cornerstone of AdventHealth’s Metabolic Health Institute, established to transform care for people affected by obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease. The institute also emphasizes prevention and early intervention to combat metabolic health issues before they progress.
Health statistics highlight the urgent need for this approach. Only 36% of Floridians are currently at a healthy weight, and nearly 60% are projected to have obesity by 2030. More than 2 million adults in Florida—approximately one in nine—already live with diagnosed diabetes, primarily type 2, placing significant strain on individuals, families, and the healthcare system.
“Weight loss and metabolic health are not one-size-fits-all,” said Dr. Damon Tanton, executive medical director of the Metabolic Health Institute. “Patients deserve care that goes beyond fads and quick fixes and truly considers the whole person—their physiology, daily habits, mental well-being, and long-term goals. At the Health Optimization Centers, we integrate today’s most effective weight loss and metabolic medications with tailored nutrition, compassionate behavioral health, and personalized lifestyle support to help patients achieve meaningful, lasting change.”
Unlike traditional models that focus on a single intervention, the Health Optimization Center connects patients with a multidisciplinary team that may include physicians, nurse navigators, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and fitness experts. Together, they develop personalized care plans that encompass medical weight management, diabetes care, nutrition guidance, physical activity, stress management, and surgical options when appropriate.
Virtual visits, coaching, and educational resources are also available through the AdventHealth app, allowing patients to access care and support from anywhere.
“The launch of the Metabolic Health Institute reflects our commitment to meet people where they are and care for what matters most to them,” said Margaret White, vice president of the Metabolic Health Institute. “By uniting these services under one institute, we are making it easier for individuals and families to access coordinated, compassionate care that supports long-term health and quality of life.”
The Metabolic Health Institute combines AdventHealth’s nationally recognized Diabetes and Endocrinology program (ranked 20th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report) with its Bariatrics and Weight Management program, creating a seamless experience for patients managing multiple, interconnected conditions.
