Weight Loss Classes and Support Groups

The journey to achieve and maintain a healthy weight will likely be one of the toughest you ever encounter. But it may be easier than you think. With the right information, encouragement and social support you can learn to eat right, exercise and achieve a healthy weight.

Whether you have a little or a lot to lose, we can help you meet your goals. Sutter Medical Foundation’s weight loss classes and support groups put obesity trends in context, provide practical tips and teach you how to maintain a healthier diet. And we may help you avoid, or maybe even reverse, chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

It’s easier to succeed with other people who understand and support your goals. With SMF’s weight loss programs and support groups, you’ll share your journey with people who understand how tough it can be. You’ll also get advice from specialists who’ve helped others accomplish their goals.

Explore our classes and groups today to learn more about our offerings in your area.

Shared Decision Making

There are many different weight management programs and classes that SMF offers. To help guide people to the best class for them, SMF invites you to watch the SMF Patient Education, Your Options Your Choice video. 

In this free video, you’ll hear about all of our programs, such as:

• Sutter Weigh for Life (our 8+ week behavior modification class)
• Meal Replacement Program
• Pharmacological Weight Loss Program
• Bariatric Surgery Program

To learn more, call us at (916) 774-8885 or toll-free at (877) 899-8766.

Weight Loss Classes

This Sutter Weigh For Life 8+ week weight loss class teaches strategies for a healthy lifestyle. It’s a comprehensive, safe, effective and evidence-based program that can help you achieve permanent results. Our program is based on the diabetes prevention program and may also be beneficial for patients with pre-diabetes. Call (877) 899-8766 or (916) 774-8885 for more information or to register for this virtual class series.

• Monday: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Tuesday: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm  
• Wednesday: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm 
• Thursday: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm 
• Friday: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Meal Replacement Program

This medically supervised, 52-week weight loss program replaces your meals and teaches lifestyle changes. For 12-18 weeks you’ll consume OPTIFAST® ready-to-drink shakes, powdered-shake mixes, bars and soup mixes. After about 12-16 weeks, most people begin to transition back to regular food over a six-week period.

Throughout your weight loss journey, we’ll help you adjust your medicines and make sure you’re losing weight safely. You’ll also be in a weekly virtual behavior-modification class led by a dietitian. In this class, you’ll learn healthy habits to help you manage your weight and keep it off for good. Classes are held:

Mondays from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Tuesdays from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Wednesdays from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Thursdays from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Fridays from 4:00 pm– 5:00 pm

Referrals aren’t necessary to enroll in this program. There are fees for this program, but some costs may be covered by your insurance.

To learn more, call us at (916) 774-8885 or toll-free at (877) 899-8766.

Pharmacological Weight Loss Program

This two-part pharmacological weight loss program helps you get your appetite and behavior aligned to help you reach a healthy weight. This program looks into your medical history and explores your situation to prescribe medication and training to reach your weight and health goals.

You’ll see a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner monthly who will assess your progress and offer guidance. You’ll also attend our Sutter Weigh for Life behavior modification class. If you feel you need more help or a one-one-one setting, the programs gives you access to a registered dietitian.

Providers are in both Roseville and Sacramento, while classes are held throughout the week on a virtual platform. Referrals aren’t necessary to enroll in this program. Fees may apply depending on your insurance coverage.

To learn more, call us at (916) 774-8885 or toll-free at (877) 899-8766.

Surgery Support Group (Bariatric Surgery)

This support group, for people pre- and post-weight loss surgery, can help you meet others at varying stages in their surgical weight loss journey.

The Bariatric Surgery Support Group is held once a month to provide additional education, support and resources before and after your bariatric surgery. Through group discussion with educators and guest speakers, you'll learn and share experiences that foster a sense of community, support and encouragement throughout your weight loss journey. 

Our support group is open to the community; no preregistration or sign up is required. Feel free to bring a support person if you would like.

• When: First Tuesday of every month from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, unless the Tuesday falls on a holiday

Please call patient education at (916) 774-8885 for current link to virtual support group and upcoming topics.