Interview with Dr. Dhaval Thakkar of Medi-Weightloss - Kingwood

Published: Jan 29, 2018, 1:00pm

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As part of our ongoing "Getting to Know Your Local Businesses" series, this week we sat down with Dr. Dhaval Thakkar, franchise owner of Medi-Weightloss Kingwood.

Tell us a bit about your businesses: What does your businesses offer, and how long have you been around?

We help people get off the dieting roller coaster and rejuvenate their life, learning to live healthy and lean for a lifetime through a three-phase, physician-supervised weight loss program that works. Patients receive an individualized, one-on-one experience from caring, experienced healthcare professionals and an abundance of hands-on support, education, and accountability.

Our Kingwood location opened in September 2017; however, the Medi-Weightloss program, which was developed by physicians, registered dietitians, and weight loss health professionals has helped people lose over 3.5 million pounds so far nationwide since 2006.

How did you decide to get involved in this line of work? How did the businesses get started?

My wife and I are dentists and we were looking to expand into a business venture in an exciting health field. Because obesity is such an epidemic in the U.S., we wanted to help those suffering, by boosting their confidence to improve their overall health. Many times, people come in with more than one health issue, such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol, and need an individual approach to losing weight.

Tell us a couple things you are proud of about your businesses. What are you known for? What separates you from the competition?

Our advanced weight loss program is better than any other program out there because it's medically supervised. We've heard of those attempting to lose weight who have taken supplements offered by a weight loss program and later found out that they had underlying health issues that should have been addressed before beginning a weight loss program.

We use the right balance of technology, including a high tech body composition scale and medical analysis to recommend a tailored "prescription" for weight loss. If you can go to the grocery store, buy the right balance of food and cook your meals, you can achieve your goals. The entire custom weight loss approach is laid out so that it is easy to follow and maintain.

In our program, we've learned that, if a person has input into the weight loss program, they are more invested. Patients compliant with the program lose an average of 6.4 pounds their first week and 14 pounds their first month. It's not a diet; it's a lifestyle change!

What is your favorite part of running these businesses?

My wife and I love coming into this location every week and seeing how patients are losing weight. It's very rewarding to see individuals excited about the progress they are making. This program works and those in the program don't hold back on their amazement regarding their physical changes. They are so thankful for our one-on-one education counseling support. But, unlike other weight loss programs, our counseling doesn't end when they meet their goals. We also have a wellness program that helps people keep the weight off long-term.

Who is your ideal customer/client? Who do you serve best?

Anyone at any age who wants to lose weight, male or female, is our ideal customer.

Many are surprised to learn that we have a specific program for teens. Research has found that, if a teenager is overweight, they will more than likely be overweight the rest of their life. The best time to develop proper eating and lifestyle habits begins in the teen years. We've had teens who have lost weight comment that they looked so good for their prom pictures. That reminder of success will stay with them as they go to college or start the next phase of their life.

Are there any special promotions, annual sales, or special events that you'd like to mention?

We regularly post specials on our website and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/MediWeightlossHoustonKingwood/). Currently, we offer a free assessment with a nurse practitioner, who can explain the program details and allow someone who wants to lose weight to get as much information as possible about our unique weight loss approach. We then offer $50 off the second visit with a medical professional that includes a physical exam, bloodwork analysis, urinalysis, eating pattern review, technology tests (including EKGs) and the delivery of a complete customized plan. Those participating in the program can also provide recent physicals or tests conducted by their Primary Care Physicians, to reduce test duplication.

Is there any other information you'd like your potential customers/clients to know about your businesses?

Patients are successful on the Medi-Weightloss® program because every patient is treated, motivated, and supported by our trained medical professionals. In fact, we recently hired a new nurse practitioner, Lauren, to help our patients reach their weight loss goals. Watch on Facebook ... we are in the process of adding bios of our medical professionals.

How do you see your businesses growing and improving over the next couple of years?

Even though we recently opened, we are excited that our patients have lost over 200 pounds combined. We want to see the number of pounds lost at our location increase consistently, allowing family and friends to see how their loved ones lives have changed because of that weight loss. Our trained professionals will continue to help make those on a weight loss journey have a stress free and an uncomplicated life.

To learn more about Medi-Weightloss Kingwood, visit https://www.mediweightloss.com/locations/kingwood/.