Personalized medical weight loss support in Portland, Oregon to improve health, mobility, energy, and long-term wellness

At Sports Health Northwest, we believe exercise is medicine. Our goal is to help individuals who are interested in losing weight find the right balance between proven lifestyle interventions—such as exercise, nutrition, and behavior change—and modern medical therapy options, including oral and injectable medications when appropriate.

Our comprehensive Medical Weight Loss Program combines evidence-based medicine, personalized coaching, and compassionate support to help patients achieve safe, sustainable results.

Whether your goal is to lose a little or a lot, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Sports Health Northwest for Weight Loss?

Experienced Clinical Leadership

Our program is led by Leah Gaedeke, FNP-BC, who brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience helping patients improve their health and quality of life.

Leah works in close collaboration with Clinic Director David Westerdahl, MD, ensuring patients benefit from a team-based approach that combines medical expertise, personalized support, and thoughtful long-term planning.

Whole-Person Approach

We focus on more than the scale. Successful weight loss often requires attention to:

• Nutrition habits
• Exercise and activity levels
• Sleep quality
• Stress management
• Hormonal and metabolic health
• Emotional well-being
• Medical conditions impacting weight

Customized Treatment Plans

No two patients are the same. Your plan is built around your goals, medical history, lifestyle, and preferences.

Why Weight Loss Matters for Joint Pain and Health

Being overweight increases stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back. Excess body weight is strongly associated with osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and difficulty with everyday activities.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, losing just 10 pounds can reduce pressure on the knees by as much as 40 pounds with daily movement.

Weight loss may also help:

• Reduce inflammation throughout the body
• Improve knee, hip, and back pain
• Improve mobility and endurance
• Lower risk of diabetes
• Improve blood pressure
• Reduce heart disease risk
• Improve sleep quality
• Increase energy levels
• Enhance overall quality of life

Research shows that losing approximately 10% of body weight can significantly reduce pain in weight-bearing joints and improve physical function.

At Sports Health Northwest, we frequently remind patients seeking treatment for knee pain that weight loss often provides greater long-term benefit than medications, injections, or even surgery alone.

Our Medical Weight Loss Services

Personalized Medical Consultations

One-on-one visits with experienced clinicians who take time to understand your goals, challenges, and health background.

Comprehensive Lab Analysis

Lab testing may help identify factors affecting weight loss such as insulin resistance, thyroid issues, inflammation, cholesterol, or metabolic concerns.

Medical History Review

We assess medications, prior attempts, lifestyle habits, and health risks to create a personalized roadmap.

Prescription Weight Loss Medications

When appropriate, we offer physician-guided access to oral and injectable medications that may support appetite control, metabolism, and sustainable weight loss.

Nutrition Counseling

Practical nutrition strategies designed to fit your lifestyle rather than restrictive fad diets.

Exercise Planning

Because exercise is medicine, we help patients develop realistic movement plans that support fat loss, strength, and joint protection.

Sleep and Recovery Support

Poor sleep can interfere with weight loss hormones, recovery, and energy. We address sleep as part of whole-person care.

Ongoing Accountability and Follow-Up

Regular check-ins help track progress, adjust treatment, and provide support through every phase of your journey.

What to Expect

Initial Consultation

We review your health history, weight goals, habits, challenges, and readiness for change.

Personalized Strategy

You receive an individualized plan that may include nutrition guidance, exercise recommendations, lab work, and medication support when appropriate.

Sustainable Progress

Our focus is not crash dieting—it is helping you create meaningful, lasting improvements.

Long-Term Success

We work closely with each patient to support healthier living, improved mobility, and better quality of life.

Why Patients Trust Sports Health Northwest

We understand that gaining weight can happen gradually—but losing weight is often much harder than people expect.

That is why we provide a personalized, patient-centered program built on empathy, medical expertise, and realistic solutions using the latest therapies and proven lifestyle strategies.

We are committed to helping patients lose weight safely, feel stronger, move easier, and enjoy better long-term health.

Schedule Your Weight Loss Consultation Today