IHM

About IHM

What is IHM, Institute For Health Management?

IHM is a medically supervised weight loss program with offices in Petaluma and Greenbrae, California. In its own words: "IHM is a medically supervised fasting program that treats the medically overweight patient using a very low-calorie supplemented fast, behavioral modification, and a long-term emphasis on physical activity to help patients maintain their ideal body weight."

The program has three steps: supervised supplemental fasting, changing eating habits and lifestyle, and a maintenance phase called Maintain A Healthy Life. The two names given for prescribing are David Chappell, listed as Medical Director, and Robert Park, M.D., listed as founder. Chappell is named as the one who supervises medical care through all three phases. No credential is given for Chappell, so none is given. The clinic also lists behaviorists, exercise physiologists and dietitians on its staff. No medications are named. Google shows the clinic at 5 stars from 4 reviews, under the category Medical clinic.

This listing is for its Petaluma office at 715 Southpoint Blvd Ste c.

What does it cost?

It does not publish prices. The consultation is listed as free. It does not say whether medication is included in any fee, and it says nothing about insurance or hours. Ask for the full monthly cost before you book, including the fasting supplement, visits and lab work.

What should you ask before you book?

Ask which of the two named physicians writes your prescriptions, and whether Chappell or Park will see you in person. Ask what the supplement in the fast is, whether it is a prescription product, and whether it is brand-name or compounded. Ask whether the program fee includes that supplement and any medication, and what the follow-up visits and lab work cost separately.

Ask whether any part of the program is available by telehealth, since the clinic does not say. Ask how long the fasting phase lasts, what the maintenance phase costs, and how to cancel. Ask what happens to your care if you stop partway through the fast.

Who is it a good fit for?

This is a good fit if you are an adult who is 25 to 30 pounds or more over your ideal weight, may be medically at risk because of that weight, and want a program where a named physician supervises a fasting phase and a maintenance plan follows it. If you need a clinic that publishes its prices up front, call and ask for them before you commit.

Sources: ihmweightloss.com

Services Offered

Location