• Navigate Weight & Metabolic is a physician-led medical practice focused on evidence-based obesity and cardiometabolic care. We work directly with patients to create personalized, sustainable treatment plans using the best available science — not trends, gimmicks, or one-size-fits-all programs.

    This is medical care, not a weight-loss program.

  • This service is designed for people who have struggled with their weight for many years and have been unable to achieve lasting results despite repeated efforts with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle approaches — particularly those with a BMI over 30.

    It is well suited for individuals who are concerned about how excess weight may be affecting their health, or how conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, or sleep apnea may be connected to their weight.

    The practice is also open to those seeking expert, physician-led guidance in cardiometabolic health and healthy aging, even if weight loss is not their sole focus.

  • Many online services are designed to provide fast access to medications with limited evaluation or follow-up.

    This practice is different. Care here is physician-led, and individualized. You work directly with a single physician who knows your history, follows your progress over time, and makes thoughtful adjustments as needed — rather than rotating providers or algorithm-driven care.

    The focus is on medical judgment, ongoing support, and long-term health — not volume or speed.

  • You will work directly with Dr. Alexander Nathanson, a board-certified obesity medicine physician with extensive experience.

    There are no health coaches, sales teams, or middle layers. Your care is guided by a physician — start to finish.

  • The world of weight and metabolic health is confusing, noisy, and constantly changing. Patients are bombarded with conflicting advice, hype, and misinformation.

    My role is to help you navigate this landscape — to filter signal from noise, explain your options clearly, and guide you toward decisions that actually make sense for your body and goals.

  • We recommend checking your weight about once per week using a home scale. More frequent weighing is usually unnecessary and can be counterproductive.

    I also recommend having a home blood pressure cuff, ideally an electronic upper-arm (brachial) cuff, which tends to be more accurate and easier to use than wrist devices.

    That’s it

About the Practice

Appointments & Care Model

  • The practice is primarily virtual, which allows for flexible scheduling, minimal waiting, and care that fits into real life.

    That said, in-person visits are available if needed or preferred. Most patients find virtual care more convenient, but the option exists. Our office is located in Brooklyn, NY

  • Most traditional healthcare is rushed, reactive, and constrained by insurance requirements.

    This practice is designed to be:

    • Unrushed and longitudinal

    • Focused on education and shared decision-making

    • Free from insurance-driven checklists and quotas

    You get time, continuity, and clarity.

  • Yes. Obesity and metabolic disease are chronic conditions.

    Care here is ongoing — adjusting treatment over time, managing plateaus and side effects, and supporting long-term health rather than short-term fixes.

Medications & Treatments

  • Yes — when medically appropriate.

    These medications can be powerful tools, but they are not automatic and not right for everyone. We discuss benefits, risks, side effects, cost, and long-term expectations before deciding together.

  • If you’re curious about a medication, that’s a great place to start a conversation.

    We’ll review whether it makes sense for you medically, discuss benefits and risks, and decide together on the best next step. You’ll never be dismissed — and you’ll never be prescribed something without careful thought.

  • No.

    I do not sell medications, supplements, or procedures, and I do not receive commissions or kickbacks. This avoids conflicts of interest and keeps recommendations unbiased.

Insurance, Fees & Medicare

  • Short answer: the insurance model is poorly aligned with the goals quality Obesity care.

    Insurance-driven practices are typically structured around brief visits, large patient panels, and long wait times for appointments. That model leaves little room for frequent check-ins, thoughtful adjustments, or individualized attention. Working outside insurance allows me to keep a smaller panel, see patients more promptly, and provide the ongoing, personalized care that tends to work best in obesity medicine.

  • If you have Medicare, I can see you only for services that are not covered by Medicare, such as obesity care.

    I am not able to see you for medical conditions or services that are covered by Medicare.

    If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, we can clarify before scheduling.

  • No. Navigate Weight & Metabolic is a direct-care, cash-pay practice.

    Insurance is often still used for labs, imaging, and medications. We may still ask to see your insurance card solely for this purpose.

  • Membership includes:

    • Comprehensive medical visits

    • Ongoing medical follow-up with me, typically at least monthly

    • More frequent check-ins when needed, which is common earlier in treatment

    • Medication management

    • Secure messaging related to your care

    • Review and interpretation of labs and results

    Follow-up may occur via video visits, phone calls, or secure messaging, depending on what’s most appropriate.

  • We have extensive experience with insurance prior authorization and will do everything reasonably possible to try to obtain coverage. That said, some insurance plans exclude certain medications entirely, regardless of medical need.

    Coverage can also vary based on individual deductibles and copays, which are determined by your insurance plan and outside of our control.

    When coverage isn’t available or costs are prohibitive, we’ll discuss cash pricing and alternative options. If medication cost ultimately makes the practice a poor fit, the first month membership fee is refundable.

  • Yes. There are no contracts.

    Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period.

  • Obesity and metabolic care are most intensive at the beginning. The first several months typically involve a comprehensive evaluation, education, medication selection and titration, side-effect management, and more frequent follow-up.

    Once a treatment plan is established and stable, care shifts toward long-term monitoring, maintenance, and adjustment as needed. The lower ongoing rate reflects this change in intensity — while preserving direct access to your physician and continuity of care over time.

    This structure is intentional. It allows for more support when it’s most needed without overcharging patients once things are stable.

  • Yes! We are HSA and FSA eligible.

Getting started

  • You can schedule a consultation right now. We may be able to see you as soon as the next day!

    Not sure if you’re ready to join? Download our free eBook and subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch.

  • Yes. Services are also available in Russian.

  • If your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to contact us at NavigateWeightMD.com/contact