Getting Weight Loss Down to a Science

Simply stepping on a scale every morning to check your weight is not enough to monitor a diet's success. For the doctors at Red Rose Rejuvenation, there's more metrics that need to be measured when somebody starts a weight loss plan.

The scientific, evidence-based approach has helped the Levittown clinic expand into a new office in Bensalem, located at 1556 Bristol Pike, across the street from the Wawa and a few doors away from Red House Bagels. The expansion also allowed the clinic to network with other members of the Bensalem Business Association.

Dr. Joseph Kepko opened the first Red Rose Rejuvenation in Levittown 12 years ago after spending years frustrated with insurance companies that would not cover weight loss expenses. What started as simply a weight loss clinic has grown into a skin care, dermatology and rejuvenation center, complete with lasers for hair and tattoo removal and botox therapy.

When he's not managing his own chiropractic practice in Columbus, N.J., Dr. Nicholas Puccio spends time in both offices advising clients on their diet and weight loss programs. Patients come in for a monthly weigh-in and consultation, with a full regimen of charts and graphs that monitor not just the weight, but other factors such as fat percentage and muscle mass.

"People can get frustrated easily with their diets," said Puccio. "We will help you develop the best plan and give you a menu to get you started."

With the ongoing popularity of trendy diets like Adkins and South Beach, it's no secret that the biggest obstacles to shedding pounds are carbohydrates. Red Rose Rejuvenation's diet plans follow the same conventional wisdom, but try not to completely deny the body some of those comfort foods.

"It's all about balance and keeping everything level," said Puccio. "If you are going to have an apple, slice it up and dip it into some peanut butter. If you overdo it with pasta or breads, your insulin will spike and increase the fatty acid in your body."

The other not-so-secret for weight loss is adding regular exercise to the routine. Red Rose Rejuvenation does not have an exercise facility, but the doctors also compile workouts for the clients. Puccio usually sends clients to Philadelphia Private Gym in Bensalem to give them a one-on-one workout experience, rather than the big gym atmosphere.

Retro Fitness, located at the Franklin Mills Mall next to the Dollar Tree, has started offering discounted rates to Red Rose Rejuvenation patients. The package includes three free months followed by a $19.99 monthly rate, no enrollment fee and two free one-on-one training sessions and one free chiropractic evaluation.

Red Rose Rejuvenation also supplies medication if necessary for the patients, but Puccio is quick to point out that the clinic is not a pill mill. The same carefully compiled charts can also provide solid evidence that a client only joined up for the appetite suppressants.

"We have dismissed people from the office when it was clear they only wanted the pills," said Puccio. "If we see a few months in a row with either no change or increased weight, then we know something is up."

The new Red Rose Rejuvenation office is located at 1556 Bristol Pike, Bensalem. Office hours are: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (215) 245-7140 to make an appointment.