


Maryland Weight Care operates in Columbia, Maryland, under the medical direction of Dr. Christina Parisi, a board-certified physician holding Diplomate status from the American Board of Obesity Medicine. The clinic's structure centers on physician-supervised weight management programs that integrate GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide therapy with metabolic health optimization. Dr. Parisi's board certification in obesity medicine provides the clinical foundation for prescribing and monitoring advanced pharmacotherapy protocols, including dose titration strategies and side effect management specific to peptide-based weight interventions. The Columbia location serves patients throughout Maryland with both in-person consultations and telehealth appointments for established patients within the state.
The peptide therapy protocols at Maryland Weight Care include three FDA-approved GLP-1 and dual-incretin agents: liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide. Liraglutide is prescribed as a daily subcutaneous injection for patients requiring gradual appetite modulation and glycemic control, particularly those with concurrent prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is offered as a once-weekly injection for patients seeking more sustained appetite suppression and weight reduction, with dosing protocols adjusted based on tolerance and metabolic response. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, is utilized for patients who may benefit from enhanced incretin activity affecting both insulin secretion and energy expenditure. Each peptide selection is determined through initial metabolic assessment, including comprehensive blood work that evaluates fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipid panels, thyroid function, and liver enzymes to establish baseline metabolic health and identify contraindications.
Dr. Parisi's clinical approach incorporates regular monitoring of cardiometabolic markers throughout peptide therapy, with particular attention to blood pressure trends and glycemic parameters in patients presenting with prediabetes or hypertension. The clinic's protocols require follow-up blood work at specified intervals to track improvements in metabolic syndrome components and adjust peptide dosing or nutritional interventions accordingly. Nutritional counseling is integrated into the medical weight loss program, addressing macronutrient distribution, meal timing, and dietary patterns that support peptide efficacy while maintaining muscle mass during caloric deficit phases. The preventive care component extends beyond weight reduction to address obesity-related comorbidities, with treatment plans designed to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and prevent progression from prediabetes to diabetes.
Patients at Maryland Weight Care undergo an initial consultation that includes medical history review, physical examination, and discussion of weight loss goals within the context of realistic timelines and sustainable outcomes. Dr. Parisi's methodology emphasizes the distinction between rapid weight loss and metabolically healthy weight reduction that preserves lean body mass and supports long-term weight maintenance. The clinic's communication structure allows patients to discuss progress, side effects, and questions through scheduled follow-ups, with telehealth options providing continuity of care for Maryland residents who establish care in person. The investment in physician-supervised peptide therapy includes the cost of medications, medical oversight, and ongoing metabolic monitoring, with transparent discussion of financial commitment during the initial consultation.
Maryland Weight Care's location in Columbia positions the clinic to serve patients from Baltimore, Ellicott City, and surrounding Howard County communities seeking medical weight loss care that addresses both the pharmacological and behavioral components of obesity treatment. The clinic's focus on cultural competency in patient communication reflects Dr. Parisi's recognition that effective weight management requires understanding individual dietary traditions, health beliefs, and lifestyle contexts. The telehealth platform extends access to established patients across Maryland who require ongoing peptide management and metabolic monitoring without geographic barriers, while maintaining the clinical rigor of in-person obesity medicine practice.
Dr. Christina Parisi· MD, Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine
Dr. Christina Parisi, MD, Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine
Founder & Medical Director
After a decade treating patients with end-stage illnesses in the emergency room and witnessing her own father’s stroke from long-standing diabetes, Dr. Parisi founded Maryland Weight Care to focus on prevention through lifestyle change and treatment of metabolic conditions.
Kara Vielandi, DNP, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
Kara Vielandi is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in bariatric medicine. She is passionate about helping patients achieve healthier lives through weight management, preventive care, and lifestyle support.
Jody Engel, MA, RDN
Registered Dietitian
Jody began her career at Georgetown University providing health education and nutrition counseling. She then joined the National Institutes of Health, where she created patient centered, science-based nutrition resources.
Lashae Sawyer
Medical Assistant
Lashae Sawyer is a medical assistant who enjoys building strong connections with patients and supporting them on their health journeys.
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