Doctor focuses on weight loss issues, offers alternative plans
by JESSICA L. FINCH Amherst Associate Editor

Dr. Fanwei Meng of Medical Weight Loss of WNY displays the far infrared sauna in his Transit Road office. Patients using the device can burn 300 calories in 30 minutes.

Dr. Fanwei Meng is approaching weight loss unlike anyone in Western New York has done before.

He said his practice, Medical Weight Loss and Healthcare of Western New York, is the only office to focus on weight loss.

"Being overweight is an epidemic in this area," said Meng, who opened his practice last year. "Unfortunately there was no single medical physician to focus on that."

Originally from China, Meng studied at the University of Texas Southwestern and the University at Buffalo, where he studied internal medicine. He also traveled around the world, learning new medical approaches to weight loss.

He said there hasn't been a method developed that's proved effective for everyone, which is why he offers a variety.

The primary issue surrounding weight gain is people aren't told how to "treat" it. Meng said telling someone to eat less and exercise obviously isn't working.

"That doesn't work - if it did we wouldn't have obesity problems," he said.

He added that with some popular diets, people lack vital nutrients.

In his practice Meng prescribes diet pills that are more potent but safer than those found over the counter. He said with supervision they can help with successful weight loss and are Food and Drug Administration-approved.

He also uses holistic methods - herbal supplements, diet teas and a magnetic device that is attached to the upper ear. Meng said the nerves in an ear are very sensitive and work as a "body switch." When used correctly it has proved to suppress appetites, he said.

With the aid of a pharmacy, he developed his own nutritional supplement recipe, which is stocked at the office. One of the active ingredients is green tea.

In his office there is a far infrared sauna that can burn off 300 calories in 30 minutes while the patient just sits in the small boxed area.

Before Meng can prescribe a treatment plan he said tests are done to determine why someone is dealing with weight issues. It's not always overeating and lack of exercising; there are underlying medical conditions that can cause the problem.

He tests the metabolism, through a ReeVue Indirect Calorimetry machine, made by KORR Medical Technologies. The patient blows into a tube that is connected to the machine. The test measures the oxygen that the body consumes, which can determine how many calories the person burns doing nothing or by moderate exercise. It can also tell the patient how many calories can be taken in each day to maintain weight and how many to lose weight.

Prescriptions are available to suppress the appetite and to boost energy levels.

Meng is also a dietician and primary care physician. He is accepting new patients and has evening and Saturday hours.

The office is located at 8770 Transit Road, Suite 2, north of Klein Road. Call 689-SLIM (7546).