Southern Illinois is expanding its Weight Management Services program within the region by opening a new clinic location at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon beginning Thursday, April 26.

SSM Health Weight Management Services staff will now be able to meet and consult with patients in Mt. Vernon – in addition to their Centralia location – who are considering weight management options to improve their overall health.

Expanding its clinic office outreach to Mt. Vernon has been a goal for the program since first being introduced three (3) years ago at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Centralia, says Dr. Deepu Sudhakaran. Dr. Sudhakaran has been helping patients achieve their weight-loss goals since 2011 and has 98% success rate in losing more than 75% of their excess body weight.

Along with Dr. Sudhakaran, Leah Clem, will also see patients in the new Weight Management Services clinic at Good Samaritan Hospital. Ms. Clem is a Certified Physician’s Assistant specializing in weight management and general surgery.

The comprehensive weight-loss surgery program offered by SSM Health Weight Management Services has the ultimate goal of helping people live better quality, healthier and longer lives. The program addresses healthy weight management needs leading up to and following surgery including diet and nutritional education, exercise training referrals and support groups.

SSM Health Weight Management Services offers surgical and non-surgical options.

More information at (618) 436-8300 or visit s-s-m-health-dot-com-slash-weight-management.