QUESTIONS

Why Choose NovaFit?

• Teen & Young Adult Experts

We are obesity specialists with deep experience in adolescent and young adult health.

• Whole-Person Support

We offer medical, nutritional, behavioral, fitness, and physical health—all under one roof.

• Personalized Care

Everyone is unique—so is our approach

• Evidence-Based Programs

We use he latest tools and therapies, including GLP-1 medications, nutritional counseling, genetic and phenotype testing, and exercise guidance.

  • Many people qualify for GLP-1 weight loss medications. To qualify, there are specific BMI (body mass index) requirements that take into account your weight compared to your height.  Some people also qualify because of other existing health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Click here for a free consultation.

    There are a number of GLP1 medications that may help. If prescribed, these medications are:

    • Approved for kids 12 and older

    • FDA approved

    • Used for diabetes management since 2017, and for weight loss since 2021

    • Stored in the refrigerator and injected once weekly

    • Dose can be increased every 4 weeks as needed to promote continued weight loss

    • Goal weight loss is 1-2 lbs/week

    • Weight loss results vary significantly between individuals, depending on factors like dosage, genetics, and lifestyle choices.

    • GLP-1s are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes including aerobic exercise, weight training, 8 hours of quality nighttime sleep, and a high protein/high fiber reduced calorie diet

    • Typical average weight loss is 15-20% of total body weight over approximately 1.5 years

    • GLP-1s can be taken longterm and there is no set timeframe for discontinuing the medication

  • Who: Genetic testing is recommended (but not required) for adolescents who are over the 97th percentile and young adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 40, who started with obesity early in age and experience hyperphagia.

    Hyperphagia means that you are experiencing an unusually strong and constant drive to eat. It's more than just being hungry — it's like your brain is telling you to eat all the time, even when your body doesn’t need food. You may be seeking or asking for food constantly, sneaking food, waking at night to eat, or eating very quickly. It is all-consuming.

    How: The test is sent to your home and you will swab the inside of your cheek and send it to the lab. We will review results at your follow up appointment.

    Why: If you are positive for certain genetic variants, you may qualify for specific medications for your weight loss.

  • What is it: While genetic testing looks at your genes, phenotype testing looks at your actual traits or outcomes — how your body is functioning or expressing those genes. 

    Who: Anyone interested in understanding their obesity phenotype. Understanding your obesity phenotype helps pinpoint what drives your weight gain and what limits your ability to lose weight. 

    How: A test kit will be sent to your home and you will collect a simple saliva test. Results take 3-5 weeks. We will review results at your follow up appointment.

    Why: Once we have your results we can make a personalized, effective weight loss plan based on your phenotype.

  • Genotype is the genetic blueprint (what could happen)
    Phenotype is the actual outcome (what did happen)

    ____

    Your genotype is like the recipe you start with. It’s your body’s blueprint — the DNA you’re born with.
    🍕 Maybe the recipe says “pepperoni pizza with extra cheese.”

    Your phenotype is the pizza that actually comes out of the oven. It’s what people can see and measure — your height, eye color, metabolism, even how your body responds to food or exercise.
    🔥 Maybe your oven runs hot and burns the crust, or you ran out of cheese — so the final pizza isn’t exactly what the recipe said.

  • Anyone can qualify for phenotype testing.  Genetic testing is for patients with BMI>/=97th percentile or BMI >= 40.   

    Click here to learn more.

  • We follow all state and federal guidelines. We use only HIPAA compliant software and a HIPAA compliant electronic medical record (EMR).

    You may view our Notice of Privacy Practices here.

  • We use Healthie as our electronic medical record. You can download the Healthie app

    Google App ‍ / ‍ Apple App

  • Once you have an account, you can secure message us in your Healthie account through the website or app.

    Click here for a free consultation

  • Services are currently available in Hawaii. Please request a consultation and we will let you know when our we are available in your state.

    Our mailing address is:
    NovaFit
    111 Hekili Street, Suite A297
    Kailua, HI 96734

FAQ

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