Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates (ARA) is excited to announce the launch of the new ARA Wellness and Weight Loss Center. This service is designed to support ARA patients in their journey towards improved health. The program aims to provide access to effective weight loss treatments and medications for ARA patients dealing with obesity and related health conditions. ARA providers are committed to supporting their patients as they reduce medications, experience increased comfort during activities, and enjoy an overall improvement in well-being.
Individuals who are interested will undergo an evaluation to determine their eligibility for a personalized treatment plan, which encompasses counseling, lifestyle modifications, and may include weight loss medication. A BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 with weight-related conditions are the indications for consultation. If you have diabetes, we are unable to provide these services. Please consult your primary care provider or endocrinologist. If you are ready to take the first step towards a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle, contact 301.942.7600 to request an evaluation.
This service is currently available at ARA’s Rockville and Fairfax locations.
Participating ARA Physicians:
- Dr. Ashley Beall (Rockville)
- Dr. Daniel El-Bogdadi (Fairfax)
- Dr. Guada Respicio Duque, Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (Rockville)
- Dr. Rachel Kaiser, Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (Chevy Chase)
We are pleased to welcome a new dietitian to our healthcare team, Maggie Machaca, RD, LD. The addition of nutritional counseling is part of ARA’s commitment to enhancing your care and supporting your journey toward improved health and well-being.
Maggie is a registered and licensed dietitian with a strong background in nutritional counseling and obesity management, and is excited to bring her expertise to our patients. With Maggie as a part of the Wellness and Weight Loss Center team, we are expanding our ability to offer support for weight management, diabetes prevention, anti-inflammatory diets, and general wellness.
Maggie will work closely with your provider to coordinate your care. You may schedule an in-office or virtual consultation with her for a comprehensive assessment of your nutritional needs for weight loss. She is also available for follow-up visits to help you stay on track with your goals. We believe this collaboration will greatly enrich your experience and improve your outcome as we work together on your wellness journey.
Learn more about creating a personalized nutrition therapy journey today!
Full Body Composition Scan (DEXA)
Go beyond the scale and get a clearer picture of your body with a Full Body Composition Scan using advanced DEXA technology.
This quick, noninvasive scan provides clinically validated measurements of body fat percentage, lean mass, and fat distribution. Whether your goal is improving fitness, managing weight, or simply understanding your body better, this scan delivers objective, medical-grade data to support informed health and wellness decisions.
Available to all patients, the Full Body Composition Scan is offered as a self-pay service for $150. Scans are performed at our Washington, DC, Fairfax, Frederick, and both of our Rockville locations.
Who should consider this scan?
This scan is a great option if you:
- Want more meaningful insights than a standard scale or BMI can provide
- Are working toward fitness, strength, or body recomposition goals
- Want to track changes over time, even when the scale is not changing
- Are focused on long-term health, wellness, or performance
- Prefer precise, data-driven information to help guide nutrition and exercise plans
Additional details:
- Measures body fat percentage, lean mass, and regional fat distribution
- Ideal for baseline assessments and progress tracking
- Table weight limit: 350 pounds
Sample Body Composition Report
This is a de-identified sample body composition report provided for educational purposes only.