Medical Weight Loss In West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
What Is Clinically Guided Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss at Vero Health Center is a clinically guided approach to sustainable weight reduction that begins with an evaluation of the metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional factors that may be driving weight challenges. Rather than applying a standard calorie-restriction or exercise protocol, our program is built around each patient’s individual findings, which may include hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, gut health factors, or other systemic contributors. The goal is not just short-term weight reduction but a sustainable shift in how the body is functioning.
Who May Benefit From Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss at Vero Health Center may be appropriate for patients who have struggled to lose weight despite conventional diet and exercise approaches, patients whose weight gain appears connected to hormonal or metabolic changes, patients managing conditions such as insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, or other systemic factors that affect weight, and patients looking for a structured clinical program with professional oversight rather than a commercial weight loss product. An assessment will determine which factors are most relevant to your situation.
How Vero Health Center Builds Medical Weight Loss Plans
Medical weight loss at Vero Health Center begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s metabolic and hormonal profile, health history, and current lifestyle factors. The plan is built around what the evaluation finds, not around a predetermined protocol. Care is overseen by a licensed practitioner. Depending on the findings, care may address hormonal imbalances, gut health, nutritional patterns, and other contributing factors. Progress is tracked clinically throughout the program, and the plan is adjusted as the patient responds. Our approach is designed to produce results that last because the underlying drivers are addressed, not just the symptoms of weight gain.
Specific protocols, testing, and any supplement components are determined on a case-by-case basis. We encourage you to schedule an appointment to find out how Vero Health Center can help with your specific goals.
When Medical Weight Loss May Not Be Appropriate
Medical Weight Loss is not the right starting point for every patient. During your evaluation, our team reviews your health history, symptoms, examination findings, and any relevant imaging to determine whether this care fits your situation. If your symptoms point to a condition outside the clinic’s scope, we may recommend medical evaluation or referral before beginning care. Being clear about who this care does and does not fit is part of how Vero Health Center builds a plan you can trust.
What Our Patients Say
Related Services For Metabolic, Hormonal, And Digestive Health
Integrative Health
A coordinated approach that brings together various treatments and support best suited to your condition, goals, and overall well-being.
Gut Health
A functional wellness approach that uses evaluation of dietary patterns, digestive function, and systemic health markers to identify the contributors to gut dysfunction and build a targeted plan.
Hormone Therapy for Men
A clinically supervised treatment designed to address hormone deficiencies, particularly low testosterone, that affect energy, body composition, mood, cognitive clarity, and sexual function.
Hormone Therapy for Women
A clinically supervised approach to addressing the hormonal imbalances that commonly develop during perimenopause, menopause, and in other contexts involving estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone deficiency.
Meet The Team Behind Your Weight Loss Plan
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Sources And Clinical References
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical weight loss different from a diet program?
It is a clinical program that begins with a medical evaluation. Dietary guidance is one component, but the program is built around the patient’s specific metabolic and hormonal findings. That distinction is what separates it from a commercial diet product.
Can medical weight loss help if other programs have not worked?
Many patients who come to us have had short-term success with other programs but could not maintain results. If a hormonal, metabolic, or gut-related driver is behind that pattern, addressing the underlying cause tends to produce different outcomes than the programs that addressed surface behavior alone.
How long does a medical weight loss program last?
That depends on the patient’s goals, starting point, and the factors identified in the evaluation. After the initial assessment, you will have a realistic timeline before committing to the program.
Does insurance cover medical weight loss?
Coverage varies by plan and by the specific components included. We are in network with most major insurance companies including: Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare.
Serving West Des Moines and Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.