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https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1992022719&view=plain

Alicia Shelly, MD

Specialties

Internal Medicine
Obesity Medicine

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Book an appointment

Alicia Shelly, MD

Internist with Wellstar since 2014.

Specialties

Internal Medicine
Obesity Medicine

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Internist with Wellstar since 2014
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly image of Alicia Shelly MD Alicia Shelly, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

Specialties

  • Internal Medicine
  • Obesity Medicine

Education & Training

  • Case Western Reserve University

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • St. Mary's Medical Center

Certifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine

Languages spoken

  • English

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.8

Based on 518 patient ratings

Listened to me carefully
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

The visit went well.

May 11, 2025

5

Excellent professional personal care given to each patient.

May 10, 2025

5

All was good

May 10, 2025

5

Great staff.

April 16, 2025

5

Staff were very friendly and professional.

April 16, 2025

5

Always good care provided

April 6, 2025

5

The lab where the blood was drawn, just let me and one other person sit waiting for about 20 minutes. I didn't appreciate that.

March 26, 2025

5

My visit to doctor was great didn't stay to long.

March 2, 2025

5

Each time I visit I'm greeted with the upmost respect and a very friendly attitude from the staff. I truly love them all.

February 19, 2025

5

Takes too long. Otherwise very happy.

February 19, 2025

5

Yes, my provider is my primary physician. He sees my needs and my wants and tells me what it was that hurt me and I appreciate that. Thank you.

February 19, 2025

5

I followed this provider from where she was before coming to WellSTAR, and she is a fantastic provider, so I drive a long distance to come and see her. And the practice has been great. They actually get you in when they say they will, and she takes care of and responds to all of your needs. Thank you.

February 12, 2025

5

I've never had such a wonderful experience at a doctor's appointment before. From check in to the medical staff everyone was friendly and compassionate.

February 9, 2025

5

Excellent Doctor!!!

February 6, 2025

5

Excellent experience.

January 19, 2025

5

My experience was very pleasant. I felt as though they listened to me and the bedside manner is excellent.

January 19, 2025

5

The video appointment was very easy and I enjoyed being able to see and talk to my doctor.

January 19, 2025

5

Very thankful with my care with them ty

January 13, 2025

5

great job!

January 4, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the care my physician provides. She listens and and responds to my concerns and questions. I feel very comfortable with her.

January 1, 2025

5

Great experience

December 22, 2024

5

Thank you so much !!!!!

December 18, 2024

5

Geeat doctor and staff

December 17, 2024

5

Such great care and treatment is given by all the staff from arrival to departure. It is a unique but welcome "going to the doctor" experience.

December 15, 2024

5

I felt very cared for.

December 12, 2024

5

Very very good

December 11, 2024

5

The staff there are great

December 7, 2024

4

The friendly staff.

December 5, 2024

3

She did very well. She did a good job. A hundred percent good job.

November 28, 2024

5

Over scheduled today, I waited one hour.

November 24, 2024

5

The visit went well.

May 11, 2025

5

Excellent professional personal care given to each patient.

May 10, 2025

5

All was good

May 10, 2025

5

Great staff.

April 16, 2025

5

Staff were very friendly and professional.

April 16, 2025

5

Always good care provided

April 6, 2025

5

The lab where the blood was drawn, just let me and one other person sit waiting for about 20 minutes. I didn't appreciate that.

March 26, 2025

5

My visit to doctor was great didn't stay to long.

March 2, 2025

5

Each time I visit I'm greeted with the upmost respect and a very friendly attitude from the staff. I truly love them all.

February 19, 2025

5

Takes too long. Otherwise very happy.

February 19, 2025

5

Yes, my provider is my primary physician. He sees my needs and my wants and tells me what it was that hurt me and I appreciate that. Thank you.

February 19, 2025

5

I followed this provider from where she was before coming to WellSTAR, and she is a fantastic provider, so I drive a long distance to come and see her. And the practice has been great. They actually get you in when they say they will, and she takes care of and responds to all of your needs. Thank you.

February 12, 2025

5

I've never had such a wonderful experience at a doctor's appointment before. From check in to the medical staff everyone was friendly and compassionate.

February 9, 2025

5

Excellent Doctor!!!

February 6, 2025

5

Excellent experience.

January 19, 2025

5

My experience was very pleasant. I felt as though they listened to me and the bedside manner is excellent.

January 19, 2025

5

The video appointment was very easy and I enjoyed being able to see and talk to my doctor.

January 19, 2025

5

Very thankful with my care with them ty

January 13, 2025

5

great job!

January 4, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the care my physician provides. She listens and and responds to my concerns and questions. I feel very comfortable with her.

January 1, 2025

5

Great experience

December 22, 2024

5

Thank you so much !!!!!

December 18, 2024

5

Geeat doctor and staff

December 17, 2024

5

Such great care and treatment is given by all the staff from arrival to departure. It is a unique but welcome "going to the doctor" experience.

December 15, 2024

5

I felt very cared for.

December 12, 2024

5

Very very good

December 11, 2024

5

The staff there are great

December 7, 2024

5

Over scheduled today, I waited one hour.

November 24, 2024

4

The friendly staff.

December 5, 2024

3

She did very well. She did a good job. A hundred percent good job.

November 28, 2024

3

She did very well. She did a good job. A hundred percent good job.

November 28, 2024

4

The friendly staff.

December 5, 2024

5

The visit went well.

May 11, 2025

5

Excellent professional personal care given to each patient.

May 10, 2025

5

All was good

May 10, 2025

5

Great staff.

April 16, 2025

5

Staff were very friendly and professional.

April 16, 2025

5

Always good care provided

April 6, 2025

5

The lab where the blood was drawn, just let me and one other person sit waiting for about 20 minutes. I didn't appreciate that.

March 26, 2025

5

My visit to doctor was great didn't stay to long.

March 2, 2025

5

Each time I visit I'm greeted with the upmost respect and a very friendly attitude from the staff. I truly love them all.

February 19, 2025

5

Takes too long. Otherwise very happy.

February 19, 2025

5

Yes, my provider is my primary physician. He sees my needs and my wants and tells me what it was that hurt me and I appreciate that. Thank you.

February 19, 2025

5

I followed this provider from where she was before coming to WellSTAR, and she is a fantastic provider, so I drive a long distance to come and see her. And the practice has been great. They actually get you in when they say they will, and she takes care of and responds to all of your needs. Thank you.

February 12, 2025

5

I've never had such a wonderful experience at a doctor's appointment before. From check in to the medical staff everyone was friendly and compassionate.

February 9, 2025

5

Excellent Doctor!!!

February 6, 2025

5

Excellent experience.

January 19, 2025

5

My experience was very pleasant. I felt as though they listened to me and the bedside manner is excellent.

January 19, 2025

5

The video appointment was very easy and I enjoyed being able to see and talk to my doctor.

January 19, 2025

5

Very thankful with my care with them ty

January 13, 2025

5

great job!

January 4, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the care my physician provides. She listens and and responds to my concerns and questions. I feel very comfortable with her.

January 1, 2025

5

Great experience

December 22, 2024

5

Thank you so much !!!!!

December 18, 2024

5

Geeat doctor and staff

December 17, 2024

5

Such great care and treatment is given by all the staff from arrival to departure. It is a unique but welcome "going to the doctor" experience.

December 15, 2024

5

I felt very cared for.

December 12, 2024

5

Very very good

December 11, 2024

5

The staff there are great

December 7, 2024

5

Over scheduled today, I waited one hour.

November 24, 2024

5

The visit went well.

May 11, 2025

5

Excellent professional personal care given to each patient.

May 10, 2025

5

All was good

May 10, 2025

5

Great staff.

April 16, 2025

5

Staff were very friendly and professional.

April 16, 2025

5

Always good care provided

April 6, 2025

5

The lab where the blood was drawn, just let me and one other person sit waiting for about 20 minutes. I didn't appreciate that.

March 26, 2025

5

My visit to doctor was great didn't stay to long.

March 2, 2025

5

Each time I visit I'm greeted with the upmost respect and a very friendly attitude from the staff. I truly love them all.

February 19, 2025

5

Yes, my provider is my primary physician. He sees my needs and my wants and tells me what it was that hurt me and I appreciate that. Thank you.

February 19, 2025

5

Takes too long. Otherwise very happy.

February 19, 2025

5

I followed this provider from where she was before coming to WellSTAR, and she is a fantastic provider, so I drive a long distance to come and see her. And the practice has been great. They actually get you in when they say they will, and she takes care of and responds to all of your needs. Thank you.

February 12, 2025

5

I've never had such a wonderful experience at a doctor's appointment before. From check in to the medical staff everyone was friendly and compassionate.

February 9, 2025

5

Excellent Doctor!!!

February 6, 2025

5

Excellent experience.

January 19, 2025

5

My experience was very pleasant. I felt as though they listened to me and the bedside manner is excellent.

January 19, 2025

5

The video appointment was very easy and I enjoyed being able to see and talk to my doctor.

January 19, 2025

5

Very thankful with my care with them ty

January 13, 2025

5

great job!

January 4, 2025

5

I am very satisfied with the care my physician provides. She listens and and responds to my concerns and questions. I feel very comfortable with her.

January 1, 2025

5

Great experience

December 22, 2024

5

Thank you so much !!!!!

December 18, 2024

5

Geeat doctor and staff

December 17, 2024

5

Such great care and treatment is given by all the staff from arrival to departure. It is a unique but welcome "going to the doctor" experience.

December 15, 2024

5

I felt very cared for.

December 12, 2024

5

Very very good

December 11, 2024

5

The staff there are great

December 7, 2024

4

The friendly staff.

December 5, 2024

3

She did very well. She did a good job. A hundred percent good job.

November 28, 2024

5

Over scheduled today, I waited one hour.

November 24, 2024

5

Over scheduled today, I waited one hour.

November 24, 2024

3

She did very well. She did a good job. A hundred percent good job.

November 28, 2024

4

The friendly staff.

December 5, 2024

5

The staff there are great

December 7, 2024

5

Very very good

December 11, 2024

5

I felt very cared for.

December 12, 2024

5

Such great care and treatment is given by all the staff from arrival to departure. It is a unique but welcome "going to the doctor" experience.

December 15, 2024

5

Geeat doctor and staff

December 17, 2024

5

Thank you so much !!!!!

December 18, 2024

5

Great experience

December 22, 2024

5

I am very satisfied with the care my physician provides. She listens and and responds to my concerns and questions. I feel very comfortable with her.

January 1, 2025

5

great job!

January 4, 2025

5

Very thankful with my care with them ty

January 13, 2025

5

The video appointment was very easy and I enjoyed being able to see and talk to my doctor.

January 19, 2025

5

My experience was very pleasant. I felt as though they listened to me and the bedside manner is excellent.

January 19, 2025

5

Excellent experience.

January 19, 2025

5

Excellent Doctor!!!

February 6, 2025

5

I've never had such a wonderful experience at a doctor's appointment before. From check in to the medical staff everyone was friendly and compassionate.

February 9, 2025

5

I followed this provider from where she was before coming to WellSTAR, and she is a fantastic provider, so I drive a long distance to come and see her. And the practice has been great. They actually get you in when they say they will, and she takes care of and responds to all of your needs. Thank you.

February 12, 2025

5

Takes too long. Otherwise very happy.

February 19, 2025

5

Yes, my provider is my primary physician. He sees my needs and my wants and tells me what it was that hurt me and I appreciate that. Thank you.

February 19, 2025

5

Each time I visit I'm greeted with the upmost respect and a very friendly attitude from the staff. I truly love them all.

February 19, 2025

5

My visit to doctor was great didn't stay to long.

March 2, 2025

5

The lab where the blood was drawn, just let me and one other person sit waiting for about 20 minutes. I didn't appreciate that.

March 26, 2025

5

Always good care provided

April 6, 2025

5

Staff were very friendly and professional.

April 16, 2025

5

Great staff.

April 16, 2025

5

All was good

May 10, 2025

5

Excellent professional personal care given to each patient.

May 10, 2025

5

The visit went well.

May 11, 2025

Publications and Articles

A smiling patient shakes hands with her healthcare provider.

What to Expect from Obesity Treatment

Friendly photo of Dr. Alicia Shelly, and reads The Weekly Check-up Atlanta


Dramatic weight loss stories from people taking new obesity and diabetes drugs have many patients asking their healthcare providers, “Could these be right for me?”

Dr. Alicia Shelly, an internal and obesity medicine physician at Wellstar, joined host Bruce Feinberg, DO, on 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Check-Up to talk about it all, including:

  • What to expect from obesity treatment today
  • Medication options and costs
  • How lifestyle coaching fits into treatment
  • When bariatric surgery may be appropriate

“Obesity is a chronic disease,” said Dr. Shelly. “There are multiple reasons why people gain weight and why it's harder for them to lose weight. But know that you don’t have to do it alone.”

What to expect at your obesity appointment

Your first visit to Wellstar Center for Best Health will typically last 30 to 45 minutes, and you’ll be asked about your:

  • Medical history
  • Past experiences trying to lose weight
  • Lifestyle, including exercise, sleep and eating habits
  • Stress and mental health

“If you’re struggling with obesity, this is probably not your first time trying to lose weight,” said Dr. Shelly. “We want to understand your journey with weight loss.”

The physical exam includes measuring a body’s composition of fat, muscle and water. She explained that a healthcare professional wants to know where you carry fat. Patients with a high proportion of stomach fat or visceral fat have a greater risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions.

Obesity medications take center stage

If you’re like many who come to Wellstar, you’ve heard about injectable medications like Wegovy and others. Similar medicines that can be taken by mouth are in clinical trials.

The drugs are called GLP-1s, which is short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. They act like a natural hormone that regulates appetite, slows stomach emptying and decreases insulin levels. As a result, many patients feel full longer, eat less and have better blood sugar control.

“The medications help turn off cravings and your appetite,” Dr. Shelly said. Patients also report less mental “noise” about food, such as musing after breakfast, “What am I going to eat for lunch?"

Without insurance coverage, GLP-1s can cost around $1,000 a month. If you have insurance that covers some or all of the drugs’ costs, you may need your insurance plan’s approval in advance. Wellstar nurse navigators can help you with this process.

If you can’t afford newer medications, there are additional options among older and less costly medications approved for weight loss.

Dr. Shelly noted that if cost and insurance weren’t barriers, she’d probably recommend medication for 75% of her patients. “Many people have already done a lot of diets and exercises in the past to lose weight, but the weight keeps coming back. And that’s because obesity is a chronic disease.”

Nutrition, exercise and behavioral healthcare are all part of obesity treatment

Healthy weight loss takes a combination of approaches, not just prescriptions, according to Dr. Shelly. If you are treated for obesity at Wellstar you’ll likely visit several clinicians, including:

  • A registered dietitian for personalized nutrition and meal planning
  • An exercise physiologist who develops routines that meet your physical condition
  • A psychologist who can help you with motivation, handling cravings and other behavioral factors in weight loss

A dietitian can help you understand the effects of food choices. Dr. Shelly referenced studies showing that eating high amounts of processed food, even with low calories, can hinder weight loss. She recommends cooking at home with fresh food and avoiding vending machines and fast food.

Lack of sleep is another overlooked issue in weight management. “Studies show that when you're sleeping under five hours, your hunger hormone increases, then your weight also increases,” she said. A behavioral health specialist can help you work on improving your sleep health if needed.

Have weight loss drugs eclipsed bariatric surgery?

For years, bariatric surgery on the stomach or intestines has been used to induce weight loss.

Bariatric surgery patients can lose an average of 30 to 35% of their body weight. This is higher than the average loss of patients taking the latest medications. Insurance plans often cover surgery because of the costly and serious medical complications of obesity.

Dr. Shelly stressed that care teams work with you to create treatment plans that fit your conditions, medical histories and personal situations. Then, your care team sticks by you throughout treatment.

She also encourages you to visit your doctors and learn more about new ways to treat obesity. “At Wellstar Centers of Best Health, we’re ready and able to help you,” she said.

To hear more from Dr. Shelly, you can listen to her podcast, “Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss.”

Continue reading this article
If you can’t stop gaining weight or simply aren’t seeing the pounds come off no matter what you do, it’s time to consult a primary care doctor or advanced practice professional (APP).

Overcome Obesity with the Help of a Primary Care Provider

You’re considered obese when your body mass index (BMI) reaches 30.0 or higher. Sometimes that means you gain 15 pounds, and nobody notices you’ve gotten much bigger. Sometimes it means you have a visible weight problem.

For U.S. adults aged 20 and over, there’s a 41.9% prevalence of obesity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That most likely makes it more common than you suspected. And, even if you don’t feel like you’re severely overweight, being obese—according to the numbers—means opening the door to a long list of potential health risks.

So, if you can’t stop gaining weight or simply aren’t seeing the pounds come off no matter what you do, it’s time to consult a primary care doctor or advanced practice professional (APP).


Understanding what causes chronic weight gain


“Physicians previously thought obesity was only due to overeating and less exercise,” said Dr. Alicia Shelly, a Wellstar primary care provider. “The advice was always to move more and eat less, but it never guaranteed they would lose significant weight.”

In recent years, there’s been a shift in understanding weight gain, where it can stem from and how broad the range of categories really is. You can be obese because of:

  • Medical conditions
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Thyroid issues
  • Genetics
  • Immune conditions
  • Environmental issues


The factors that impact your weight gain drastically affect your options for treatment and what lifestyle changes you need to make to see a difference.


The one constant of obesity

Even with so many factors potentially causing obesity, the one constant is its negative impact on your health.

“There are more than 200 complications that accompany obesity,” Dr. Shelly said. 

These include more serious issues like heart disease, liver disease, hypertension and diabetes, but also other risks like reproductive disorders, sleep apnea, joint pain and mood disorders.

“Losing only 5-10% of your current weight can prove beneficial at reducing the risk of many of these obesity-related complications,” Dr. Shelly shared.

Reducing your weight by just 2.5% percent can help lower your risk of diabetes, and losing just 5% percent of your weight can improve your overall quality of life.


Having the weight conversation with your provider

Being overweight—and talking about it—can sometimes be difficult. You may feel embarrassed or that your weight gain reflects poorly on you. However, seeing that so many factors can cause weight gain that may be out of your control, there’s no reason to fear this type of conversation. What’s important though, is having a doctor or APP you trust and who supports you.

Tips for discussing weight with your doctor

  1. Be ready to talk about your weight. This conversation may include answering questions that feel uncomfortable to you but will help your doctor provide the right level of care.
  2. Listen carefully to the health risks associated with your weight and be open to creating a strategy for even a modest weight loss, like 5-10 pounds.
  3. Participate in the creation of your treatment plan. Consider your doctor's recommendations, and speak up about what will or won’t work for you.
  4. Be open to losing weight at a realistic rate.


Your expectations for what weight loss should look like may be different than your health provider. However, it’s sometimes necessary to put your assumptions about weight loss aside. Use the information your doctor gives you to make an educated choice as to what’s best for your overall health.

There’s no rush to lose weight. What’s important is making positive changes that you can commit to indefinitely that will take weight off and allow you to keep it off.


What a weight loss plan may look like

Many weight loss plans begin with lifestyle changes. These can include changing how you handle stress, keeping a food journal or focusing on portion control. You may even have to add or remove certain foods or beverages from your diet.

With these changes should also come a plan for staying vigilant even when life throws a curveball to your routine.

“It is common for people to get overwhelmed with the challenges during their weight loss journey and quit,” Dr. Shelly said. “This is why a piece of your weight loss plan will include addressing potential challenges and mapping out ways to overcome them.”

Appetite suppressants may also assist with an effective weight loss plan. New weight management options have come on the market in recent years. Your doctor may prescribe an FDA-approved medication, but it’s good to know that most offer an average weight loss of anywhere between 6-15%, and all carry the possibility of side effects that range from insomnia to nausea to constipation.

Work closely with your doctor before taking any medication, and only use what they prescribe.


Beginning your weight loss journey

Once you’re motivated to start losing weight, the first step on your journey is to create a road map with a qualified medical professional as your guide. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or search for a primary care provider near you.

Continue reading this article
Book an appointment
Alicia Shelly, MD
Internist with Wellstar since 2014
Rating
4.8
Specialties
Internal Medicine , Obesity Medicine
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
Case Western Reserve University
Residency
St. Mary's Medical Center
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine
Spoken Languages
English
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/alicia-shelly-md
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For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

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