Expert Care For Every Stage

Obesity and Menopause Specialist Rhode Island

True North Medical provides personalized, evidence-based care focused on obesity medicine, metabolic health, and menopause.

Healthcare professionals

About True North Medical

True North Medical is a concierge-style, nurse practitioner–owned medical practice dedicated to helping adults achieve lasting improvements in their health through evidence-based obesity medicine, metabolic health, and midlife wellness. Our philosophy is simple: healthcare should be personal, comprehensive, compassionate, and built around long-term relationships not rushed appointments or one-size-fits-all solutions.
At True North Medical, we believe that obesity is a complex, chronic disease, not a failure of willpower. We also recognize that hormonal changes during midlife, including perimenopause and menopause, can profoundly affect weight, metabolism, energy, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. Our mission is to help patients navigate these challenges with expert medical guidance, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support.

Our Services

Comprehensive care focused on weight management, metabolic health, and healthy ageing.

Obesity & Weight Management

  • Obesity evaluations
  • Nutrition counselling
  • Lifestyle coaching
  • FDA approved medications including GLP/GIP therapies
  • Weight maintenance plans

Metabolic Health

  • Insulin resistance
  • Prediabetes & Diabetes
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Blood pressure support
  • Cardiovascular risk reduction

Menopause Care

  • Hot flashes & night sweats
  • Sleep & mood support
  • Brain fog & fatigue
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Bone health guidance

Body Composition Analysis

  • InBody® 580 assessment
  • Muscle mass tracking
  • Body fat analysis
  • Visceral fat monitoring
  • Metabolic health insights
A Different Kind of Healthcare Experience

Healthcare Built on Experience, Empathy & Partnership

True North Medical was founded on the belief that patients deserve healthcare that is accessible, compassionate, and rooted in genuine partnership.

100+
Pounds Lost & Maintained

Having successfully lost more than 100 pounds and maintained that weight loss, our founder understands firsthand the physical and emotional challenges patients face.

This lived experience creates a unique connection with patients by combining clinical expertise, empathy, and practical guidance.

Our goal isn't simply helping patients lose weight. It's helping them improve their health, increase confidence, prevent chronic disease, and build habits that last a lifetime.

At True North Medical, we help every patient navigate their health journey with confidence, clarity, and expert medical care because everyone deserves the opportunity to find their true north.
Our Approach to Patient Care

Personalized Care Built Around You

At True North Medical, patients are never treated like a number. We intentionally schedule longer appointments to allow time for meaningful conversations, education, and collaborative decision-making.

We strive to understand your medical history, lifestyle, goals, barriers, and motivations so we can create a treatment plan that truly fits your life.

Every patient receives a personalized care plan built around the Four Pillars of Obesity Treatment.

Medical

  • Comprehensive medical evaluation
  • Evidence-based medications
  • Laboratory assessment
  • Management of obesity-related conditions

Nutrition

  • Sustainable eating strategies
  • Meal planning
  • Portion guidance
  • Medically supervised meal replacement programs

Physical Activity

  • Individualized exercise recommendations
  • Muscle preservation strategies
  • Functional movement planning
  • Lifelong activity progression

Behavioral Health

  • Habit formation
  • Emotional eating strategies
  • Stress management
  • Sleep optimization
  • Long-term behavior change
Meet Your Provider

Jennifer "Jenny" Barlow, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Founder & Owner of True North Medical • Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner • Obesity Medicine • Metabolic Health • Menopause Care

Combining more than 25 years of healthcare experience with a personal weight-loss journey of over 100 pounds, Jenny brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, empathy, and evidence-based care to every patient relationship.

25+

Years of Healthcare Experience

100+

Pounds Lost & Maintained

FNP-C

Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner

APRN

Full Practice Authority in Rhode Island

Professional Background

Jennifer "Jenny" Barlow, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and owner of True North Medical, a concierge-style medical practice specializing in obesity medicine, metabolic health, and perimenopause and menopause care.

She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner credentialed through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and licensed with Full Practice Authority in Rhode Island.

Throughout her career, Jenny has worked across emergency medical services, nursing, primary care, college health, refugee medicine, and medical leadership.

Most recently, she served as Medical Director of the Weight & Wellness Institute, leading multidisciplinary teams and expanding comprehensive obesity treatment services.

Professional Memberships

  • Obesity Medicine Association (OMA)
  • The Menopause Society
  • Advanced continuing education in obesity medicine
  • Evidence-based women's midlife health training
Jenny remains committed to staying at the forefront of obesity medicine, metabolic health, and menopause care through ongoing education and specialized training.

Clinical Philosophy & Areas of Expertise

Obesity Medicine

Jenny recognizes obesity as a chronic, complex disease rather than a failure of willpower and believes treatment should address the whole person.

Four Pillars Approach

Medical management, nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral health form the foundation of every treatment plan.

Personalized Treatment

Lifestyle interventions, FDA-approved medications, meal replacement programs, and ongoing coaching tailored to each patient.

Menopause Care

Evidence-based support for weight gain, hot flashes, sleep issues, mood changes, sexual health concerns, and metabolic changes.

A Personal Journey

More Than Clinical Expertise

What makes Jenny's approach unique is the combination of extensive clinical experience and lived experience.

After personally losing more than 100 pounds and maintaining that weight loss for years, she understands firsthand the physical and emotional challenges of obesity and long-term weight management.

This personal journey allows her to connect with patients through empathy, understanding, and authenticity that extends beyond textbooks and clinical guidelines.

The True North Medical Difference

Jenny has built True North Medical around accessibility, education, trust, and partnership. She believes exceptional healthcare cannot be rushed and is founded on regular follow-up, individualized care, and meaningful patient relationships.

Whether helping patients improve metabolic health, achieve sustainable weight loss, or navigate menopause, her mission is to empower every patient to take control of their health and discover their own True North.

Trusted Expertise.
Personalized Care.

  • Founder & Owner True North Medical
  • Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
  • Licensed APRN Full Practice Authority in Rhode Island
  • Active Member Obesity Medicine Association (OMA)
  • Active Member The Menopause Society
"

Mission Statement

My goal is to partner with patients through every stage of their health journey by combining evidence-based medicine, personalized care, and compassionate support.

I believe every person deserves a provider who listens, educates, and empowers them to make lasting changes that improve not only their weight, but their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

Together, we'll navigate your health and help you find your True North.

Insurance and Coverage Information

We encourage patients to contact the office to confirm current insurance participation and discuss billing questions before their visit.

  • BCBS RI
  • Anthem BCBS
  • BCBS MA
  • Tricare East
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • United Health
  • Neighborhood
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Federal BCBS
  • Tufts
  • Harvard Pilgrim

Please contact our office to verify your specific plan.

What Patients Value About Our Practice

We strive to create a supportive experience where patients feel heard, respected, and guided throughout their mental health care journey.

Patient portal for online appointments, records, and telehealth access

What Patients Value About Our Practice

Patient Portal is a secure, convenient, and easy-to-use website that gives you round-the-clock access to your health information. View labs, medications and health records. Get reminders. Exchange messages with your provider. Stay informed and take charge of your health!

Here’s what you can do with our portal
  • checkView lab results
  • checkSend & receive messages securely
  • checkAccess health records
  • checkBook appointments online
  • checkGet statements and receipts online
  • checkView Providers’ notes
Patient Portal Login

Need help logging in? Call us at 401-324-2232

Stay Connected on the Go

Access your health record with the healow TM smartphone app. Along with the features you get with our Patient Portal, the healow app can manage multiple accounts (all family members), set medication and appointment reminders, and use trackers to help manage health. The healow app is a secure and convenient way to manage what’s important and puts YOU in control of your health.

healow is available free on the Apple app store and Google Play store.

Download free healow smartphone app
App Store Play Store

To learn more about healow, click here

healow app for virtual visits and medical records

Getting Started Is Simple

Download the healow app
Step 1

Download the healow app from App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android Phone).

Search practice code in healow app
Step 2

Search for our practice by entering this unique code on the healow app - DEGCED.

Enter portal username and password
Step 3

Enter your portal username and password.

Set PIN for secure access
Step 4

Set up your PIN to securely access your health record.

Use this unique code to search our practice on the healow app

Practice Unique Code
DEGCED

Take the First Step Towards your Health Journey

If you are looking for Obesity and Menopause care, True North Medical is here to help you begin with compassionate, professional guidance.