Business Profile: Severna Park Man Opens Weight-Loss Clinic

Growing up in Severna Park, Sean Kostkowski, 25, was fit and trim as a former standout high school and college lacrosse player. But that wasn't the case for his younger brother Dave Kostkowski, 21.

Sean Kostkowski watched Dave cope with the social aspects of being overweight throughout his adolescent and teen years—a time he described as "brutal."

It was that time in his life that prompted Sean Kostkowski to open CoreLife, a weight-loss/management clinic in the Severna Park Village shopping center. The center is tucked away at the end of the upstairs portion of the Severna Park Village shopping center, next to a dentist office.

CoreLife opened earlier this month and about 30 people of all ages, male and female, from all over the county have joined, Kostkowski said. 

Kostkowski earned a lacrosse scholarship to the University of Delaware where he studied history, thinking he was on track to becoming a lawyer. However, that plan was derailed when he realized that his passion centered on helping people overcome obesity.

"Never far from my mind was the concern, interest and desire to help with weight loss. I was amazed that there were few real solutions for people struggling with weight loss," he said.

In an email to Patch, Kostkowski said people in the U.S. spend about $40 billion each year on ineffective diet and weight-loss products.

"Unfortunately, there are no magic meals, drinks or videos," he wrote.

He sees his new venture as a permanent solution to weight loss. Potential customers are screened with blood work first and then move to becoming a client. From there, the program is supervised by Dr. Stephen Izzi. Vitamin B12 shots are part of the regime along with a fitness and nutrition program.

"In many cases, there are underlying medical conditions (nutrient decencies, hormonal, medication side effects, thyroid, digestive issues, depression, aging,slow metabolism, etc.) that hinder or completely stop the weight-loss process," Koskowski said in an email. 

"Pinpointing the problem and seeking help or medical treatment can often put someone on the right path to permanent weight loss."

Located in the back corner of the building, the setting is spacious but private. The fitness room boasts new equipment and private sessions are offered with a personal trainer.

"Unlike traditional gyms, our facility is reserved for our patients to exercise in a private, caring and goal focused manner. We are here to lose weight without feeling intimidated or embarrassed," he said.