Obesity medicine is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to helping individuals who are struggling with weight-related health concerns. Obesity medicine physicians are healthcare professionals who specialize in the comprehensive management of obesity and its associated health conditions. They are here to support you and your family in achieving a healthy weight and improving overall well-being.

Understanding Obesity and its Impact

Obesity is a complex and chronic medical condition characterized by excess body weight due to a problem in the body’s ability to regulate weight much as hypertension is a disorder of blood pressure regulation. It can have significant health consequences, such as an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and mental health issues. Obesity medicine physicians understand the unique challenges faced by individuals living with obesity and are trained to address the medical, emotional, and lifestyle factors involved. 

Comprehensive Evaluation and Personalized Treatment

Obesity medicine physicians provide a comprehensive evaluation to understand your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. They take into account your medical history, lifestyle, dietary habits, physical activity level, and any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your weight gain. This individualized approach ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to your specific circumstances and puts you at the center of decisions about the plan of action.

Lifestyle Modification and Behavior Change

One of the key aspects of obesity medicine is helping you make sustainable lifestyle changes. Obesity medicine physicians provide guidance on healthy eating habits, portion control, meal planning, and physical activity. They work with you to develop realistic goals and provide support in implementing behavior changes that promote weight loss and improve overall health. By focusing on long-term behavior change, they help you achieve lasting results.

Medical Interventions

In some cases, lifestyle modifications alone may not be sufficient to achieve a healthy weight. When appropriate, obesity medicine physicians may incorporate medical interventions into your treatment plan. These interventions could include prescription medications that help reduce appetite or reduce fat absorption. They may also discuss the option of endoscopic bariatric (weight loss) procedures or bariatric and metabolic (weight loss) surgery and provide guidance throughout the process.

Monitoring and Support

Obesity medicine physicians play a crucial role in monitoring your progress and providing ongoing support. They regularly assess your weight and overall health to track changes and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They offer guidance, motivation, and education to help you overcome challenges and stay on track towards your weight loss goals. Even after achieving a healthy weight, they continue to monitor your progress, provide guidance on weight maintenance, and help you develop strategies to prevent weight regain. 

Collaboration with a Multidisciplinary Team

Obesity medicine physicians often work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, which may include registered dietitians and psychologists. This collaborative approach ensures that you receive comprehensive care addressing all aspects of obesity management. It also provides you with access to a wide range of expertise and support throughout your weight loss journey.