What is an Obesity Medicine Doctor, and Do You Need One?
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetics, biology, environment, and behavior. Managing it effectively often requires specialized care, which is where an obesity medicine doctor comes in. If you’re wondering what they do, or if they could help you even after bariatric surgery, this post will cover everything you need to know.
PSA if you haven’t followed up with your bariatric surgeon, be sure and get bariatric-specific labs from your primary care doctor. This is a sample list of what is recommended from the ASMBS *updated in 2022.
What is an Obesity Medicine Doctor?
An obesity medicine doctor is a physician with specialized training in treating obesity using a comprehensive approach.
They can look at the whole picture including your health history, and medications that might hinder or help your energy balance (impacting weight), or refer you to care providers who specialize in therapies that would most support the patient. This could be someone who specializes in nutrition and behavior change like myself, or counselors, physical therapists, or exercise physiologists.
Some obesity medicine doctors also work closely with bariatric surgeons, either referring patients for surgery or providing follow-up care after surgery to support long-term weight management. They don’t replace a surgeon and vice versa.
Why see an Obesity Medicine Doctor?
Primary care doctors play an important role in overall health, but obesity medicine specialists have advanced training in managing obesity. Here are a few reasons to consider seeing one:
Personalized Care: They take the time to understand your unique situation, including medical history, lifestyle, and goals.
Expertise in Medications: They’re knowledgeable about FDA-approved medications for obesity management, appropriate dosages, and symptom management.
Focus on Body Composition: Obesity is not just about weight—it’s a disease of fat mass. Specialists assess factors like body composition and waist circumference to monitor progress.
Long-Term Support: They help patients maintain lean muscle mass and metabolic health, both critical for aging well and sustaining weight loss.
Continued care after Bariatric Surgery
If you’ve had bariatric surgery, you’ll still follow up with your surgeon, but an obesity medicine doctor can provide ongoing care for managing the chronic disease of obesity. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach to your health.
You don’t have to navigate your weight management journey alone! An obesity medicine doctor offers the expertise, tools, and support to help you achieve your health goals safely and effectively.
At Bariatric Food Coach, we complement that care with resources, education, and a community designed to keep you on track. Find out more about my services here.
How to find an Obesity Medicine Doctor
Finding the right provider is essential for your journey. You can locate a board-certified obesity medicine physician through the Obesity Medicine Association’s provider directory. Simply click on the “Find a Provider” tab to search for specialists in your area.
If you’re near Overland Park, Kansas, I highly recommend Dr. Courtney Younglove and her team at Heartland Weight Loss. Dr. Younglove, an OBGYN turned obesity medicine specialist, brings a unique perspective to her practice, especially in supporting women through menopause and managing obesity.
What to expect from an Obesity Medicine Doctor
When working with an obesity medicine doctor, you can expect a multidisciplinary approach tailored to your needs. This often includes:
Dietary Guidance: They work with dietitians (like me!) to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and nutritional needs.
Behavioral Support: Addressing the psychological and social aspects of eating habits.
Medication Management: Exploring safe and effective weight management medications. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved – they will help you find medications that are the best for you, your budget, your symptoms, and your comfort.
Collaborative Care: Coordinating with other specialists, including bariatric surgeons and exercise physiologists.