What Type Of Doctor Should I See For Weight Loss?
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What Type Of Doctor Should I See For Weight Loss?
You might be wondering whether to see a weight loss specialist or your regular doctor. Here is who does what, and when each one makes sense.
What Type Of Doctor Should I See For Weight Loss?
For most people, the best first stop for weight loss is a primary care doctor. They can check your overall health, look for medical causes of weight gain, and refer you on.
From there, the main specialists are obesity medicine physicians (sometimes called bariatricians), registered dietitians and bariatric surgeons.
Obesity medicine physicians treat obesity without surgery. They combine diet, physical activity, behavior change and, when appropriate, FDA-approved weight loss medications.
Bariatric surgeons perform weight loss surgery. Large programs, such as Cleveland Clinic's medical weight management program, bring these providers together with psychologists and exercise physiologists.
| General Doctors | Dietitians and Nutritionists | Bariatric Physicians |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care doctors look at your weight in the context of your overall health. They can screen for related conditions, start treatment and refer you to specialists. | Registered dietitians create personalized eating plans and help you shop, cook and plan meals. They do not prescribe medication or perform surgery. | Obesity medicine (bariatric) physicians specialize in treating obesity with lifestyle therapy and, when appropriate, medication. They can refer you to a bariatric surgeon if surgery may help. |
Obesity is common. According to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, adult obesity in the U.S. rose from 30.5% in 1999–2000 to 42.4% in 2017–2018. Severe obesity rose from 4.7% to 9.2%.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric (weight loss) surgery changes the digestive system to help you lose weight. The most common types are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
According to NIDDK, it may be an option for adults with a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with a serious obesity-related health problem.
It is generally safe when done by an experienced team, but like any surgery it has risks. Some side effects appear right away and others later, and follow-up procedures are sometimes needed.
What are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?
The main benefit is weight loss. Surgery can also improve many health problems related to obesity.
Heart and Metabolic Health
Weight loss after surgery can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, which lowers strain on the heart.
Relief From Joint Pain
Extra weight puts stress on the joints. Losing weight can ease that load, reduce pain and improve mobility.
Fertility
Weight loss may improve ovulation and menstrual cycles in some women during the childbearing years. Doctors usually advise waiting to get pregnant until weight has stabilized after surgery.
Mood and Quality of Life
Many people report better mood and quality of life after weight loss. Mental health support before and after surgery is part of a good program.
Dietary Advice after Bariatric Surgery
After surgery you will eat very small meals slowly and chew well. You will not drink with meals, and you will wait about 30 minutes after eating before drinking.
You will need vitamin and mineral supplements for life. Your team's dietitian will give you a meal plan for each stage of recovery.
When Should I See a Doctor About Weight Loss?
See a doctor if you want help losing weight, especially if you have a related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or joint pain.
Also see a doctor if you are losing weight without trying. MedlinePlus advises calling your provider if you lose more than 10 pounds or 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months without explanation.
How Do Bariatric Doctors Help to Lose Weight?
Obesity medicine doctors build a plan around eating, activity, behavior change and, when appropriate, medication. Surgery is considered when these do not work well enough or when weight-related health problems are severe.
Benefits of a Bariatric Doctor
Your family doctor can give useful general advice. An obesity specialist adds deeper training in treating obesity as a chronic disease, including medication options and referral for surgery.
Here are some benefits of a bariatric doctor-
Using Multi-faceted Approach to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Bariatric doctors tailor treatment to each patient instead of relying on one approach.
Giving Dietary Advice to Improve Food Choices
Many people do not need surgery. Better eating habits, guided by a doctor or dietitian, may be enough, and plans are matched to your health conditions.
Making a Customized Exercise Plan for Each Patient's Needs
People start with different health conditions and fitness levels. A customized exercise plan is safer and easier to follow.
Giving Behavioral Therapy
You are the one who follows the plan each day. Behavioral support helps you stay motivated and build habits that last.
Safe Surgery for Permanent Weight Loss
When surgery is appropriate, a specialist can refer you to an experienced surgical team. Surgery is a tool, not a guarantee; long-term results depend on eating habits and follow-up care.
How to Choose a Bariatric Surgery Program
Look for a surgeon and hospital with a lot of experience doing these operations.
A strong program includes surgeons, obesity medicine physicians, psychologists, nurses and dietitians. It offers counseling before surgery and long-term follow-up after.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, and check what your insurance covers.
In conclusion
Start with your primary care doctor. They can refer you to an obesity medicine specialist, a dietitian, or a bariatric surgeon if surgery may be right for you.
Bariatric surgery is generally safe with an experienced team, but it is a major operation that requires lifelong changes.
Sources
- Medical Weight Management, Cleveland Clinic
- Weight-loss (Metabolic and Bariatric) Surgery, NIDDK
- Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity Among Adults: United States, 2017–2018, CDC National Center for Health Statistics
- Weight loss - unintentional, MedlinePlus
