Working with a Healthcare Provider Who Specializes in Obesity (Bariatric Doctor)

Obesity is a complex condition. A general doctor can help you with weight loss. But a bariatric doctor (bariatrician) has specialized training in how to treat obesity. Those that do weight-loss surgery are called bariatric surgeons.

Obesity is a chronic health condition in which excess body fat can affect your health. Your doctor may use body mass index (BMI), along with other information about your health, to check whether you have obesity.

If you have obesity, treatment can help. It's important to get treatment. Obesity can lead to serious health problems, such as:

• High blood sugar (type 2 diabetes).
• Arthritis.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Heart disease.
• Stroke.
• Sleep apnea.
• Liver disease.
• Certain lung diseases.
• Certain cancers.

You may start your treatment with your primary doctor. But if you need more help, you may want to see a bariatric doctor. They may have new ideas or weight loss methods that can help you.

At your first visit, your bariatric doctor may:

• Ask about your health history. This includes your history of eating habits, exercise, and weight loss.
• Give you a physical exam. This includes BMI, waist-to-hip ratio measurement, and blood pressure.

You may need some tests. These are to check for health factors linked to obesity. They also look for health problems that can cause weight gain. Tests may check your:

• Blood sugar levels to look for diabetes.
• Lipid and cholesterol levels.
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.
• Liver function.
• Kidney function.
• Vitamin D levels.
• Heart rhythm (electrocardiogram).
• Heart function during exercise.
• Resting metabolic rate, to see how many calories you burn at rest.

Your bariatric doctor will create a plan for you. The plan is based on your health needs and preferences. Your doctor will:

• Find out how ready you are to begin an exercise program.
• Help you make realistic weight-loss goals.
• Give you a nutrition plan.
• Tell you to keep a food diary.
• Talk with you about a weight-loss medicine, if needed.

They'll give you information about:

• Healthy eating habits.
• Healthy exercise habits.
• How to change health behaviors.
• How mental health affects obesity.
• The complications of obesity.
• The benefits and risks of medicines.

At each follow-up visit, your bariatric doctor will check your progress. They'll also make changes to your plan as needed. As you lose weight and your health improves, your doctor might change some of your medicines. Depending on your health and goals, your doctor may also talk with you about weight-loss surgery as a treatment option.

Talk first with your primary doctor. They may be able to refer you to a bariatric doctor. You can also go to the Obesity Medicine Association website at www.obesitymedicine.org. It has an online listing of providers. You can search for ones in your area.