Weight Center

Obesity is a disease

Obesity is a disease caused by many environmental factors, but we don’t fully understand how it works yet. How your body stores fat, or body fat mass, is regulated in the brain in the same way your body regulates its temperature. 

We want to help support your journey and reduce the suffering related to your weight. Obesity is a disease, not a willpower issue, and it can be treated successfully.

At the Weight Center, we understand:

  • Being a patient is hard, but being a patient with obesity is even harder. Patients living with untreated obesity can struggle physically, emotionally, and mentally. You may have feelings of hopelessness, frustration, guilt, and shame.
  • Most people with obesity have tried many dieting and lifestyle attempts. These may work for a time but can be hard to maintain long-term.
  • A person is not responsible for the development of obesity. Some people are more likely to have obesity because of their genes and biology.
Weight Center: Healthy eating, woman preparing a salad in an open airy kitchen

We know that when patients fully accept that obesity is a disease and stop blaming themselves, their outcomes improve. Although lifestyle choices can contribute to, or improve obesity, the problem lies in the body’s fat mass regulation. 

We understand that the journey from untreated to treated obesity can be frustrating. We offer a compassionate and comprehensive approach to obesity care. By treating obesity, you can regain your health.

Our goal is to provide you with hope, encouragement, and support. We will tailor a treatment plan for you. 

How does obesity affect your health?

There are over 200 complications of obesity that can affect every body system. 

Obesity impacts the health of your Brain, Gastrointestinal tract, Heart, Lungs, Psychological wellbeing, Metabolism, Muscles and bones, Urinary tract.

Clinical obesity is when patients have signs, symptoms, or tests that indicate either the:

  • Abnormal functioning of organ systems
  • Limitation of daily functioning

How can the Weight Center treat obesity?

We use a team approach to support and treat our patients. Our team of trained obesity specialists works together to optimize patients’ nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral health. Our approach increases the likelihood that treatment is successful. 

Weight Center: Healthy activities woman hiking

Our providers diagnose and educate patients to decide together on the best treatment pathway. Treatments might include a combination of:

Positive impacts on health conditions and quality of life

Losing weight can impact many conditions and disease processes: 

  • Type 2 diabetes: Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. This may reduce dependency on medication and risk of complications.
  • Cardiovascular disease: Weight management can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, leading to increased physical activity and vitality.
  • Sleep apnea: Weight loss can improve sleep disorder symptoms, including sleep quality and daytime energy, which enhances overall daily functioning.
  • Joint pain (osteoarthritis): Reducing weight decreases stress on joints. This can mean less pain, improved mobility, and greater participation in physical activities.
  • Certain cancers: Weight loss may lower the risk of certain cancers, like breast cancer or colon cancer, improving long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
  • Fatty liver disease: Weight reduction can reverse liver damage. This can lead to better liver function and overall health, as well as reduced fatigue.
  • Depression and anxiety: Addressing obesity can enhance self-esteem and body image. This can mean improved mental health and social interactions.
  • Reproductive issues: Weight management can restore hormonal balance, improving fertility and sexual health, and enhancing relationships.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Weight loss can reduce symptoms, improving comfort and allowing for a more active lifestyle.
  • Hypertension: Losing weight can help lower blood pressure. This may reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health and activity levels.

Who is eligible for treatment at the Weight Center?

We treat adults, teens, and children and connect them with the most appropriate treatment and services. You may be eligible for treatment at the Weight Center if you have:

  • A body mass index (BMI) over 30 and a waist circumference or direct fat measurement that is elevated. In patients with a BMI greater than 35, obesity is confirmed, and a waist circumference isn’t needed.
  • Symptoms of obesity including:
    • Appetite changes such as a high degree of hunger, cravings, inability to feel full, food noise (excessive and intrusive thoughts about food that can interfere with daily life and eating habits)
    • Mental health changes
    • Problems with mobility or your ability to perform everyday activities, such as:
      • Bathing
      • Working
      • Going to school
      • Leaving your house
      • Caring for yourself or your family
    • Quality of life or physical functioning changes.
  • Chronic health problems that can be improved with the treatment of obesity, including:
    • Heart disease
    • Joint problems
    • Liver disease
    • Sleep apnea
    • Type 2 diabetes
  • A health condition that requires surgery or treatment, such as:
    • Fertility improvement treatments
    • Hernia repair surgery
    • Orthopaedic surgery
  • Been treated for obesity with surgical or endoscopic treatment and are concerned your disease is worsening again.

Our clinic is designed to treat individuals who have a diagnosis of obesity. If you don't have obesity and are seeking weight loss mainly for cultural or cosmetic reasons, you would not be an appropriate candidate. This might apply to people who have a lower BMI or waist circumference and just wish to lose weight.

What to expect at the Weight Center

When you receive treatment at our Center, you can expect comprehensive, compassionate care that includes support, education, and access to advanced treatment options.  

How to make an appointment at the Weight Center

You can self-refer to the Weight Center if you meet the screening criteria. Or one of your providers can refer you if you have a diagnosis of obesity. One of our secretaries will contact you to schedule your first appointment after we receive your referral. You can also call the Weight Center clinic closest to you to schedule an appointment.