Today in the United States over 66% of the population is either overweight or obese and the trend is continuing to worsen. Health consequences of obesity include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, fatty liver, many different forms of cancer as well as sleep apnea.

Medical management and treatment of obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach including an appropriate individualized diet program, exercise, behavior modification and use of medications when necessary.

As most obese patients also have multiple medical problems including Diabetes, Hypertension and Elevated Cholesterol, close medical supervision is key in monitoring and adjusting a patient’s medication regimen. Many people are able to significantly reduce the dose or eliminate some or all of their medications after weight loss is achieved.

It also important to note that some of the medications that a patient is already on, may promote weight gain or inability to lose weight. Doctors who are trained in weight loss medicine can help identify medications that can interfere with weight loss.

Losing weight is only half of the equation; Maintenance of weight loss over time is the other half. The goal of a well run program is to accomplish both.