Obesity Medicine
Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. is overweight. More than 2 in 5 adults, or approximately 42.4%, are obese. A body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 is classified as overweight, while a BMI of 30.0 or higher is considered obese. As BMI increases, so does a person’s health risks. People who are obese face numerous health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and many others. Penn Highlands Healthcare is here to help in the prevention, treatment and reversal of obesity. Our experienced physicians with expertise in obesity medicine treat obesity and associated medical problems by combining evidence-based medicine with individualized obesity treatment plans and lifestyle management to improve patient health outcomes.
Obesity Medicine Specialists: Your Path to Better Health
Penn Highlands Healthcare provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to obesity. Our physicians, who are board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, are highly skilled in treating the factors that contribute to obesity as well as the medical conditions that result from the excessive weight. Individualized treatment plans are developed that include a wide-range of strategies such as behavioral therapy, customized exercise plans and medications.
What is Obesity Medicine?
In 2013, obesity was recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association. The World Health Organization also recognizes obesity as a disease and defined it as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.” Obesity medicine involves the study, understanding and treatment of obesity.
Is There a Difference Between Obesity Medicine and Weight Loss Medicine?
Obesity Medicine is much more comprehensive than Weight Loss Medicine and Bariatric Medicine. While weight loss can be part of the treatment, Obesity Medicine treats many contributing factors to excessive weight as well as other conditions that the disease may cause such as sleep apnea, arthritis, high blood pressure and others.
What Type of Training does a Physician Receive who Specializes in Obesity Medicine?
An Obesity Medicine Specialist is a doctor who has pursued specialized training in obesity and is dedicated to helping individuals with weight loss, weight maintenance, and the identification and management of other weight-related issues. These specialists are certified physicians recognized by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Family Medicine
Obesity Medicine
Family Medicine Residency ClinicA Service of Penn Highlands DuBois
Penn Highlands Family Medicine - Developac RoadA Service of Penn Highlands DuBois
What Services does Obesity Medicine provide at Penn Highlands?
- Diabetes Care
- Exercise Program
- Choose to Lose Weight Management Program
- Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Care
- Lifestyle Counseling
- Nutrition Counseling
- Physical Therapy Referral
- Preventive Care and Screenings
- Psychological Referral
- Sleep Referral
- Weight-loss Medication Treatment
