The term is derived from the greek word, “bari”, meaning weight. Bariatric medicine is the art and science of medical weight management.

Since obesity is a disease, it makes sense to treat it as one. The medical treatment of obesity and its associated conditions is called bariatric medicine.

Many factors, including metabolism, genetics, lifestyle and cultural differences can influence a person’s weight. While any doctor can offer a supervised diet program to patients, bariatricians are best at putting all the pieces of the puzzle together. They have the specialized knowledge, tools and techniques to design individualized programs for specific patient needs.

Guidance on exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes will be a part of everyone’s program. Often starting with small steps is the key to a remarkable journey into a new lifestyle.

Weight loss programs promising overnight results can be very tempting. But if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. The yo-yo effects of weight loss followed by weight gain are just physically dangerous as being constantly overweight.

Dr. Bruner is board certified in bariatric medicine. She was also the former President of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP). She will curtail a personalized weight loss program based on your specific needs. If you follow her recommendations, she will have you feeling better, looking better, and staying healthier.