Seeking professional guidance for weight management often leads to confusion about the specialist’s title. The medical community acknowledges that weight is not simply a matter of diet and exercise, but a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetics, environment, and metabolism. This recognition established a formal medical specialty dedicated to the comprehensive, long-term treatment of this condition.
The Specialized Name for Weight Doctors
The formal specialty dedicated to the medical treatment of obesity is known as Obesity Medicine. A physician who practices this specialty is most accurately referred to as an Obesity Medicine Specialist or, less formally, a bariatrician. These titles signify a medical doctor who has pursued additional, specialized training beyond their primary residency in fields like internal medicine, pediatrics, or family medicine.
To demonstrate a high level of competency, many specialists seek board certification through the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). A physician who successfully passes the rigorous certification examination and meets educational requirements is designated as an ABOM Diplomate. This certification signifies specialized knowledge in providing evidence-based care for obesity.
Scope of Treatment Provided
Obesity Medicine Specialists view obesity as a chronic condition requiring continuous, individualized care, much like diabetes or hypertension. Their approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing to uncover underlying factors. This evaluation helps identify metabolic issues, hormonal imbalances, and other health conditions that may be contributing to a patient’s weight.
Treatment is personalized and combines several non-surgical strategies for sustainable results. A core focus involves intensive lifestyle interventions, including guidance on personalized nutrition plans and physical activity tailored to the patient’s current health status. Specialists also provide behavioral modification counseling to help patients develop long-term habits and coping mechanisms for stress, sleep, and emotional eating. They are also experts in using FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, which manage appetite, reduce cravings, and improve metabolic health when appropriate.
Medical Management Versus Surgical Options
The Obesity Medicine Specialist is primarily focused on medical management, which involves all non-surgical methods of treatment. They utilize diet, lifestyle changes, and pharmacotherapy to help patients achieve a healthier weight. This type of specialist manages the patient’s care longitudinally, often for many years, to prevent weight regain and manage related health complications.
This contrasts with a Bariatric Surgeon, a medical doctor trained to perform surgical procedures for weight loss, such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. While both treat obesity, their methods are distinct: the surgeon intervenes structurally, while the specialist intervenes medically and behaviorally. These specialists commonly work collaboratively, with the Obesity Medicine Specialist managing the patient’s health both before and after bariatric surgery to ensure the best long-term outcome.
Locating a Certified Specialist
Locating a qualified Obesity Medicine Specialist requires verifying their specialized training. The most reliable way to find a certified physician is by using the official directories maintained by professional organizations. Both the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) and the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) offer online search tools to locate Diplomates in your area.
It is also advisable to speak with your primary care physician, who may provide a direct referral to a trusted specialist within your healthcare network. Before scheduling, confirm with your insurance provider whether the specialist is covered under your plan and if a referral is necessary for consultation and treatment coverage.