What is a Bariatric Physician?
A Bariatric Physician is a licensed physician who specializes in evaluating and treating excess weight and obesity and their
associated conditions. These physicians have backgrounds in numerous medical fields such as family practice, internal
medicine and obstetrics and gynecology.
How Can a Bariatric Physician Help Me?
A Bariatric Physician will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess all the various factors that contribute to and perpetuate the
weight problem. This evaluation includes a complete history, physical exam and laboratory testing. Included in this
evaluation are the assessment of current and past medical problems, medications, historical weight patterns, previous weight loss
attempts, behavioral eating patterns and a dietary/nutrition evaluation. This initial evaluation is designed to uncover any
medical, metabolic or behavioral problems that need to be addressed.
Subsequently, an individualized and problem-focused treatment plan will be implemented based on the patient’s goals and
preferences. This plan includes a nutrition strategy, behavioral change plan, an exercise prescription and, if warranted,
the use of medications to help control hunger. Frequent follow-up includes: education, trouble shooting, goal-setting, encouragement,
accountability, and monitoring of safety.
Once a patient’s weight loss goals are met, planning of a long term maintenance program is crucial to help insure long term weight loss.
What Benefit Can Even a Modest Weight Loss Bring?
A modest (5%-10%) weight loss can significantly decrease the risk of, and improve the conditions of:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Gastro-Esophageal Reflux
- Infertility
- Mood Disorders
- Menstrual Disorders
- It can even decrease the risk of various cancers such as ovarian, breast, prostate, uterine and colon.
What Are Some Factors that We Know Contribute to Maintaining a Healthy Weight?
- Regular Exercise
- Frequent, small meals (not one or two large meals)
- Eating Breakfast
- Avoiding trigger foods and handling trigger situations
- Self-Monitoring- Weighing yourself regularly and setting limits on weight gain.
- Having long term accountability and follow up
Dr. Anthony Burden graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine with his doctorate
in Medicine in 1987. He completed his residency in family practice at Saint Vincent Heath Center in Erie, Pennsylvania and in 1990
became board certified in family practice. Dr. Burden is also board certified in Bariatric Medicine.
