How to Build an Obesity Treatment Team

“Because obesity affects so many different body parts and organ systems, it’s tough for one doctor to handle it all by themselves,” says John Morton, MD, MPH, medical director of bariatric surgery and an obesity medicine specialist at Yale New Haven Health System in Connecticut. The following specialists can each play a distinct role in your care.

“Right now, we’re in the very beginning of modern obesity treatment,” says Dr. Morton. “A lot of the practices around how you initiate, escalate, and de-escalate therapy are still being figured out.”

If you require more specialized care than what your primary care provider can offer, they will likely refer you to an obesity medicine physician.

An obesity medicine specialist, or bariatric healthcare provider, has undergone specific training on obesity and is well versed in the latest weight loss research and treatment recommendations.

These specialists can screen for health conditions related to obesity (such as type 2 diabetes), suggest lifestyle changes to support weight loss efforts, and recommend medications or other interventions. They’ll also set up a schedule to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

A nutrition professional, such as a registered dietitian, is an important member of your obesity treatment team. “They can give you advice on what to eat, how to shop for food, and how to prepare it,” says Morton.

“When you’re changing something like eating, which you do three or four times a day, each and every day, it can be stressful,” says Morton. “So you want to make sure you’re well prepared for that challenge, and that’s where psychological support comes into play.”

• An endocrinologist to treat more complex cases of diabetes
• A cardiologist to treat heart disease
• A hepatologist to treat liver disease
• A nephrologist to treat kidney disease
• An orthopedist to treat joint issues
• A sleep medicine specialist to treat obstructive sleep apnea

“Whoever is quarterbacking your care — whether it be your primary care physician or someone else — they can reach out to these other team members to add them to your care team,” says Morton. “And a lot of this care can be delivered virtually, through telehealth, so it doesn’t all need to be done under one roof.”

• Obesity care is most effective when you use a team of healthcare providers that work together to address medical, nutritional, physical, and behavioral factors.
• Core members of an obesity treatment team often include a primary care physician or obesity medicine specialist, a registered dietitian, physical and occupational therapists, and mental health support.
• The right team can be tailored to your individual circumstances by adding additional specialists to support any co-occurring health issues.