Obesity Medicine and Obesity Specialists

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: September 2, 2021

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Bariatricians, or obesity medicine specialists, are physicians who are trained in treating the disease of obesity and its related conditions. Weight loss doctors dedicate their practice to helping people lose weight, keep weight off and recover from obesity-related illnesses like diabetes.

Advanced Weight Loss Tools

Through medical weight loss programs, many people are able to overcome health problems like type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Obesity medicine uses scientifically validated treatments and strategies to help people overcome obesity. These treatments are not normally available to commercial weight loss programs.

To help people lose weight, bariatricians typically begin by performing an in-depth health examination and assessing the factors that may have led to weight gain. Using this information, a bariatrician can begin to develop a comprehensive weight loss plan using:

Very low calorie diets. By offering meal replacements that provide full nutrition in fewer calories, bariatricians can help their patients lose weight more quickly than commercial diets.
Medications. Bariatricians can prescribe appetite suppressants and other medicines that make weight loss easier for their patients by helping them control hunger.
Monitoring and support. To ensure that patients remain healthy and lose weight at an appropriate pace, bariatricians continue to perform medical testing and check-ups throughout a weight loss program. Many bariatricians also offer education programs, support groups and maintenance programs that help people keep weight off long-term.

By granting people access to tools like these, obesity medicine can make a dramatic difference in the lives of those struggling with obesity, even other methods of treatment fail. As Dr. Ziltzer says, “It actually isn’t difficult to lose weight if you have the right kind of help.”

Specialized Training

Every medical obesity specialist must first be educated in another medical field such as internal medicine. They often begin their careers in these fields, practicing primary care.

Dr. Primack, Dr. Ziltzer and Dr. Rodarte started their careers as primary care physicians. While helping to improve their patients’ health, each realized they had many patients who struggled with problems like diabetes, and found they were only providing medicines to control these problems instead of addressing the underlying cause: excess weight.

“I saw that with weight loss we can actually reverse many of these things: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea—as well as make people feel better about themselves,” Dr. Primack says.

Due to their advanced training, obesity medicine doctors have access to a number of treatment options that can help people lose weight faster and keep it off longer. They can also help people reduce the need for medications that address weight-related conditions, or resolve these conditions altogether.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

Reviews

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 420 reviews 
    
  
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Diana is the Best!!
     
   Sara M 
 4 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you
And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 21 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best of the best - Dr. Z !!
     
   Mar S 
 25 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Biltmore location is top notch! Everyone there is so very friendly, professional and makes the experience so personal and easy. Highly recommend!
     
   Sue M 
 27 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This practice is everything you would want from a physician office. Professional and knowledgeable staff and caring providers 10 stars!!!!
     
   Lisa Y 
 33 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
   Andi K 
 39 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 45 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 47 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 70 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 73 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 80 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 84 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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