Factors for Choosing Your Weight Loss Health Care
Choosing the right form of weight loss health care can be overwhelming. WashU Medicine physicians can help you start on the best path. Some of the factors that we consider are:
Demographic factors:
- Age
- Sex
- Ethnicity
Health factors:
- Height and weight
- Smoking history
- Exercise
- Last primary care checkup
- Weight-related diagnoses (obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, nonalcoholic liver disease, etc.)
- Diabetes
- Lab work results
- Blood pressure
Based on your personal factors, we help you see the right provider to start your journey. We offer three types of weight loss health care: metabolic weight management, endoscopic nonsurgical weight loss, and bariatric weight loss surgery.
Metabolic Weight Management
Metabolic weight management specialists focus on the underlying metabolic conditions that lead to excess weight. These providers work with you to improve your overall health through lifestyle changes, nutrition, physical activity and oral and injectable medications. This route maybe right for you if:
- traditional diet and exercise on your own haven’t been effective.
- weight gain has been caused by a metabolic issue such as insulin resistance or hormone imbalance.
- a nonsurgical approach is preferred.
Endoscopic Nonsurgical Weight Loss
Endoscopic nonsurgical weight loss includes intragastric balloon placement, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and endoscopic revision to bariatric surgery. Our yearlong program includes personalized counseling from a lifestyle coach and registered dietitian. This approach may be right for you if:
- a nonsurgical approach is preferred.
- you are at least 30 pounds overweight.
- diet and exercise have not been successful.
- you are 22-72 years old.
- you are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is an option for some people who are severely obese and haven’t been able to lose weight through diet or other efforts. We offer multiple procedures that may help with weight loss and health problems, such as diabetes. These procedures include gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Surgery may be right for you if:
- you are 18-70 years old.
- your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or greater, or 35 or greater if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. BMI of 30 or greater is considered for laparoscopic gastric banding surgery.
- you have attempted a structured dietary weight-loss program without success.
- you have been evaluated and approved by a behavioral therapist, a dietician and physical therapist.
- you have had labs and an EKG to evaluate your general condition.
Here to Help
WashU Medicine physicians are here to help. Learn more about our weight loss specialists.