Obesity

Nightwater Medical Center

Primary Care Physician & Concierge Medicine located in the South Market District serving Downtown New Orleans and greater New Orleans, LA

Obesity is a major public health concern in Louisiana and affects one out of every four adults. At Nightwater Medical Center in Downtown New Orleans and greater New Orleans, Louisiana, experienced primary care physician Paul Ikemire, MD, specializes in the medical management of obesity. He works one-on-one with you and develops a medical weight loss program to help you gain control over your weight and improve your health. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

Obesity Q & A

What is obesity?

Obesity is more than a cosmetic issue. It’s a complex disease characterized by excess body fat.

Nightwater Medical Center uses your body mass index (BMI) to diagnose obesity. BMI is a mathematical equation that compares weight to height and assesses body fatness. Your primary care provider diagnoses obesity when your BMI is 30 or higher.

What causes obesity?

Many factors influence your body weight and lead to obesity, including genetics, metabolic conditions, and hormones. However, in most cases, obesity develops when you consume more calories than your body burns. Your lifestyle, family influences, and age may also play a role in your weight struggles.

What are the health complications of obesity?

Obesity is a disease that increases your risk of developing other chronic diseases and health complications. These include:

Diabetes

Obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which occurs when your insulin is unable to get sugar from the blood into your cells.

Heart disease

Your excess body fatness also increases your risk of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are heart disease risk factors.

Osteoarthritis

Excess body weight places additional stress and strain on your joints, increasing your risk of osteoarthritis.

What can I expect during an obesity consultation?

You can expect a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation at Nightwater Medical Center when you come in for an obesity consultation. The primary care practice takes a personalized approach to care and understands the many factors that may impair your weight-loss efforts.

During your consultation, your physician asks detailed questions about your weight history, medical and family history, usual diet, exercise routine, occupation, and daily stresses, and then conducts a physical exam. Nightwater Medical Center also performs lab work and heart disease and cardiovascular screenings to assess health and confirm or rule out conditions contributing to your weight struggles.

How is obesity treated?

Obesity is a disease like diabetes and heart disease and requires medical weight loss and management. Nightwater Medical Center develops a personalized medical weight loss program that includes:

An individualized nutrition plan
A fitness routine that fits your lifestyle and health needs
Lifestyle management and education
Referrals to specialists

Nightwater Medical Center schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your weight, help you manage obstacles, and overcome weight loss struggles. They provide the tools and education you need to make permanent lifestyle changes that lead to long-term weight-loss.

For medical weight loss management from a primary care practice that offers personalized, patient-focused care, contact Nightwater Medical Center by phone or schedule an appointment online today.