New York City Is Home To Many Qualified Bariatric Doctors

By Carl Green


Medicine diversity of the medicine profession makes it reasonable to split it into subspecialties that handle specific areas of the field. The study of prevention, treatment, diagnosis, and causes of obesity is done under a subspecialty of medicine referred to as bariatrics. Bariatricians or bariatric physicians refer to medical specialists who specialize in bariatrics. The terms bariatricians and bariatric physicians are often employed interchangeably. Some of the most qualified bariatric doctors today are found in the city of New York.

The term bariatrics came into existence in the year 1965. The origin is the Greek language. It means, pertaining to weight treatment, when the word is translated into English. Approaches such as dieting, behavioral therapy, and exercise which aim to cause weight loss are included. The medicine profession has other meanings for the term.

In the world over, especially in developed countries, overweight and obesity are rising medical concerns. In America, the CDC approximates that more than a third of the adult population is obese. If the current trend in obesity continues, it has been approximated that a minimum of 44 percent of all people in every American state will be obese by 2030. That makes the need for bariatricians greater than ever. These professionals treat people with a body mass index BMI of over 30.

People whose BMI value of greater than 30 are at a higher risk of developing certain medical conditions. Such medical conditions include obstructive sleep apnea, chronic musculoskeletal problems, asthma, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and various kinds of cancer. Obese people need the help of bariatricians because they are mostly incapable of losing weight on their own.

Different methods can be used to treat obesity. First-line treatment options used include anti-obesity drugs, behavior therapy, diet, and exercise. These treatment options have provided unsatisfactory short-term and long-term results. With such failures surgery remains the only method with capability of producing short-term and enduring reduction in body weight. Surgery is much more efficient when compared to first-line techniques.

Becoming a bariatrician is characterized by several academic requirements. Having an MD from a medical school that is recognized is the starting point. Medical school concludes with a two-year period of supervised clinical rotations. After that, one must complete a residency program. The duration of residency programs range between 3 and 7 years.

One must also be licensed to practice. Licensing process comes after completing residency program. There is a licensing exam that American practitioners must take to be licensed. Additionally, there is a board certification in obesity medicine that one must acquire. Candidates are helped with preparation by the board through provision of certification review courses and workshops every year.

One can further their qualifications if they want. Professional organizations also accredit their members. Bariatrics still a young field and a lot of research is ongoing. Therefore, professionals must keep up with changes in order to be more effective at treating patients.




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