Between 1980 and 2010, obesity rates doubled in the United States. More than one-third of the population is now obese—and the rates keep climbing. “It’s a major public health issue, not just a matter of vanity—more than 60 chronic medical conditions are associated with obesity, including diabetes, liver disease, heart problems, strokes and cancer,” says Dr. Hani Soudah of Premier Medical Specialists, the physicians of Tenet Health System. “These obesity-related diseases account for at least 20 percent of health-care costs in the U.S.”
Soudah is part of a multidisciplinary team of weight-loss experts at Premier. “Obesity is a chronic disease with a physiological cause, not a result of weakness or lack of willpower,” he says. “Losing weight and keeping it off requires in-depth testing and evaluation, like any other disease, and long-term treatment and monitoring.” There’s no one-size-fits-all solution or quick fix, he adds. “The patient and I team up to discover and address the root causes of obesity, both physical and emotional. Together, we remove the roadblocks to weight loss.”
Soudah and his colleagues are compassionate and nonjudgmental. “It’s about health and well-being, not just about reducing the number on the scale,” he says. After assessing the patient’s overall health, metabolism and body composition, he and his staff create a personalized program consisting of diet, exercise, lifestyle changes (such as stress management techniques and more sleep), support, and, if need be, anti-obesity medication. “Also, we sometimes eliminate or change meds they’re already taking that might keep them from losing weight,” he notes. “It’s a comprehensive approach.”
When obesity doesn’t respond to diet and exercise, Soudah refers appropriate candidates to Dr. Stephen Scott of Premier Medical Specialists for bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. “It’s often the best option for people who are more than 80 pounds above a healthy weight, or for those who suffer from serious health problems related to obesity,” says Scott, medical director of the metabolic disease program at Des Peres Hospital and a surgeon at MyNewSelf, the hospital’s surgical weight-loss program. Four procedures are approved by the FDA and National Institutes of Health to lower body-mass index, he explains. “The adjustable lap band and the sleeve gastrectomy work by reducing stomach size, so you feel full after eating less food; and the gastric bypass and the duodenal switch restrict stomach size and also limit the absorption of nutrients and calories by bypassing part of the small intestine.”
During two decades of performing weight-loss surgery, Scott has seen many people transform their health after years of struggling with weight. “It’s extremely safe and effective, if you choose an experienced surgeon at an accredited center,” he says. Follow-up care is essential, he adds. “To prevent weight regain and nutritional deficiencies, we offer a follow-up program with physicians like Dr. Soudah, dietitians, psychologists and support groups for continued success. Patients need to take responsibility for their health—but they don’t have to do it alone.”
[Dr. Hani Soudah sees patients at the Walker Medical Building, 12855 North 40 Drive, Ste. 350; 314.205.1926. Dr. Stephen Scott sees patients at 2315 Dougherty Ferry Drive, Ste. 109; 314.966.9640.]
Pictured: Drs. Hani Soudah and Stephen Scott
Photo by Bill Barrett