Obesity Medicine
The VGA Center for Obesity Medicine treats obesity and associated medical problems, primarily through lifestyle management. Our multi-disciplinary approach includes attention to the four cornerstones of weight management: medical, nutritional, behavioral, and physical.
Our Obesity Medicine Team
Karen Jerome-Zapadka, M.D. is board-certified in obesity medicine. She leads our team of specialists that includes a Master’s-level registered dietitian, a physician’s assistant and a medical assistant.
All these treatments are not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Zapadka assesses every individual’s needs and decide what’s most appropriate for each unique situation.
Our Approach to Obesity Medicine
There’s no magic pill for long-term sustainable weight loss. Only by learning new ways to think about food, challenging your body through increased physical activity and learning new behaviors, all under the guidance of our team, will you find success. Your long-term commitment is THE foundation to reaching and maintaining your weight loss goal.
There is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to weight management. So, our team assesses your health as well as any underlying medical conditions and recommends a plan that is customized for you. Plans include nutritional prescriptions, physical activity and behavioral therapy through education. These behavioral changes are vital for initial weight loss and are crucial for long-term success.
Sometimes, adding weight loss medications to diet and exercise may lead to greater amounts of weight loss. We may evaluate you for non-surgical weight loss procedures or,
if indicated, we may evaluate you for bariatric surgery.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) results from fat being collected in individual liver cells. Fatty liver disease is associated with being overweight or obese. It is thought to be one of the components of the Metabolic Syndrome that also includes high triglycerides, low HDL (good cholesterol), high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood sugar and enlarged waist circumference.
