Obesity (Weight Loss) Center - Castro Valley, CA
Castro Valley Internist Doctors for Obesity (Weight Loss)Type of Physician: Internist What is a Internist? A certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common illnesses and complex problems for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. General internists are trained in primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and treatment of problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. All internists are trained in the subspecialty areas of internal medicine including emergency internal medicine and critical care. Internists consult with surgeons when surgical management is indicated, and often act as consultants to other specialists. Specialty: Internal Medicine Common Name: Internist Doctors in Castro Valley * Laurence Athos MD  George Cowen MD  Richard Ho MD  Donald R Knotts MD  Eden Inpatient Services  Eden Inpatient Services  Eden Inpatient Services  Rahmat Salimi MD  Steven R Una MD  Ling Xu MD  Francis E Garriott MD  Zulfiqar Ali MD  Khai Nguyen MD  Winton Wellness Center  California Cardiovascular Consultants  California Cardiovascular Consultants  Nirmala Kannan MD  Miles F Adler MD  Hayward Family Care  Daniel C Anderson MD  Vinod Sawhney MD  Ashwani K Bindal MD  Chabot Nephrology Medical Group  Laszlo Hites MD  Chao Ho MD  Pacific Cardiology Associates  Gopala R Kolluru MD  Chaplin L Liu MD  Steven J Rosenthal MD  Vinod Sawhney MD  Schultz & Titov MDs  Family Practice Group  Schultz & Titov MDs  Petr Utrata MD  Min S Chang MD  Mission Primary Care  Ratnesar & Lee MD  Mission Primary Care  Generoso Porciuncula MD  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Hospitalist  Lifelong Medical Care  Lifelong Medical Care  Lifelong Medical Care  Lifelong Medical Care  Lifelong Medical Care  Lifelong Medical Care  Ralph L Peterson MD  Ralph L Peterson MD  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine  Kaiser Medical Center Hayward Internal Medicine Castro Valley, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-16
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ObesityWhat is obesity?The definition of obesity varies depending on what one reads, but in general, it is a chronic condition defined by an excess amount body fat. A certain amount of body fat is necessary for storing energy, heat insulation, shock absorption, and other functions. The normal amount of body fat (expressed as percentage of body fat) is between 25%-30% in women and 18%-23% in men. Women with over 30% body fat and men with over 25% body fat are considered obese. The calculation of body mass index (BMI) has also been used in the definition of obesity. The body mass index (BMI) equals a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared. Since BMI describes body weight relative to height, it is strongly correlated with total body fat content in adults. "Obesity" is defined as a BMI of 30 and above.
How common is obesity?Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. One in three Americans is obese. The prevalence of obesity in children has increased markedly, with approximately 20%-25 % of children either overweight or obese. Obesity is also increasing rapidly throughout the world, and the incidence of obesity nearly doubled form 1991 to 1998.
What are the health risks associated with obesity?Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration; it is a dire health dilemma directly harmful to one's health. In the United States, roughly 300,000 deaths per year are directly related to obesity, and more than 80% of these deaths are in patients with a BMI (body mass index, which will be discussed later in this article) over 30. For patients with a BMI over 40, life expectancy is reduces significantly (as much as 20 years for men and 5 years for women ). Obesity also increases the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases including:
Recommended Reading Related to ObesityCellulitis facts
What is cellulitis?Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin. Unlike impetigo, which is a very superficial skin infection, cellulitis is an infection that also involves the skin's deeper layers: the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The main bacteria responsible for cellulitis are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus ("staph"), the same bacteria that can cause... Other Related Obesity (Weight Loss) ArticlesEmergency Contact for Castro Valley
Nearby Castro Valley Hospitals *Eden Medical Center Alameda County Medical Center Fairmont Campus John George Psychiatric Pavilion Kindred Hospital San Francisco Bay Area San Leandro Hospital St Rose Hospital Kaiser Permanente Hayward Medical Center San Ramon Regional Medical Center Alameda Hospital ValleyCare Health System Pleasanton Alameda County Medical Center Highland Campus Washington Hospital Fremont Hospital Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Summit Campus Kaiser Permanente Medical Center at Oakland Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Alta Bates Campus Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Herrick Campus John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek Campus Mills Hospital Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center San Mateo Medical Center Menlo Park Surgical Hospital Valley Memorial Hospital Sequoia Hospital Mills-Peninsula Health Services San Francisco General Hospital Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Livermore Division of the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System St Luke's Hospital Stanford Hospital & Clinics Chinese Hospital Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center California Pacific Medical Center Davies Campus California Pacific Medical Center Pacific Campus John Muir Medical Center Concord Campus John Muir Behavioral Health Center UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center VA Palo Alto Health Care System Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Center VA Northern CA Healthcare System at Martinez St Mary's Medical Center UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus California Pacific Medical Center East Campus California Pacific Medical Center California Campus Seton Medical Center Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Doctor's Medical Center San Pablo El Camino Hospital San Francisco VA Medical Center Sutter Delta Medical Center Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center Seton Medical Center Coastside Regional Medical Center of San Jose O'Connor Hospital Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Marin General Hospital Kentfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospital El Camino Hospital of Los Gatos St Helena Hospital Center for Behavioral Health Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center Sutter Solano Medical Center Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose Good Samaritan Hospital Mission Oaks Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Obesity by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
56 articles-
Achondroplasia
- A common form of short stature, achondroplasia (dwarfism) is a genetic condition causing a disorder of bone growth. Complications of achondroplasia that need monitoring include (this is not all inclusive) stenosis and compression of the spinal cord, a large opening under the skull, lordosis, kyphosis, spinal stenosis, hydrocephalus, middle ear infections, obesity, and dental crowning. Achondroplasia is caused by mutations of the FGFR3 gene.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which irritation of the wrist's median nerve causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers. This condition is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome in the ankles and feet. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms and the nature of any disease that might be causing the symptoms.
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Cholesterol
- Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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Esophageal Cancer
- Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the esophagus. Risk factors of cancer of the esophagus include smoking, heavy alcohol use, Barrett's esophagus, being male and being over age 60. Severe weight loss, vomiting, hoarseness, coughing up blood, painful swallowing, and pain in the throat or back are symptoms. Treatment depends upon the size, location and staging of the cancer and the health of the patient.
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Gallstones
- Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. There can be just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or any combination. The majority of gallstones do not cause symptoms.
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Intestinal Gas
- Gas or "intestinal gas" means different things to different people. Everyone has gas and eliminates it by belching or farting (passing it through the rectum).
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Gout
- Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead to abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones.
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High Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
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Heart Attack
- Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical instability of the heart.
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Kidney Cancer
- There are several types of kidney cancer, including renal cell cancer (renal adenocarcinoma or hypernephroma), transitional cell carcinoma, and Wilms tumor. Symptoms of kidney cancer include blood in the urine, an abdominal lump or mass, chronic pain in the side, and tiredness. Treatment of kidney cancer--which may include surgery, arterial embolization, radiation therapy, biological therapy or chemotherapy--depends upon the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health.
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Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms.
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
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Reflux Laryngitis
- Acid backing up into the larynx (voice box), it causes reflux laryngitis. Irritation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat can lead to esophagitis, sinusitis, strictures, hoarseness, throat clearing, swallowing problems, asthma, chronic cough, and more. Typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis include heartburn, hoarseness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Reflux laryngitis can be treated with OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.
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Stomach Cancer
- Though the cause of stomach cancer is unknown, risk factors for stomach cancer include diet, H. pylori infection, smoking age, gastritis, stomach surgery, family history, and pernicious anemia. Symptoms include stomach discomfort, feeling full after a small meal, nausea and vomiting, and weight loss. Treatment depends upon staging and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
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Stroke
- A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or cerebrovascular incident. Symptoms of stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance, and/or sudden severe headache with no known cause. A TIA, or transient ischemic attack is a short-lived temporary impairment of the brain caused by loss of blood supply. Stroke is a medical emergency.
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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a condition where symptoms are produced from compression of nerves or blood vessels because the passageway through the neck and armpit is inadequate. Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome include neck, shoulder and arm pain, and numbness or impaired circulation to the extremities.
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Hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain at the pituitary. Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle.
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Liver Cancer
- Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with liver cancer will die within one year as a result. Patients with associated cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B or C infections, alcohol, and hemochromatosis are at the greatest risk of developing liver cancer. Many patients with liver cancer do not develop symptoms until the advanced stages of the tumor which usually makes prognosis poor. The combination of an imaging study (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) and an elevated blood level of alpha-fetoprotein will most effectively diagnose liver cancer, while a liver biopsy can make a definitive diagnosis. Medical treatments, including chemotherapy, chemoembolization, ablation, and proton beam therapy, are not very effective. Surgical removal of the tumor or a liver transplant may be most effective in certain cases.
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Restless Leg Syndrome
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS or restless legs syndrome) is a common cause for painful legs that typically eases with motion, and becomes worse and more noticeable at rest. This characteristic nighttime worsening can frequently lead to insomnia. Treatment of the symptoms of restless leg syndrome is generally with medication as well as treating any underlying condition causing restless leg syndrome.
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Skin Tag
- A skin tag is a small benign growth of skin that projects from the surrounding skin. Skin tags can vary in appearance (smooth, irregular, flesh colored, dark pigment, raised). Skin tags generally do not cause symptoms unless repeatedly irritated. Treatment for skin tag varies depending on the location on the body.
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Pseudotumor Cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension)
- Pseudotumor Cerebri (intracranial hypertension) is a condition where there is an increase in pressure of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) mimicing a brain tumor. The cause is unknown. The most common symptom is headache but also include eye-pain, vision loss and double vision. Pseudotumor cerebri is diagnosed with MRI or CAT scans and treated by discontinuing offending medications (if applicable), weight loss and diuretic medications. The condition can also be helped by repeated drainage of spinal fluid using the lumbar puncture.
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Breast Cancer Prevention
- Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It's important to be aware of how risk factors such as family history, lifestyle factors, breast conditions, radiation therapy, and hormonal factors may influence your chances of developing breast cancer. Mammography and breast self-examinations are crucial steps in breast cancer prevention.
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Prevention
- Enjoying a healthy diet helps to prevent diseases. A good diet also helps to control celiac disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure and maintain health by preventing loss of bone mass, muscle strength, and vitamin deficiencies.
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Hair Loss
- There are many causes of scalp hair loss. This featured article covers the common ones such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and tinea capitis), telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness).
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Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria Staph (Staphylococcus aureus).
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Disease Prevention in Men
- Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in your own health care and discuss screening tests with your doctor early in life. Age of screening and timing of screening depends upon the condition being assessed.
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Disease Prevention in Women
- Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
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Smell Disorders
- Reduction of the sense of smell is termed hyposmia. Total inability to detect odors is termed anosmia. Smell disorders have many causes. Most people who develop a smell disorder have recently experienced an illness or an injury.
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