Obesity (Weight Loss) Center - Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia * Miller Boselli Internal Medicine  Bao Thai Bui MD  Herbert E Cohen MD  Roger Daniels MD  Jefferson Hospital Internal Medicine  Drexel University College of Medicine  Bradley W Fenton MD  Killion Medical Associates  Lyons & Chvala Nephrology Associates  Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia PC  Drexel University College of Medicine  Miller Boselli Internal Medicine  Cardiovascular Medical Associates PC  Drexel University College of Medicine  John R Patterson MD  Cardiovascular Medical Associates PC  Ira G Rubenfeld MD  Edward Ruby MD  Sobel Medical Associates  Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia PC  Bonnie VanUitert MD  Samir K Ballas MD  Richard Finkelstein MD  Jefferson University Physicians Cardiology  Jefferson University Physicians Cardiology  David B Nash MD  Ninth Street Internal Medicine Associates  Ninth Street Internal Medicine Associates  Ninth Street Internal Medicine Associates  Ninth Street Internal Medicine Associates  Ninth Street Internal Medicine Associates  Ninth Street Internal Medicine Associates  Ninth Street Internal Medicine Associates  William P Mulloy MD  Ninth Street Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  The Heart Center of Philadelphia PC  The Heart Center of Philadelphia PC  The Heart Center of Philadelphia PC  Oncology Care  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson Renal Associates  Penn Diagnostic Center  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  The Heart Center of Philadelphia PC  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Rittenhouse Internal Medicine  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  The Heart Center of Philadelphia PC  The Heart Center of Philadelphia PC  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Penn Diagnostic Center  Simon Su MD  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  Jefferson University Internal Medicine Associates  PHGI Associates Ltd  Pennsylvania Pulmonary  J Edwin Wood Clinic  ZKC  PHGI Associates Ltd  Matthew Frankel MD  Lee N Hanuschak MD  ZKC  Pennsylvania Pulmonary  Pennsylvania Pulmonary  PHGI Associates Ltd  Pennsylvania Pulmonary  Garth Alan Maenpaa MD  Pennsylvania Hematology & Oncology Associates  J Edwin Wood Clinic  PHGI Associates Ltd  ZKC  PHGI Associates Ltd  Delancy Medical Assoc  Delancy Medical Assoc  Philadelphia Health Associates Adult Medicine  Delancy Medical Assoc  Spruce Internal Medicine Associates  Spruce Internal Medicine Associates  Spruce Internal Medicine Associates  Spruce Internal Medicine Associates  Philadelphia Health Associates Adult Medicine  Richard Wallace MD  Philadelphia Health Associates Adult Medicine  Delancy Medical Assoc  Leon Kauffman MD  Ngoc An Phan MD PC  Clinical Nephrology Associates  Clinical Nephrology Associates  Clinical Nephrology Associates Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaA commercial, educational, and cultural center, the city was once the second-largest in the British Empire (after London), and the social and geographical center of the original 13 American colonies. Ben Franklin took a large role in Philadelphia's early rise to prominence. It was in this city that many of the ideas, and subsequent actions, gave birth to the American Revolution and American Independence, making Philadelphia a centerpiece of early American history. It was the most populous city of the young United States, although by the first census in 1790, New York City had overtaken it. Philadelphia served as one of the nation's many capitals during the Revolutionary War and after. Following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, it was the temporary national capital from 1790 to 1800 while Washington, DC was under construction. Upcoming Local Events2012-06-02
2012-06-03
2012-06-09
2012-06-10
2012-06-16
2012-07-11
2012-07-28
2012-08-05
2012-09-15
2012-11-16
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 Philadelphia
Nearby Philadelphia Hospitals *Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Hahnemann University Hospital Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Wills Eye Hospital Pennsylvania Hospital St Joseph Hospital Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Saint Agnes Medical Center Girard Medical Center Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Methodist Hospital Philadelphia VA Medical Center Kensington Hospital Cooper University Hospital Virtua Health Camden Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia Temple University Hospital Shriners Hospital for Children St Christopher's Hospital for Children Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment CTCA at Eastern Regional Medical Center Lankenau Hospital Kindred Hospital Delaware County Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital Roxborough Memorial Hospital Albert Einstein Medical Center Moss Rehabilitation Hospital Friends Hospital Frankford Hospital Frankford Delaware County Memorial Hospital Fairmount Behavioral Health System Kindred Hospital Philadelphia Underwood-Memorial Hospital Kennedy Health System Cherry Hill Campus Moss Rehabilitation Hospital Elkins Park Jeanes Hospital Chestnut Hill Hospital Montgomery Rehab Hospital of Chestnut Hill Fox Chase Cancer Center Bryn Mawr Hospital Nazareth Hospital Holy Redeemer Hospital & Medical Center Taylor Hospital Angela Jane Pavilion Rehabilitation Hospital Springfield Hospital Abington Memorial Hospital Kennedy Health System Stratford Campus Keystone Center Camden County Health Services Center Virtua Health Voorhees Aria Health Crozer-Chester Medical Center Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital Marlton Rehabilitation Hospital Virtua West Jersey Hospital Marlton Weisman Children's Rehabilitation Hospital Horsham Clinic Community Hospital Montgomery Hospital Mercy Suburban Hospital Norristown State Hospital Kennedy Health System Washington Township Campus Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County Montgomery County Emergency Service Abington Memorial Health Center Warminster Campus Riddle Memorial Hospital Hampton Behavioral Health Center Virtua West Jersey Hospital Berlin Valley Forge Medical Center & Hospital Paoli Hospital Devereux Beneto Children's Behavioral Health Center Eagleville Hospital Lower Bucks Hospital 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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
- See All Related Diseases & Conditions »
-
Achondroplasia
-
Medications
26 articles -
Procedures & Tests
6 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
41 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
64 articles -
Health News
555 articles -
Health Features
124 articles
