Many people think that weight gain is simply about eating too much or not exercising enough. But there are other factors that can play a role in gaining weight, and one of those is inflammation. If you’ve heard the word “inflammation” before but aren’t sure what it means, you’re not alone. Let’s explore how inflammation […]

Obesity is more than just a matter of appearance or a number on the scale; it’s a serious health condition that can significantly impact your overall well-being and longevity. Studies have shown that obesity lowers life expectancy by nearly a year, emphasizing the urgent need for effective weight management strategies. For bariatric patients and those […]

In the rapidly evolving field of obesity treatment, surgeons are constantly confronted with challenges in bariatric surgery that limit the growth and accessibility of these services. While our primary goal is to facilitate weight loss and improve the overall health of our patients, several barriers often stand in the way of achieving these objectives. Understanding […]

The question of “is obesity genetic?” is one that resonates deeply in both medical and public spheres. As we delve into this topic, it’s important to remember that obesity is a complex condition influenced by a myriad of factors. This blog aims to explore the role of genetics in obesity and how it is intertwined […]

Embarking on a weight loss journey is a courageous step towards better health and wellness. In the realm of medical interventions, two prominent options stand out – bariatric surgery vs. GLP-1 agonists. Understanding the nuances of these approaches is key in making an informed and personalized decision. This blog aims to shed light on each […]

The history of weight loss surgery can be traced back to the mid-20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, surgeons began to explore various experimental procedures aimed at helping people shed excess pounds. These early attempts primarily involved techniques like the intestinal bypass, which rerouted the digestive system to limit calorie absorption. While these procedures […]

The obesity trends in America are quite concerning. Obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, posing a grave threat to the nation’s health. It is a complex health issue that affects millions of Americans and is a contributing factor to some of the leading causes of preventable death. The Rising Concern Related to […]

A sleep study published by a group of Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that a disruption to the circadian clock may cause obesity. The research suggests external factors, such as stress, may promote fat cell growth when the body’s internal clocks are disrupted.  As senior author of the study and associate professor of biochemistry, Dr. Mary Teruel […]

Often, when affected by ailments, we visit our doctors. On occasion, we require medication or surgical procedures. Most of those times, our minds become overwhelmed with the “what if” related to the condition, the medications, or the procedure itself. Very rarely do we take time to think of the quality profile of the organization where […]

In a study conducted at Duke-NUS Medical School, scientists found that B vitamins may treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese individuals. In particular, they discovered that vitamin B12 and folic acid might reverse the effects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.   Nearly 25% of adults suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common […]

Emerging research has found that a high-fat diet can impair cognitive function. A study conducted by a group of neuroscientists at the University of South Australia found a definitive association between a high-fat diet and the development of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and the worsening of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in mice.  They […]

A recent study from the University of Utah Health has found that blood fat levels can predict diabetes remission after gastric bypass surgery. The study measured blood levels of ceramides to evaluate the likelihood of diabetes remission after gastric bypass surgery. From this study, it was concluded that high levels of ceramide made it harder to achieve […]

A recent study has concluded that obesity increases a woman’s risk of bone fractures. In this study, 20,000 overweight patients between the ages of 40 and 70 were followed for seven years.  This study found that 497 (2.48%) women suffered a fracture compared to 323 (1.62%) men. “There were 415 major osteoporotic fractures (hip, spine, wrist or […]

Several studies have outlined the link between cancer and obesity. Although it is undetermined why obesity leads to an increased risk of cancer, it is believed to be due to the inflammation in visceral fat. Obesity increases the risk of 13 different cancers, which make up 40% of all cancer cases diagnosed in the United States […]

Value-based care is a healthcare model in which providers, including hospitals and physicians, are reimbursed based on patient health outcomes. Within value-based care agreements, providers are incentivized to help patients improve their health, lower the impact and incidence of chronic disease, and lead healthier lives. There is currently a major emphasis by both governmental (Medicare […]

With bariatric surgery comes the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies. Bariatric surgery alters the anatomy and digestive tract, playing a significant role in vitamin and nutrient levels post-operatively. These nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery can cause neurological disorders if left untreated.  A nutritional deficiency is most commonly a result of malnutrition caused by not eating […]

Obesity is a dangerous disease linked to over 60 medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, cancers, hypertension, and other serious illnesses. Combined with the health concerns associated with a higher body mass index (BMI), a relatively new study has found a link between brain volume and obesity.  In this UK-based research study, the team at Biobank examined […]

Obesity in America is a growing concern within the last several decades. With over 40% of the American population considered obese, bariatric surgeons and medical specialists are beginning to treat this condition as a disease and an epidemic that must be dealt with.  Obesity is a significant driver of healthcare costs and can negatively impact […]

Although the rate of obesity in America continues to rise, the number of bariatric procedures performed each year remains relatively flat. In Georgia, like most states, comprehensive weight loss programs are predominately, if not exclusively, located in metropolitan areas. This leaves patients in more rural communities without access to care unless they travel considerable distances.  […]

Obesity is impacting the healthcare system in many ways. Obesity is a significant driver of healthcare costs and can negatively impact a patient’s overall quality of life. Studies show obesity can reduce a patient’s life expectancy up to 10 years and significantly increases the risk for numerous leading causes of death, including diabetes, heart disease, […]

Live Healthy MD is a comprehensive bariatric surgery and medical weight loss clinic in Georgia, specializing in treating obesity. They opened in 2011 in the garden city, Augusta, Georgia, and were doing a fair number of bariatric surgeries each year. However, they operated like many other bariatric practices—solely focused on their surgery volume, not on […]

Obesity is a significant driver of healthcare costs and negatively impacts the bariatric market. Obesity is associated with leading causes of death, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers and is the gateway to about 60 other health conditions. This results in health plans and systems having a higher cost of care when treating […]

Understanding the performance of your bariatric program is critical to your long-term growth and improvement in patient care. Yet, most bariatric providers and programs have little to no insight into how their staff is performing and how their patients navigate through the bariatric funnel (consult to surgery). Bariatric Program Reports to Measure Growth Whether you […]

The other day our team sat on a zoom call with a sales manager, and he asked us what we believe the top three features of a bariatric patient navigation system are. Without hesitation, we jumped right into telling him about the must-have features any effective patient navigation system should have. Top Features of a […]

My Weight Loss Testimonial My weight loss testimonial and story began in 2018. I had a Duodenal Switch on October 10, 2018 at Live Healthy MD in Augusta, GA. From the time I can remember, I have always been a heavier-set person. Growing up in Las Vegas with a lower-class family, eating healthy wasn’t a […]