EXPERT
Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.
Family Practitioner | Obesity Medicine
Hi I'm Dr. Gary Knighton. On a daily basis, I see patients that are frustrated with their bodies or their skin, often feeling powerless and painfully aware of their appearance and insecurities. Whether we choose to admit it or not, we all have them. Sadly, our society drives and negatively validates dangerous eating habits, fad diets (such as hCG, starvation or both). Our patients come in loaded with concerns and leave with a smile on their face, feeling better about themselves and looking great! Our patients are why we do what we do as we help them take control over their lives. I have patients come and see me from all over the U.S. I have a unique way of helping my patients understand that we can't change our genetics, we can't change our age, and, in most cases, we can't change our stresses which direct the body to survive rather than live. I have helped thousands formulate a plan to bridge the gap between our genetic programming to store and turn it to burning and losing weight. More importantly, I help them keep it off! It has been over 60 years since we have had any significant breakthrough medication/technology to help with the treatment of overweight/obesity. Now we have Zepbound (Tirzepatide) which is going to be a game changer in the treatment of obesity. I battle being overweight and I have been to enough family reunions to know what my genetics look like, so I am excited for Zepbound (Tirzepatide) for myself. This dual receptor medication is going to be amazing for decreasing percent body fat, therby increasing weight loss, and will be a great recipe to help maintain. Many patients have the false belief that just because they lose that it will stay off. Less than 5% can do that, and we can't change our genetics, age and stress. For example, if my A/C goes out in Arizona and I get it fixed it will take a lot of energy to cool the house but not much to maintain it. Also, just because my house gets down to a desirable temperature, I don't go outside and turn the breaker off and expect my house to stay cool. I will go stride for stride with anyone and help them get to where they want to be. The greatest drug in the world is "Do I feel good and do I feel good about myself?" If the answer is yes to both; greatest drug in the world.
30 years
Experience
Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.
- Mesa, AZ
- A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Accepting new patients
No results found
How often should an obese person go to the gym?
It depends on the exercise that you do. I usually suggest as often as you can without increasing inflammation or risk of injury based on a person's size. Generally the most important READ MORE
It depends on the exercise that you do. I usually suggest as often as you can without increasing inflammation or risk of injury based on a person's size. Generally the most important thing is to get the nutrition part right. In some studies, losing weight is 80% based on what and how much someone consumes, and 20% exercise. I recommend everyone who battles obesity work with a bariatrician. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and you can find someone near you.
What foods to avoid with obesity?
The primary foods I advise my patients to avoid is wheat and sugar. Beyond that I recommend limiting other grains and focus on eating protein, green vegetables and minimize fruit. READ MORE
The primary foods I advise my patients to avoid is wheat and sugar. Beyond that I recommend limiting other grains and focus on eating protein, green vegetables and minimize fruit. Best fruits that I recommend are raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and avocados. If you want to work with someone that can individualize a treatment for you, I suggest that you find a bariatrician in your area. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Can you treat obesity?
Yes, obesity can be treated. We can't change our genetics or our age, but we can effectively help the body burn more energy/calories more efficiently and change the fuel we give READ MORE
Yes, obesity can be treated. We can't change our genetics or our age, but we can effectively help the body burn more energy/calories more efficiently and change the fuel we give the body (i.e. try to eliminate carbs, eat an effective level of protein and manage fat grams) and use effective medications, if indicated, to help the process. I have been obese before, and I have been to enough family reunions to know what my genetics are, but it can be done. I suggest going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a bariatric doctor to help. More people fail on their own and more succeed with the help of a physician who understands obesity.
Can obesity damage be reversed?
The damage that obesity has caused can be reversed. More importantly, all of the damage, inflammation and cancers that are progressed by obesity also have the chance to be avoided. READ MORE
The damage that obesity has caused can be reversed. More importantly, all of the damage, inflammation and cancers that are progressed by obesity also have the chance to be avoided. In addition, the emotional toll that obesity causes. I battle it, and though it is a battle every day to stay down, it is a fight that is worth fighting. I recommend finding a good bariatrician to help you with your journey. One near you can be found at: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
I recommend finding one that has been practicing bariatric medicine for 5-10 years, if possible.
I recommend finding one that has been practicing bariatric medicine for 5-10 years, if possible.
How long is the treatment for obesity?
It really depends on the person. For some it may only require some simple modifications in nutrition and activity. However; for many it requires help from a physician who specializes READ MORE
It really depends on the person. For some it may only require some simple modifications in nutrition and activity. However; for many it requires help from a physician who specializes in treating obesity for a life-long plan. Since we can't change our genetics, our age and our stress, it tends to require a team approach life-long to lose the percent body fat and keep it off. I suggest going to the website: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a doctor near you. For me, since I battle obesity myself, I have a life-long treatment to keep my percent body fat at a healthy and comfortable level.
Can exercising help obesity?
It can, and it is great for cardiovascular health and endorphin production. I find that 80% is nutrition and 20% is exercise to lose weight. Eating healthy protein and keeping READ MORE
It can, and it is great for cardiovascular health and endorphin production. I find that 80% is nutrition and 20% is exercise to lose weight. Eating healthy protein and keeping carbohydrates low is the best math. To get more specific for each person, I suggest that they find a good bariatric physician near them to make sure they are using the right tools to achieve their goals. A good reference is to visit: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a bariatric doctor near you.
What doctor is best for treating obesity?
A physician who is trained in treating obesity called a bariatrician. I have found that most doctors just aren't trained to treat obesity even though they mean well. I suggest READ MORE
A physician who is trained in treating obesity called a bariatrician. I have found that most doctors just aren't trained to treat obesity even though they mean well. I suggest going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a bariatrician near you for the best successful treatment tools to achieve your goals.
Which treatment is the most effective for obesity?
It really depends on the cause of the increased percent body fat (genetic, environmental, etc.). The best way to determine the best treatment for you is to see a specialist who READ MORE
It really depends on the cause of the increased percent body fat (genetic, environmental, etc.). The best way to determine the best treatment for you is to see a specialist who specializes in treating obesity. I suggest going to the website: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a doctor near you and formulate a personalized plan to achieve your success.
Can obesity be cured permanently?
The genetics behind obesity can't be cured, but habits can change, nutrition can improve and medications can help the metabolism and appetite working for you rather than against READ MORE
The genetics behind obesity can't be cured, but habits can change, nutrition can improve and medications can help the metabolism and appetite working for you rather than against you. When all of those areas come into alignment, you have the change to have obesity in remission. I recommend working with a skilled bariatric physician long term to achieve your goals and desires. Visit the website to locate bariatricians in your area: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
I recommend doing your research and find one that has great personal skills as this will be a lifelong journey. I battle weight obesity myself. All I had to do is go to a couple of family reunions growing up to see what genetics had in store for me. Couple that with getting older and my bad habits and I was a recipe for disaster. That was many pounds ago, and now I have been in remission for over 5 years and counting. This is one of the reasons I have such a passion to help my patients because I have been there and I am still working to stay where I am. It isn't easy, but it is well worth it.
I recommend doing your research and find one that has great personal skills as this will be a lifelong journey. I battle weight obesity myself. All I had to do is go to a couple of family reunions growing up to see what genetics had in store for me. Couple that with getting older and my bad habits and I was a recipe for disaster. That was many pounds ago, and now I have been in remission for over 5 years and counting. This is one of the reasons I have such a passion to help my patients because I have been there and I am still working to stay where I am. It isn't easy, but it is well worth it.
Do you need medication for obesity?
It is not always required to help, but medications sure do give patients a much better chance of success. I find at least 90% of my patients do much better and have a greater chance READ MORE
It is not always required to help, but medications sure do give patients a much better chance of success. I find at least 90% of my patients do much better and have a greater chance of achieving their goals than those who struggle on their own. To determine if a medication is indicated for your ability to achieve success in your journey, and to help you stay at a more healthy percent body fat; I suggest that you find a qualified bariatric physician near you to help. You can find one at:
https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Are there any medications for obesity?
Absolutely. Believe it or not, we have not found any medications as safe, affordable or as effective as what came out over 50 years ago. Those patients that I have who required READ MORE
Absolutely. Believe it or not, we have not found any medications as safe, affordable or as effective as what came out over 50 years ago. Those patients that I have who required medications to assist them have done tremendously well with them along with healthy eating (more protein and less carbs) along with improved activity levels. I recommend finding a good bariatrician near you who can help with your specific needs and determine if you are a candidate for medication assisted help with your journey. There are some newer medications available, but I have found them to be very expensive and they have not been used long enough to determine their safety profile. Please visit the following website: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment
How long is the treatment for obesity?
For some it only requires a reset; for most others it is a lifelong "treatment" to improve the obesity and aid to put into remission much like any other disease. For me, it is READ MORE
For some it only requires a reset; for most others it is a lifelong "treatment" to improve the obesity and aid to put into remission much like any other disease. For me, it is lifelong as I have been to enough family reunions to know my genetics, I have seen the date on my birth certificate, and I know what my habits can be like if I am not very careful.
Can medications help obesity?
Absolutely. Believe it or not, we have not found any medications as safe, affordable or as effective as what came out over 50 years ago. Those patients that I have who required READ MORE
Absolutely. Believe it or not, we have not found any medications as safe, affordable or as effective as what came out over 50 years ago. Those patients that I have who required medications to assist them have done tremendously well with them along with healthy eating (more protein and less carbs) along with improved activity levels. I recommend finding a good bariatrician near you who can help with your specific needs and determine if you are a candidate for medication assisted help with your journey. There are some newer medications available, but I have found them to be very expensive and they have not been used long enough to determine their safety profile. Please visit the following website: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Is obesity a metabolic disorder?
It is, in a way, a metabolic disorder. Much like different engines in cars have a different "miles per gallon." Many of us, including myself, are built to go longer distances and READ MORE
It is, in a way, a metabolic disorder. Much like different engines in cars have a different "miles per gallon." Many of us, including myself, are built to go longer distances and burn less fuel (i.e. like a hybrid vehicle and goes 50 miles to the gallon) unlike some of my friends who burn more fuel at 10 miles to the gallon. This is why there is no such thing as calorie and calorie out that applies to everyone across the board. The best way to fix it is to cut out carbs which the body stores as fat and focus on getting healthy protein and healthy fats (within reason). I also recommend that you work with a good bariatrician in your area to help with medications, if needed, to help the body burn more fuel rather than keep you like a hybrid car. Go to the following website and search for a bariatrician in your area to help: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Can obesity be fixed with medications?
Absolutely, medications can help tremendously. Can obesity be fixed? No, because we can't change our genetics and age; but it can be helped and give you a fighting chance. Believe READ MORE
Absolutely, medications can help tremendously. Can obesity be fixed? No, because we can't change our genetics and age; but it can be helped and give you a fighting chance. Believe it or not, we have not found any medications as safe, affordable or as effective as what came out over 50 years ago. Those patients that I have who required medications to assist them have done tremendously well with them along with healthy eating (more protein and less carbs) along with improved activity levels. I recommend finding a good bariatrician near you who can help with your specific needs and determine if you are a candidate for medication assisted help with your journey. There are some newer medications available, but I have found them to be very expensive and they have not been used long enough to determine their safety profile. Please visit the following website: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment
What foods should you eat if you have obesity?
My rule of thumb is to focus on getting enough protein every day (meat) and to stay away from sugar, anything with sugar in it and to stay away from wheat and any other carb that READ MORE
My rule of thumb is to focus on getting enough protein every day (meat) and to stay away from sugar, anything with sugar in it and to stay away from wheat and any other carb that causes the blood sugar to go up and cause insulin to elevate. The best fruits that are low in carbs are raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and avocado. The best vegetables tend to be the green ones. Since I don't know your daughter, I recommend getting specific advice from a good bariatrician near you that can be found at: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment
What problems can being overweight cause a child?
Problems include everything from an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and abnormalities with development among other diseases. The greatest problem I see READ MORE
Problems include everything from an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and abnormalities with development among other diseases. The greatest problem I see is a dramatic drop in self-esteem and self -confidence. It is a child when we develop our self-esteem and if that suffers, we spend a lifetime trying to get the foundation that we never build as a child. I recommend working with a good bariatrician to help, and you can find one near you at: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Can you help prevent obesity?
Only with a healthy plan that includes healthy eating. This means a diet consisting of protein and significantly decreasing carbohydrates (sugar, flour, potatoes, etc.). Girls READ MORE
Only with a healthy plan that includes healthy eating. This means a diet consisting of protein and significantly decreasing carbohydrates (sugar, flour, potatoes, etc.). Girls develop 80% of their fat cells by the age of 1, and the other 20% during puberty, so it will take commitment and consistency lifelong. We can't change our genetics, but we can change what we eat. I also suggest following with someone who specializes in helping people lose weight and keep it off. Go online to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a bariatric physician near you that you are comfortable with and they will help your daughter on her journey. This is a critical time in her life, both physically and emotionally, and her quality of life will depend on the decisions and successes that you make with her now.
Can obesity in a child be reversed?
Yes, but only with healthy eating, proper activity level, and consistent monitoring that will need to be lifelong. We can't change our genetics, but we can change what we put into READ MORE
Yes, but only with healthy eating, proper activity level, and consistent monitoring that will need to be lifelong. We can't change our genetics, but we can change what we put into our body and build the confidence that comes from feeling and being healthy. I recommend establishing with a good bariatric physician in your area, eat healthy food rich in protein, significantly reduce carbohydrate intake and develop a plan to set your child's future up to be healthy and happy. Visit the website: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ to find a bariatric physician near you to help manage a healthy plan for your child.
Can you fix obesity in a child?
You can, but you have to treat it like a disease. Children are given too much sugar, too many carbs and too much fast food. If you do not help your child lose the weight and keep READ MORE
You can, but you have to treat it like a disease. Children are given too much sugar, too many carbs and too much fast food. If you do not help your child lose the weight and keep it off, there is no doubt in my mind that your child will not live a long life and the life your child will live will be filled with more misery than happiness. Please go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a specialist in your area to help you. I have had the opportunity to treat thousands of children in my career and it has been the highlight knowing that I have helped them open the door to a more healthy and happy life.
