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
Feeling depressed after major weight loss surgery?
Immediately notify your surgeon as well as request a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in treating patients following bariatric surgery. This can get worse if not addressed READ MORE
Immediately notify your surgeon as well as request a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in treating patients following bariatric surgery. This can get worse if not addressed and treated so do not delay in reaching out to your doctors.
I can't lose weight?
Part of this can be hormonal as well as genetic. Sometimes we can do all that we are supposed to do and the body will still not cooperate. I suggest that you find a bariatric physician READ MORE
Part of this can be hormonal as well as genetic. Sometimes we can do all that we are supposed to do and the body will still not cooperate. I suggest that you find a bariatric physician who can help your metabolism. It is difficult to do all of the right things and if we do not see success human nature will take over and we will go off of the wagon. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a bariatric physician in your area and they can help you find the success that you are looking for and that you deserve for the effort you are putting in.
Is an obese child healthy?
No, an obese child is not healthy. They are set up for diseases earlier in life and we tend to see that they live shorter lives with less quality. It is important to address the READ MORE
No, an obese child is not healthy. They are set up for diseases earlier in life and we tend to see that they live shorter lives with less quality. It is important to address the cause of obesity and bring the percent body fat down. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a physician who specializes in helping people lose weight. I have treated thousands of children/adolescents for obesity and have seen almost every one of them succeed. Also, as a parent, you need to eat healthily and set an example or you will send the wrong message to your child. Never ask a child to do something that you are not willing to do.
Is child obesity serious?
Very serious. It puts a child at a greater risk of disease earlier in life and will no doubt decrease their years in life as well as lead to poor quality of life.
What are the possible methods of treatment for obesity?
My recommendation, without knowing your daughter's history, is to find a physician who specializes in treating obesity in your area. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ READ MORE
My recommendation, without knowing your daughter's history, is to find a physician who specializes in treating obesity in your area. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and you can find a bariatric doctor near you and they can review the options. Still the best method is for not only the child to eat healthy (meat, green vegetables and low carb fruit), but as a parent you need to do the same and set a good example.
Teen weight loss?
I understand your desire to lose weight. I find a diet high in protein and very low in carbs to be the best way to lose weight. I also recommend working with a physician in your READ MORE
I understand your desire to lose weight. I find a diet high in protein and very low in carbs to be the best way to lose weight. I also recommend working with a physician in your area that specializes in weight loss and healthy eating. To find a physician in your area go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Be aware of all of the fad diets out there that restrict calories too much. The body does not do well on these and you will be more likely to put your weight back on, and then some.
I am a big fan of eating KETO. There are some good insights on the right kind of keto at: https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/
Good luck on your journey! If you do it right and with the right nutrition you will not only lose your percent body fat but be able to keep it off.
Be aware of all of the fad diets out there that restrict calories too much. The body does not do well on these and you will be more likely to put your weight back on, and then some.
I am a big fan of eating KETO. There are some good insights on the right kind of keto at: https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/
Good luck on your journey! If you do it right and with the right nutrition you will not only lose your percent body fat but be able to keep it off.
Does being overweight causes heart problems over time?
It absolutely will. The increased stress on the heart muscle from the excess fat will lead to high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. It is vital that you take the time and READ MORE
It absolutely will. The increased stress on the heart muscle from the excess fat will lead to high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. It is vital that you take the time and lose your weight before you do long term damage to your heart. Please find a physician who specializes in weight loss (bariatrics) in your area and work with them to get your weight off and keep it off. To find a bariatrician, go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Is childhood obesity a problem?
It is a significant problem. If left untreated, or not addressed, it is only a matter of time before your child suffers not only diabetes and heart problems, but your child will READ MORE
It is a significant problem. If left untreated, or not addressed, it is only a matter of time before your child suffers not only diabetes and heart problems, but your child will suffer joint and structural problems. This is also the time of life where self esteem is developed and when obese that suffers as well. I would suggest going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ to find a bariatric physician who can help you as well as working closely with your pediatrician. At the end of the day, too many children eat too many carbs and I have many of my patients eating a Ketogenic diet. I suggest working with your bariatric physician to determine the best treatment options for your child.
What happens if child obesity is left untreated?
If left untreated a whole myriad of diseases and conditions will become part of your child's life and you will regret not taking it seriously now. I suggest going to the website READ MORE
If left untreated a whole myriad of diseases and conditions will become part of your child's life and you will regret not taking it seriously now. I suggest going to the website of the Obesity Medicine Association: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a bariatric physician near you who can help. Start eliminating bread, rice, potatoes and sugar from your child's diet. Children eat too many carbs and that sets them up to be more obese.
How do I lose 160 pounds?
You can lose 160 pounds by eating foods that are fuels to the body (protein and healthy fats, and eliminating most of the carbs you consume). Carbs are what makes us gain weight READ MORE
You can lose 160 pounds by eating foods that are fuels to the body (protein and healthy fats, and eliminating most of the carbs you consume). Carbs are what makes us gain weight and make it hard to lose weight. You can also work with a bariatric physician near you and you can find one by going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
I battle with weight as do many of my family members. It is not easy to lose the weight, but if you do the right things and stick with it you will find joy, happiness and health that you never thought was possible. Each day is a day of staying on track. Eating in our society is rarely to gain fuel, but it is our social way of life, our coping mechanism, and something we do when we are bored. We have to eat boring to get the true pleasure out of life.
I battle with weight as do many of my family members. It is not easy to lose the weight, but if you do the right things and stick with it you will find joy, happiness and health that you never thought was possible. Each day is a day of staying on track. Eating in our society is rarely to gain fuel, but it is our social way of life, our coping mechanism, and something we do when we are bored. We have to eat boring to get the true pleasure out of life.
What kind of doctor treats obesity?
A Bariatrician treats obesity. Please go to https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatrician in your area. They will be able to effectively get you on the right treatment to READ MORE
A Bariatrician treats obesity. Please go to https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatrician in your area. They will be able to effectively get you on the right treatment to give you the best success at losing your weight and keeping it off.
Can obesity be reversed?
It can with the right treatment. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatric physician in your area so that you can have the best tools to reverse and manage obesity. READ MORE
It can with the right treatment. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatric physician in your area so that you can have the best tools to reverse and manage obesity.
Is medication effective at treating childhood obesity?
It certainly can help. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatric physician in your area. They will have the best tools to help her. This is such an important age READ MORE
It certainly can help. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatric physician in your area. They will have the best tools to help her. This is such an important age to get her obesity under control.
How can I help my obese child?
The best place to start is with your pediatrician to look at labs to see if there is a pysiological reason for his weight (i.e. insulin resistant). The next step is working with READ MORE
The best place to start is with your pediatrician to look at labs to see if there is a pysiological reason for his weight (i.e. insulin resistant). The next step is working with a bariatrician in your area who sees pediatric patients. You can find a good bariatrician through www.obesitymedicine.org. What you can do right now is to cut back on his carbohydrates and take all sugar out of his diet.
Can a psychiatrist help with obesity?
Yes, part of why we eat and sabotage ourselves stems phsycological. The rest is biological and by finding a good bariatrician through www.obesitymedicine.org will put you in the READ MORE
Yes, part of why we eat and sabotage ourselves stems phsycological. The rest is biological and by finding a good bariatrician through www.obesitymedicine.org will put you in the best position for success.
Breast sagginess after weight loss?
Yes, as percent body fat decreases (including the fat tissue in breasts) you will suffer from breast sagginess known as Breast Ptosis. Once you have lost all of your weight and READ MORE
Yes, as percent body fat decreases (including the fat tissue in breasts) you will suffer from breast sagginess known as Breast Ptosis. Once you have lost all of your weight and reduced your body fat percentage to a minimum of under 25%, then I suggest researching a plastic surgeon to correct the ptosis.
Does citalopram cause weight gain?
Yes, all SSRI's have the potential to cause weight gain.
Will I have mental effects after weight loss surgery?
Many patients do. It is important to work closely with a psychologist and a bariatrician. You can find a good bariatrician in your area through www.obesitymedicine.org.
Is depression and obesity directly correlated?
In many cases it is. Some individuals naturally battle depression and eating (particular carbs) is used as a coping mechanism. Others are overweight and it is depressing. Some READ MORE
In many cases it is. Some individuals naturally battle depression and eating (particular carbs) is used as a coping mechanism. Others are overweight and it is depressing. Some depression medications will cause weight gain as well.
How common is weight gain after bariatric surgery?
Some studies show that 50% of patients who have bariatric surgery gain their weight back following surgery. It is important to follow with a bariatric physician after surgery to READ MORE
Some studies show that 50% of patients who have bariatric surgery gain their weight back following surgery. It is important to follow with a bariatric physician after surgery to ensure that the weight that is lost from the procedure stays lost. You can find a good bariatrician in your area through www.obesitymedicine.org
