Finding a weight loss doctor in Illinois can be tricky. The Mayo Clinic suggests seeking the advice of your family physician before starting on any weight loss program. It is important to not fall for schemes and risky procedures, so don't hesitate to ask your doctor for referrals so you can make smart choices.
Locations
Big cities in Illinois are the most common places to find doctors specializing in weight loss. However, even in smaller towns, those in need can visit local hospitals to find nutritionists and doctors who can guide them in their weight loss goals. Small-town hospitals will usually refer patients who require weight loss surgery to specialty hospitals or cosmetic surgeons.
Types
Weight loss doctors who work for companies such as Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig or even Weight Watchers are nutrition specialists who understand how each calorie and its nutritional value affect your system. They teach you how to make healthier choices that lead to weight loss. Other weight loss specialists may use other means such as surgery for weight loss. Your family doctor can provide you with health tests to eliminate the possibility of physical problems causing weight gain, and in the event of thyroid or gastric problems, refer you to the proper specialist. Your doctor can also advise you on basic weight loss procedures, and help you track your progress. If necessary, your doctor may also refer you to a more invasive procedure specialist.
Procedures
Most weight loss doctors in Illinois will specialize in a type of procedure to help you meet your goals. Some are surgeons who use surgical procedures such as lapbands and bypasses to help you lose weight. Other doctors run group clinics or work for companies such as Jenny Craig where you learn to control your eating habits and follow a regimen laid out for the group as a whole. Group style weight loss clinics may even have their own foods. There are also weight loss doctors in Illinois practicing acupuncture to help patients lose weight. Any of these specialists may prescribe certain drugs to help you lose weight.
Certification
Whether you choose your family doctor, the general practitioner, or decide on a plastic surgeon, nutritionist or obesity specialist, make sure they have the proper board certifications. Physicians and surgeons must be licensed doctors, and bariatric (obesity) physicians should also be certified with the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP), and/or the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. Nutritionists (ASMBS), and weight loss counselors have National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), certifications.
Weight Loss Drugs
Always be sure that any drugs your chosen physician prescribes are FDA-approved and ask him about safety issues concerning the drug in question.
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