Endocrinologists treat patients who are overweight or obese, sometimes because of metabolic and hormonal problems. When treating children, they’re called pediatric endocrinologists. They also identify factors linked with obesity, such as insulin resistance and genetic problems.
Being overweight or obese it makes an individual have many medical problems including:
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Some types of cancer
Diagnosing Obesity
Obesity is diagnosed using a formula based on height and weight called the body mass index (BMI). Higher BMIs are associated with greater risk of health problems.
Causes of obesity include:
- Insulinoma
- Brain tumors
- Sleep disorders
Some of the most common conditions treated by an endocrinologist include the following:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Metabolic disorders
- Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency
- Goiter
- Hormone deficiencies
- Chronic fatigue
- Thyroid and endocrine cancer
- Menopause
- Infertility
- Hypertension
- Growth problems
Signs that you may need to see an endocrinologist include:
- Unexplained weight gain/loss
- Feeling excessively thirsty or hungry
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in vision
Other symptoms of a potential endocrine disorder include:
- Menstrual changes/problems
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Low blood pressure
- Appetite loss
- Mood changes
- Skin discolorations
- Hair loss
- Irregular heart rate
- Infertility
What Endocrinologists Do for Weight Loss
Endocrinologists treat conditions that affect your adrenal glands. Your adrenals sit on top of your kidneys and help to control things like your blood pressure, metabolism and stress response
Endocrinologists, who are specialists in hormones and metabolism, can help assess the cause of your obesity and the possible complications. They also direct how you should be treated and prescribe and monitor your medications.
There is no simple solution or a pill to cure obesity. But there are successful treatments to help manage it. Obesity needs a long-term approach that combines diet, increased activity and behavioral changes. Don’t expect overnight results with a weight loss ,it takes time. To keep the weight off, you will need to make any changes in diet and daily activity.
Weight loss medications can also be helpful for some people and your endocrinologist may recommend a drug for you.You will have to stay on these medications in order to keep the weight off.
Some people with health problems such as diabetes may need to be under endocrinologist’s care while they lose weight.
Endocrinologists Work Best with Your PCP
Endocrinologists work together with your primary care provider to design the best treatment and disease management strategy for your condition. Endocrinologists may recommend treatments like hormone replacement therapy and insulin therapy, as well as nutritional and diabetes counseling services.
