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.