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.
29 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
What are the treatment methods for obesity?
I suppose a lot depends on how old your daughter is. We are seeing such a dramatic rise in obesity in children between the ages of 9-18. The tough thing is girls develop 20% of READ MORE
I suppose a lot depends on how old your daughter is. We are seeing such a dramatic rise in obesity in children between the ages of 9-18. The tough thing is girls develop 20% of their total body fat cells in the ages of puberty. We live in a world of processed foods, fast food, inflammatory wheat, and lots of sugar. I grew up incredibly poor and sometimes all we had was bread, butter and sugar and you can guess what kind of sandwiches we had.
There are some amazing advances in medicine. I like tirzepatide as a dual receptor medication and the medications from over 60 years ago. There hasn't been much that has come out between 1959 and 2022. All of that said, we now have much better options. No one wakes up and says, "hey, I want to be obese." I wake up each day saying "who can I help not be obese today."
I recommend that you see a doctor who is trained to treat obesity; most doctors just don't know how and there are still doctors who think it is a choice. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
There you can find a doctor in your area that will help your daughter. I wish you and your daughter all the success in the world so that she finds her best self and lives that best self throughout her life because that is exactly what she deserves!
There are some amazing advances in medicine. I like tirzepatide as a dual receptor medication and the medications from over 60 years ago. There hasn't been much that has come out between 1959 and 2022. All of that said, we now have much better options. No one wakes up and says, "hey, I want to be obese." I wake up each day saying "who can I help not be obese today."
I recommend that you see a doctor who is trained to treat obesity; most doctors just don't know how and there are still doctors who think it is a choice. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
There you can find a doctor in your area that will help your daughter. I wish you and your daughter all the success in the world so that she finds her best self and lives that best self throughout her life because that is exactly what she deserves!
How to cope with obesity?
You know, that is a very difficult question. I hope you don't mind, but I want to rephrase your question. How to I cope while curing my obesity? I want everyone to not feel they READ MORE
You know, that is a very difficult question. I hope you don't mind, but I want to rephrase your question. How to I cope while curing my obesity? I want everyone to not feel they are locked into obesity and then try and find a way to cope with it because it is impossible to cope knowing you are stuck. I battle with obesity, I have been to enough family reunions to know what my genetics are, so I have to look at it the exact same way.
There are treatments for obesity that are really promising. We have medications that have been around for 60 years and the new tirzepatide is a game changer as well. Since I am not your physician, I can't give you a specific treatment, but there are some that are working wonders for me and my patients. I would highly recommend that you find a bariatric doctor in your area: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
Working closely with a doctor who knows how to treat obesity will get you on a path, and it does take some work, to a healthier, happier you. Once you are down, don't think the body magically changes, there is a significant probability that you will need to be on something long term to maintain, but so worth it.
There are treatments for obesity that are really promising. We have medications that have been around for 60 years and the new tirzepatide is a game changer as well. Since I am not your physician, I can't give you a specific treatment, but there are some that are working wonders for me and my patients. I would highly recommend that you find a bariatric doctor in your area: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
Working closely with a doctor who knows how to treat obesity will get you on a path, and it does take some work, to a healthier, happier you. Once you are down, don't think the body magically changes, there is a significant probability that you will need to be on something long term to maintain, but so worth it.
Can obesity be reversed?
It can if you treat it as a disease and not a condition, because it is a disease that we have to use all of the tools to put it into remission. I suggest working closely with a READ MORE
It can if you treat it as a disease and not a condition, because it is a disease that we have to use all of the tools to put it into remission. I suggest working closely with a doctor who specializes in treating those of us with obesity. You can find a doctor near you on: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
I wish you all of the success because that is exactly what you deserve!
I wish you all of the success because that is exactly what you deserve!
Can obesity be prevented?
Yes, if you address it as a genetic disease. There is only about a 5% success rate in just changing eating and exercise habits who can lose and stay down. I recommend working closely READ MORE
Yes, if you address it as a genetic disease. There is only about a 5% success rate in just changing eating and exercise habits who can lose and stay down. I recommend working closely with a doctor who specifically treats obesity to help. I suggest going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/ and find a doctor near you to help. I wish you all of the success because it runs in my family, too.
Can obesity be treated?
It sure can. The best way to treat it is to see a doctor who treats specifically obese patients. You can find one near you on the following link: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/ There READ MORE
It sure can. The best way to treat it is to see a doctor who treats specifically obese patients. You can find one near you on the following link: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
There are some great advances in the treatment of obesity; specifically, with Zepbound (tirzepatide) which was just approved by the FDA last month. I believe this medication will be a game changer in the ability to treat and be able to keep the obesity in remission. Obesity is a disease, and the medical world is finally catching on.
I wish you all of the success in your journey because success is exactly what you deserve!
There are some great advances in the treatment of obesity; specifically, with Zepbound (tirzepatide) which was just approved by the FDA last month. I believe this medication will be a game changer in the ability to treat and be able to keep the obesity in remission. Obesity is a disease, and the medical world is finally catching on.
I wish you all of the success in your journey because success is exactly what you deserve!
Are there any medications to treat obesity?
Yes there are. You will need to work with a doctor who specifically treats obesity. You can find one here: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/ Once you do, you READ MORE
Yes there are. You will need to work with a doctor who specifically treats obesity. You can find one here: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
Once you do, you can work with them in finding the treatment that works best for you. I have had very good success with my patients taking diethylpropion and phentermine. However, I am very excited about Zepbound (Tirzepatide) as I believe this medication to be a game changer as a dual receptor medication rather than the single receptor (semaglutide). I wasn't too impressed with semaglutide, but I am sure there are individuals who did well.
I wish you success because that is exactly what you deserve.
Once you do, you can work with them in finding the treatment that works best for you. I have had very good success with my patients taking diethylpropion and phentermine. However, I am very excited about Zepbound (Tirzepatide) as I believe this medication to be a game changer as a dual receptor medication rather than the single receptor (semaglutide). I wasn't too impressed with semaglutide, but I am sure there are individuals who did well.
I wish you success because that is exactly what you deserve.
Is obesity genetic?
Yes, obesity is very much genetic. Thousands of years of a blueprint of survival is passed on. Those of us that gain and hold onto weight are the ones who survived a thousand years READ MORE
Yes, obesity is very much genetic. Thousands of years of a blueprint of survival is passed on. Those of us that gain and hold onto weight are the ones who survived a thousand years ago and our skinny friends wouldn't survive. However, today where we can go to the store and acquire food takes away the threat of famine, but our body is still programmed to store for survival. All of that said, we can help the body override that programming and lost the percent body fat and feel good. I battle obesity and I get it. I suggest going to the link: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
Once there, find a doctor who specializes in treating obesity, because it is a genetic disease, and get the life you want. I wish you all the success.
Once there, find a doctor who specializes in treating obesity, because it is a genetic disease, and get the life you want. I wish you all the success.
What helps with obesity?
The best way to help obesity it to find a physician to help. Obesity is a disease; it isn't a choice even if we have some bad habits. We all know it is easy to do the right thing READ MORE
The best way to help obesity it to find a physician to help. Obesity is a disease; it isn't a choice even if we have some bad habits. We all know it is easy to do the right thing when we see results, when we feel good and when we feel good about ourselves. I suggest that you go to the following link and find a doctor who treats obesity to help you: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/
I wish you all of the success in the world. I battle it, too!
I wish you all of the success in the world. I battle it, too!
How can I help my obese daughter mentally?
The best way to help mentally is having success. We all know success is the greatest motivator and turns our situation into a glass half full and not half empty. I battle with READ MORE
The best way to help mentally is having success. We all know success is the greatest motivator and turns our situation into a glass half full and not half empty. I battle with weight, my genetics are not good, and even though I work with patients every day to help them lose weight, I know we are only as good as our success; me included. We can't force our mind to change how it feels if we don't believe it. I suggest working with a doctor who knows how to treat obesity. You can go to this website and locate an obesity specialist in your area: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Once your daughter has the hurdles eliminated that are preventing her from having success, she will then experience the success of making progress and recognizing a whole new person. When she feels good physically and feels good about herself; that is when you have really helped her. I counsel people all of the time, don't accept yourself unless it is your best self. If we are not our best self, the best thing a parent can teach their child is to have the tools to have self-belief and self-confidence. Both comes from self. My parents did that for me. We were very poor and nothing came easy. My mom and taught me hard work, there is no shortcut but everything goes smoother if you use the right tools. In this case, you can do the same for your daughter. I wish you and your daughter the best as you accomplish your goals.
Once your daughter has the hurdles eliminated that are preventing her from having success, she will then experience the success of making progress and recognizing a whole new person. When she feels good physically and feels good about herself; that is when you have really helped her. I counsel people all of the time, don't accept yourself unless it is your best self. If we are not our best self, the best thing a parent can teach their child is to have the tools to have self-belief and self-confidence. Both comes from self. My parents did that for me. We were very poor and nothing came easy. My mom and taught me hard work, there is no shortcut but everything goes smoother if you use the right tools. In this case, you can do the same for your daughter. I wish you and your daughter the best as you accomplish your goals.
What treatments are effective for obesity?
There are not many treatments that can effectively help someone lose weight and keep it off. There are some "newer" options called GLP-1 agonists (i.e. Ozempic, also known as semaglutide). READ MORE
There are not many treatments that can effectively help someone lose weight and keep it off. There are some "newer" options called GLP-1 agonists (i.e. Ozempic, also known as semaglutide). This has become very popular, but I don't believe we are where we need to be with this "recipe." There are a lot of side effects and studies have shown us that some might be permanent. We also are guided to only use the name brand of this drug class and that is over $1,000 a month.
I am still in support of the medications that came out over 60 years ago (diethylpropion, for example), and that particular class has had many years to show it's benefit and very limited side effects. There are doctors who specialize in treating with this class of medications, and you can find one near you on: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Treating our obesity is a life-long commitment. Very few, if any, can lose their weight and then abandon everything they used to get there and maintain. However, though it does take commitment, and the right doctor helping, I rarely see someone who doesn't achieve success. The greatest feeling in all the world is "if I feel good physically, and feel good about myself." Those are the days we can handle what life throws at us. If we don't feel good or don't feel good about ourselves that is when everything is glass half empty. That is the natural human response. I know that I am no different as I battle with weight.
So, medications that have a proven track record of safety and success to help the body's ability to burn energy (fat cells) and control appetite, a plan of good nutrition of bringing in foods high in protein and low in carbs, and exercise/activity that increases naturally as percent body fat decreases; this is the recipe.
Good luck as you both set out to accomplish your goals.
I am still in support of the medications that came out over 60 years ago (diethylpropion, for example), and that particular class has had many years to show it's benefit and very limited side effects. There are doctors who specialize in treating with this class of medications, and you can find one near you on: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Treating our obesity is a life-long commitment. Very few, if any, can lose their weight and then abandon everything they used to get there and maintain. However, though it does take commitment, and the right doctor helping, I rarely see someone who doesn't achieve success. The greatest feeling in all the world is "if I feel good physically, and feel good about myself." Those are the days we can handle what life throws at us. If we don't feel good or don't feel good about ourselves that is when everything is glass half empty. That is the natural human response. I know that I am no different as I battle with weight.
So, medications that have a proven track record of safety and success to help the body's ability to burn energy (fat cells) and control appetite, a plan of good nutrition of bringing in foods high in protein and low in carbs, and exercise/activity that increases naturally as percent body fat decreases; this is the recipe.
Good luck as you both set out to accomplish your goals.
Can obesity be reversed?
We can "reverse" our percent body fat and put the "obesity" in remission. To date, we don't have the genetic tools to reverse a disease process because that is generally in our READ MORE
We can "reverse" our percent body fat and put the "obesity" in remission. To date, we don't have the genetic tools to reverse a disease process because that is generally in our genetic blueprint of survival. It is tough with all of the processed foods as well as all of the hormones in the food we consume that exacerbate the obesity, then we add the gluten in our wheat and it is a disaster. With everything seemingly working against us, even when we try, it is harder than it was 50 years ago. I recommend working with a skilled Bariatric Physician to meet your specific needs, and to use medications to help if needed. In my experience, 2 out of 3 people who battle with obesity can not succeed on their own and that is discouraging. We can't will obesity away in the same manner as we can't will cancer away. We can decrease the body fat and put it in remission which will include long term limitation of carbohydrates and a focus on protein. To find a Bariatric Physician in your area go to:
https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
If you can't find one, you are welcome to come to my office and I can treat you. I treat patients all over the United States. I know exactly what my patients are going through as I battle obesity, my family reunions have shown me what my outlook is if I don't do everything in my power to keep my obesity in remission, too.
https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
If you can't find one, you are welcome to come to my office and I can treat you. I treat patients all over the United States. I know exactly what my patients are going through as I battle obesity, my family reunions have shown me what my outlook is if I don't do everything in my power to keep my obesity in remission, too.
Can obesity be reversed?
Much of this is dependent on the cause of her obesity. If she has genetics that predict a struggle with weight, then that can't change. It also depends on her age as 20% of the READ MORE
Much of this is dependent on the cause of her obesity. If she has genetics that predict a struggle with weight, then that can't change. It also depends on her age as 20% of the number of fat cells that are developed in girls will occur during puberty years. These biological markers will make it difficult, but a recipe can be produced to assist in the process. In a practical sense, the cause of obesity (outside of healthy eating and activity) can't be reversed, but she dramatically decrease her percent body fat and have a chance to maintain it. In most cases, it requires the assistance of a physician who specializes in obesity to help formulate a plan/program/medication to help the body respond to healthy eating (more protein and less carbs). Once she is down, it may require a long-term usage of the plan/program/medication to get the "reverse in obesity" so to speak. To find a bariatric physician in your area, I suggest going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
I have helped thousands with a plan/program and medication (when indicated) to decrease their percent body fat and become the person they were destined to become. I am confident that your daughter will succeed.
I have helped thousands with a plan/program and medication (when indicated) to decrease their percent body fat and become the person they were destined to become. I am confident that your daughter will succeed.
Can obesity be treated mentally?
Yes and no. The mental part of why we eat for reasons other than nutrition can be treated mentally. Many of us use food as a coping mechanism or we are seeking pleasure. There READ MORE
Yes and no. The mental part of why we eat for reasons other than nutrition can be treated mentally. Many of us use food as a coping mechanism or we are seeking pleasure. There are some foods that stimulate the same receptors in the brain that opiates and dopamine do; namely sugar and certain carbohydrates. With that said, there is also a physiological cause and effect depending on our biological programming on our body's engine type. Meaning, does my body burn fuel/energy like an old Buick, or does my body burn fuel/energy like a Prius and we go 50 miles and only burn a gallon. My body, for example, burns like a Prius making it impossible to exercise off bad eating. In addition, I seek pleasure through food which sets me up for a tough combination. I have found that the best place to start is working with a good bariatric physician as I have found that mental therapy alone tends to have a less than satisfactory outcome. To find a bariatric physician in your area, go to:https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Is obesity a serious problem?
It is a serious problem both physically and psychologically. When we feel good physically, and feel good about ourselves, we do much better in life. When we are obese we set ourselves READ MORE
It is a serious problem both physically and psychologically. When we feel good physically, and feel good about ourselves, we do much better in life. When we are obese we set ourselves up for disease, cancer, orthopedic problems and there is an increased risk of fatigue and depression. In fact, obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. I recommend that you see a physician who is trained to treat obesity. You can find one near you by visiting: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
What treatments help with obesity?
The best treatment that I have found is to work with a physician who is trained to treat obesity. I am not faulting healthcare, but most physicians are not trained to really treat READ MORE
The best treatment that I have found is to work with a physician who is trained to treat obesity. I am not faulting healthcare, but most physicians are not trained to really treat obesity. I have found that it takes a commitment to addressing why the body doesn't want to burn fat, but wants to store it. Often times it takes medication to help in addition to an individualized nutrition and activity plan to obtain success. To find a physician near you I suggest that you go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Can psychiatrists help with obesity?
A psychiatrist can help if there is an emotional cause of over-eating or bing eating. Unfortunately, that doesn't help the metabolic causes of obesity. I would recommend including READ MORE
A psychiatrist can help if there is an emotional cause of over-eating or bing eating. Unfortunately, that doesn't help the metabolic causes of obesity. I would recommend including a bariatric physician in your journey for the best success. You can find one near you by going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
Good luck with your journey. I battle obesity and the greatest drug in the world is feeling good and feeling good about yourself. Does it take work? Yes! Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Good luck with your journey. I battle obesity and the greatest drug in the world is feeling good and feeling good about yourself. Does it take work? Yes! Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Can obesity be fixed with a diet?
For some, just by cutting out carbs and focussing on protein and healthy fats can help. For many, it requires more than that. If you have followed a diet of getting enough protein READ MORE
For some, just by cutting out carbs and focussing on protein and healthy fats can help. For many, it requires more than that. If you have followed a diet of getting enough protein and have cut out sugar, wheat, fruits with too much sugar (if you can make a juice out of it and it tastes delicious there is too much sugar) and vegetables with too much sugar (best ones are the green ones grown above ground) and have lost weight/percent body fat then you are one of the lucky ones. If not, then I suggest finding a bariatric physician in your area to help by going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and they can help with medications, if necessary, to help.
Is obesity a disease?
It is most definitely a disease. Although it took until 2013 until it was universally classified as a disease, those of us who treat obesity have known such 50 years prior to its READ MORE
It is most definitely a disease. Although it took until 2013 until it was universally classified as a disease, those of us who treat obesity have known such 50 years prior to its official classification. Those of us who battle with obesity know our bodies do not burn calories as efficient as those who do not battle it, much like some engines can go 50 miles and only burn a gallon and others go through a gallon in just 13 miles. Those of us who battle obesity would be the ones alive 10,000 years ago and our thin friends wouldn't have survived. Since food is so easily obtained, in our carb driven society, many of us battle with the predisposed disease. I recommend that you find a doctor who specializes in treating obesity as many doctors still feel it is a choice and that is very unfortunate. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and you can find someone in your area. I treat patients from all over the United States. I wish you much success in your quest. I battle obesity and I am going on 6 years of keeping my weight off. Even as one who knows this disease inside and out, I am still human. I am sure that is part of what makes me very good at being a physician in this field.
Can obesity cause other health issues?
It sure can. From a physical standpoint it increases stress in all of the joints which increases the need for joint replacement in the future and increases inflammation in the READ MORE
It sure can. From a physical standpoint it increases stress in all of the joints which increases the need for joint replacement in the future and increases inflammation in the body; physiologically it increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancers; psychologically it lowers self-esteem and increases depression. You mentioned that you are obese. I would recommend that you see a doctor who specializes in helping people lose weight. To find one in your area, go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find someone that you trust to help you lose the weight and keep it off.
Can obesity be treated?
Yes, obesity can be treated, but it takes a physician who knows how to treat the disease of obesity. There is no such thing as calorie in and calorie out as we are different "engines" READ MORE
Yes, obesity can be treated, but it takes a physician who knows how to treat the disease of obesity. There is no such thing as calorie in and calorie out as we are different "engines" so to speak. It is like saying every car has the same gas mileage. I recommend that you find a good bariatric physician in your area to help by going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/
