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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.
Learn More About Me
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

Can you gain weight after gastric bypass?

The short answer is yes. Almost 50% of patients who have had gastric bypass surgery will gain their weight back.

Why do I overeat when I'm miserable?

It is a coping mechanism, and carbs tickle the same receptors in the brain that opiates do. It can also be a form of self-sabotage. If you battle with weight and triggers, I suggest READ MORE
It is a coping mechanism, and carbs tickle the same receptors in the brain that opiates do. It can also be a form of self-sabotage. If you battle with weight and triggers, I suggest seeing a bariatric physician for help. To find one near you visit:
https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/

What is the best diet for natural weight loss?

In my opinion, a low-carbohydrate version of Eat Right For Your Type (eating according to your blood type) or Keto. As we get older, we want to minimize our carbohydrate intake. READ MORE
In my opinion, a low-carbohydrate version of Eat Right For Your Type (eating according to your blood type) or Keto. As we get older, we want to minimize our carbohydrate intake.

How can I improve my child's health and help her lose weight?

The best thing is to set a good example and eat healthy yourself and don't have unhealthy food in the house. I remember my son used to ask why we don't have chips, bread or ice READ MORE
The best thing is to set a good example and eat healthy yourself and don't have unhealthy food in the house. I remember my son used to ask why we don't have chips, bread or ice cream in the house and I told him that I don't want to be unhealthy. He then ate healthy options because I didn't provide him options of fast food, candy, treats, chips, etc. He learned to eat healthy by watching me do the same. It all starts with the parent and works down from there.

What food should you avoid if you had bariatric surgery?

The number one thing to avoid is carbohydrates. Our body can make glucose out of all foods so we don't need to add it. Follow the list of foods your bariatric surgeon advised including READ MORE
The number one thing to avoid is carbohydrates. Our body can make glucose out of all foods so we don't need to add it. Follow the list of foods your bariatric surgeon advised including all vitamin supplementation.

Does overeating mean you don't care about yourself?

Overeating does not mean that you don't care about yourself, but it does mean that food is a coping mechanism. Food is like a drug, especially carbs.

Is stevia good for diabetics?

It is better than many options out there. I prefer to have my patients use Truvia or Monks Fruit.

What happens if you have too much sugar with type 2 diabetes?

In simple terms you make your disease worse. Diabetes is very dangerous to all of the organs in your body and sugar is poison that makes everything worse. Use Truvia or Monks Fruit READ MORE
In simple terms you make your disease worse. Diabetes is very dangerous to all of the organs in your body and sugar is poison that makes everything worse. Use Truvia or Monks Fruit if you need to sweeten something, otherwise stay away from all carbs from bread to bananas.

Why have I gained so much while during the lockdown?

Most of the population has gained during the lockdown, and the average weight gain is around 20 pounds. Hence the weight gain has been referred to as the COVID 20. Stress and the READ MORE
Most of the population has gained during the lockdown, and the average weight gain is around 20 pounds. Hence the weight gain has been referred to as the COVID 20. Stress and the limitations have led the body to gain more and store more from carbohydrates. It is a survival mechanism the body has. It is important to progressively decrease carbs as we age and why I recommend a low carb version of eating according to our blood type or KETO.

What kind of therapy is best for overeating?

Working with a good physician who is experienced in bariatrics is a good place to start. You can find one near you by going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ READ MORE
Working with a good physician who is experienced in bariatrics is a good place to start. You can find one near you by going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/

Why do I turn to food when I'm unhappy?

It is primarily a coping mechanism. Food, especially carbs, stimulate the same receptors in the brain that opiates do so certain foods are literally a drug that makes us feel better READ MORE
It is primarily a coping mechanism. Food, especially carbs, stimulate the same receptors in the brain that opiates do so certain foods are literally a drug that makes us feel better for a short time.

What are the dangers of stomach band surgery?

This article should help: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0515/p813.html