Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.?
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Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O., Family Practitioner
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Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.

Family Practitioner | Obesity Medicine

4/5(38)
2152 S Vineyard Suite 135 Mesa AZ, 85210
Rating

4/5

About

Gary A. Knighton, DO, is a bariatrician who diagnoses and treats patients at Arizona Medical Weight Loss in Mesa, Arizona. He founded Arizona Medical Weight Loss in 1998.  Dr. Knighton is recognized Arizona’s #1 Physician for Weight-Loss Management. As a bariatrician, he specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of obesity. Dr. Knighton’s impressive professional journey spans twenty-eight years and has expanse knowledge and unrivaled expertise in bariatric medicine.

Education and Training

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine 1995

Provider Details

Male English, Spanish
Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.
Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.'s Expert Contributions
  • Feeling depressed after major weight loss surgery?

    Immediately notify your surgeon as well as request a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in treating patients following bariatric surgery. This can get worse if not addressed and treated so do not delay in reaching out to your doctors. READ MORE

  • I can't lose weight?

    Part of this can be hormonal as well as genetic. Sometimes we can do all that we are supposed to do and the body will still not cooperate. I suggest that you find a bariatric physician who can help your metabolism. It is difficult to do all of the right things and if we do not see success human nature will take over and we will go off of the wagon. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a bariatric physician in your area and they can help you find the success that you are looking for and that you deserve for the effort you are putting in. READ MORE

  • Is an obese child healthy?

    No, an obese child is not healthy. They are set up for diseases earlier in life and we tend to see that they live shorter lives with less quality. It is important to address the cause of obesity and bring the percent body fat down. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a physician who specializes in helping people lose weight. I have treated thousands of children/adolescents for obesity and have seen almost every one of them succeed. Also, as a parent, you need to eat healthily and set an example or you will send the wrong message to your child. Never ask a child to do something that you are not willing to do. READ MORE

  • Is child obesity serious?

    Very serious. It puts a child at a greater risk of disease earlier in life and will no doubt decrease their years in life as well as lead to poor quality of life. READ MORE

  • What are the possible methods of treatment for obesity?

    My recommendation, without knowing your daughter's history, is to find a physician who specializes in treating obesity in your area. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and you can find a bariatric doctor near you and they can review the options. Still the best method is for not only the child to eat healthy (meat, green vegetables and low carb fruit), but as a parent you need to do the same and set a good example. READ MORE

  • Teen weight loss?

    I understand your desire to lose weight. I find a diet high in protein and very low in carbs to be the best way to lose weight. I also recommend working with a physician in your area that specializes in weight loss and healthy eating. To find a physician in your area go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ Be aware of all of the fad diets out there that restrict calories too much. The body does not do well on these and you will be more likely to put your weight back on, and then some. I am a big fan of eating KETO. There are some good insights on the right kind of keto at: https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/ Good luck on your journey! If you do it right and with the right nutrition you will not only lose your percent body fat but be able to keep it off. READ MORE

  • Does being overweight causes heart problems over time?

    It absolutely will. The increased stress on the heart muscle from the excess fat will lead to high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. It is vital that you take the time and lose your weight before you do long term damage to your heart. Please find a physician who specializes in weight loss (bariatrics) in your area and work with them to get your weight off and keep it off. To find a bariatrician, go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ READ MORE

  • Is childhood obesity a problem?

    It is a significant problem. If left untreated, or not addressed, it is only a matter of time before your child suffers not only diabetes and heart problems, but your child will suffer joint and structural problems. This is also the time of life where self esteem is developed and when obese that suffers as well. I would suggest going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ to find a bariatric physician who can help you as well as working closely with your pediatrician. At the end of the day, too many children eat too many carbs and I have many of my patients eating a Ketogenic diet. I suggest working with your bariatric physician to determine the best treatment options for your child. READ MORE

  • What happens if child obesity is left untreated?

    If left untreated a whole myriad of diseases and conditions will become part of your child's life and you will regret not taking it seriously now. I suggest going to the website of the Obesity Medicine Association: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and find a bariatric physician near you who can help. Start eliminating bread, rice, potatoes and sugar from your child's diet. Children eat too many carbs and that sets them up to be more obese. READ MORE

  • How do I lose 160 pounds?

    You can lose 160 pounds by eating foods that are fuels to the body (protein and healthy fats, and eliminating most of the carbs you consume). Carbs are what makes us gain weight and make it hard to lose weight. You can also work with a bariatric physician near you and you can find one by going to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ I battle with weight as do many of my family members. It is not easy to lose the weight, but if you do the right things and stick with it you will find joy, happiness and health that you never thought was possible. Each day is a day of staying on track. Eating in our society is rarely to gain fuel, but it is our social way of life, our coping mechanism, and something we do when we are bored. We have to eat boring to get the true pleasure out of life. READ MORE

  • What kind of doctor treats obesity?

    A Bariatrician treats obesity. Please go to https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatrician in your area. They will be able to effectively get you on the right treatment to give you the best success at losing your weight and keeping it off. READ MORE

  • Can obesity be reversed?

    It can with the right treatment. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatric physician in your area so that you can have the best tools to reverse and manage obesity. READ MORE

  • Is medication effective at treating childhood obesity?

    It certainly can help. Go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/ and find a bariatric physician in your area. They will have the best tools to help her. This is such an important age to get her obesity under control. READ MORE

  • How can I help my obese child?

    The best place to start is with your pediatrician to look at labs to see if there is a pysiological reason for his weight (i.e. insulin resistant). The next step is working with a bariatrician in your area who sees pediatric patients. You can find a good bariatrician through www.obesitymedicine.org. What you can do right now is to cut back on his carbohydrates and take all sugar out of his diet. READ MORE

  • Can a psychiatrist help with obesity?

    Yes, part of why we eat and sabotage ourselves stems phsycological. The rest is biological and by finding a good bariatrician through www.obesitymedicine.org will put you in the best position for success. READ MORE

  • Breast sagginess after weight loss?

    Yes, as percent body fat decreases (including the fat tissue in breasts) you will suffer from breast sagginess known as Breast Ptosis. Once you have lost all of your weight and reduced your body fat percentage to a minimum of under 25%, then I suggest researching a plastic surgeon to correct the ptosis. READ MORE

  • Does citalopram cause weight gain?

    Yes, all SSRI's have the potential to cause weight gain. READ MORE

  • Will I have mental effects after weight loss surgery?

    Many patients do. It is important to work closely with a psychologist and a bariatrician. You can find a good bariatrician in your area through www.obesitymedicine.org. READ MORE

  • Is depression and obesity directly correlated?

    In many cases it is. Some individuals naturally battle depression and eating (particular carbs) is used as a coping mechanism. Others are overweight and it is depressing. Some depression medications will cause weight gain as well. READ MORE

  • How common is weight gain after bariatric surgery?

    Some studies show that 50% of patients who have bariatric surgery gain their weight back following surgery. It is important to follow with a bariatric physician after surgery to ensure that the weight that is lost from the procedure stays lost. You can find a good bariatrician in your area through www.obesitymedicine.org READ MORE

Awards

  • #1 Weight Loss Specialist Ranking Arizona Publication 
  • Compassionate Doctor Recognition 2016  
  • On-Time Doctor Award Year  
  • Patients’ Choice Award Year  

Professional Memberships

  • Arizona Osteopathic Association  
  • American Medical Association  
  • American Osteopathic Association  
  • Obesity Medicine Association  

Professional Society Memberships

  • Arizona Osteopathic Association | American Medical Association | American Osteopathic Association | Obesity Medicine Association

Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.'s Practice location

2152 S Vineyard Suite 135 -
Mesa, AZ 85210
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New patients: 480-539-1855, 480-539-1855
Fax: 480-539-1859

Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.'s reviews

(38)
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Patient Experience with Dr. Knighton


4.0

Based on 38 reviews

Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O. has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 38 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Family Practitioner | Obesity Medicine in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Media Releases

Get to know Bariatrician Dr. Gary Knighton, who serves patients in Mesa, Arizona.

Ranking Arizona’s #1 Physician for Weight-Loss Management, Dr. Knighton’s vast knowledge of bariatric medicine and the ability to see beyond the obstacles and take science into consideration truly make him one-of-a-kind. He is the Founder of Arizona Medical Weight Loss in Mesa, Arizona.

Dr. Knighton has 24 years of training and experience helping people lose weight and feel better about themselves. Dr. Knighton’s number one priority is to be involved in the care of every patient who walks through his door. He and his staff provide an individualized weight loss experience. He wants patients to feel at home in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, where they feel genuinely cared for. What he and his staff offer is something utterly unique.

Patients come from all over the country to see Dr. Knighton. His personal experience, battling weight and losing weight adds another dimension to his approach helping others lose weight and feel better about themselves. His patients have success without feeling deprived. 

A 1995 graduate of the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Knighton has been practicing bariatric medicine since 1996. His philosophy on helping patients lose weight is to never assume that any two people are the same. 

As a bariatrician and a long-standing member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, he believes in using a multi-faceted approach combining a balance of nutrition, activity, proper vitamin supplementation, and medications to help his patients shed extra weight. His Weight Loss Program has helped thousands achieve dramatic results – from late teens to the aged, new moms to men at midlife, former professional athletes to former models, etc. 

Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. A bariatrician is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) who has received special education and training in bariatric medicine. They may treat overweight and obese patients with diet, nutrition, exercise, behavioral therapy, appropriate medications, or any combination of these treatments.

Recognized as an authority in his field, Dr. Knighton is the recipient of Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2014, 2016), On-Time Doctor Award (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018), and Patients’ Choice Award (2015, 2016, 2018).

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