Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.
Family Practitioner | Obesity Medicine
2152 S Vineyard Suite 135 Mesa AZ, 85210About
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
Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.'s Expert Contributions
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. READ MORE
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 seeing a bariatric physician for help. To find one near you visit: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ READ MORE
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
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 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. READ MORE
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 all vitamin supplementation. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
Is stevia good for diabetics?
It is better than many options out there. I prefer to have my patients use Truvia or Monks Fruit. READ MORE
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 if you need to sweeten something, otherwise stay away from all carbs from bread to bananas. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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
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 for a short time. READ MORE
What are the dangers of stomach band surgery?
This article should help: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0515/p813.html READ MORE
Awards
- #1 Weight Loss Specialist 5 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
Mesa, AZ 85210Get Direction
Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.'s reviews
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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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