Baptist Weight Loss Center

Obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, with more than 60 percent of our population now overweight. More Americans are eating out, and many tend to put convenience and taste ahead of nutritional content. Being overweight and obese are known risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, gallbladder disease, degeneration of cartilage and bone joints, sleep apnea and some forms of cancer.

At the Baptist Weight Loss Center, bariatric physicians, surgeons and counselors offer surgical and non-surgical programs for your weight management needs.

What Are My Options Based On My BMI?

The Baptist Weight Loss Center offers options to help individuals whose Body Mass Index (BMI) indicates they are either overweight or obese. BMI is the height-to-weight ratio of an individual and is determined by a mathematical formula. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates an individual is overweight. A BMI of 30 or greater indicates an individual is obese.

Adolescent Bariatric Program

The adolescent bariatric program at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital offers adolescents currently suffering from obesity an opportunity to improve their health with bariatric surgery. Those interested in the surgery would first be evaluated to determine if this treatment is appropriate and a good fit for the patient and family. Our team of specialists, including a surgeon, nurses, dietician, child life specialists, psychologists, and a wide range of supporting medical specialists who will provide pre- and post-operative support.

In order to be eligible for this program, your child must meet the following criteria:

1. Body Mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or BMI greater than 35 with medical complications related to obesity, including severe high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea.
2. A documented history of weight management and weight loss attempts with supervised diets and exercise programs
3. The candidate must be done growing. Girls are usually finished growing around 14 and boys around 15. Knowing that this process takes 6 months to a year, a consultation should start between the ages of 15-18.

For more information, or to see if your child qualifies, please call 901-226-LOSE (5673).