Lake Health's Director of Weight Management, Dr. Barbara Berkeley, Joins a Nationwide Effort to Help Those Affected by Obesity
With nearly two-thirds of Americans considered overweight (33.3 percent) or obese (35.9 percent), the health care community is placing more emphasis on medical interventions to support those affected. Barbara Berkeley, MD, director of Weight Management Services for Lake Health and a member of The Obesity Society (TOS), is among the first physicians in the United States and Canada to become certified in treating people for the disease. She became the first of three physicians in the state of Ohio to receive her Achievement of Diplomate from the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM).
As a board-certified internist, Dr. Berkeley has specialized in the care of overweight and obese patients since 1988. She maintains a private practice in Cleveland limited to overweight and obesity and is the author of Refuse to Regain: Twelve Tough Rules to Maintain the Body You've Earned, a book focused solely on weight maintenance.
"Many Americans are struggling to find the adequate support and successful interventions they need to lose weight and improve their health," said Dr. Berkeley. "The new American Board of Obesity Medicine will ensure that physicians who specialize in obesity are fully qualified and highly trained."
Obesity is associated with multiple health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer, and can have a profound impact on the quality of life and work productivity of those affected. According to a report by Cornell University researchers,The Medical Care Costs of Obesity, it is estimated that the annual cost of managing obesity in the United States alone amounts to approximately $190.2 billion per year, or 20.6% of national health expenditures. With improvements in research, treatment and prevention, it is the goal of many in the obesity community, including The Obesity Society, to reduce those costs, and improve the quality of life for those struggling with the disease.
Obesity medicine physicians provide a comprehensive approach to treatment, which may include support from other health care providers, including nutritionists, exercise physiologists, psychologists and bariatric surgeons to achieve optimal results.
"It is with great pride that we announce the addition of Dr. Berkeley to the prestigious group of ABOM diplomates," said TOS President Harvey Grill, PhD. "This achievement reflects a much-needed commitment to helping the millions of Americans affected by obesity. To become one of the first ABOM-certified physicians is truly an accomplishment."
Dr. Berkeley earned her medical degree from the State University of New York-Stony Brook and completed her residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. She also holds a master's degree in Education from Columbia University.
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