March 5, 1999

Studies have shown that obesity is reaching epidemic proportions around the world. In America, obesity affects one-third of all adults and one-fifth of children and adolescents.

To better understand and treat obesity, the MGH Weight Center recently was established as a joint effort of the departments of Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics and Psychiatry. The center is directed by Lee Kaplan, MD, PhD, of the MGH Medical Service and Gastrointestinal Unit, and includes a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers dedicated to helping patients with weight disorders.

"I am proud that the hospital has assembled the resources and outstanding professionals to establish the MGH Weight Center so that we can provide the best treatment and work to find ways to prevent and possibly cure this challenging medical problem," says Kaplan.

Because even mild obesity can increase the risk of having diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses, weight disorders are now recognized to be serious medical problems requiring complex treatment.

MGH Weight Center staff, front row, from left, Michael Gagnon; Alison Hoppin, MD; Lee Kaplan, MD, PhD; Susan Oliverio, MD; and Janey Pratt, MD. Back row: from left, Cara Szeghy; Amy Packard; Anne Becker, MD, PhD; Tod Gulick, MD; Catie Hanely, RD; Ann Greenwood; and Sue Cummings, RD. Not shown are Suzanne Koven, MD, and Sheldon Randall, MD.

The center will offer a full range of services to overweight adults and children, including nutritional, exercise and psychological counseling as well as medical and, if necessary, surgical treatment.

Like other chronic medical illnesses, obesity requires specialized treatment and follow-up. Each patient is evaluated by a team of clinicians, including an internist or pediatrician, a registered nutritionist and a weight counselor. The team then recommends a treatment plan tailored to each patient.

The MGH Weight Center staff includes professionals specializing in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, psychology, nutrition and exercise physiology. Other MGH physicians who care for obese patients – including specialists in diabetes, endocrine disorders, heart and vascular disease – also are affiliated with the Weight Center.

Depending on the individual treatment plan, patients enter various phases of treatment, followed by a maintenance program, which provides follow-up care and support during and after weight loss. A reinforcement program also is available for patients who regain lost weight.

To better understand the causes, complications and effective treatments of weight disorders, the MGH Weight Center will pursue a clinical research program, including clinical trials and genetic and epidemiologic studies.

"We are committed to understanding the biological basis of obesity and strongly encourage our patients to become our partners in finding better methods of treatment," says Kaplan.

For more information, contact the MGH Weight Center at 6-4400 or by e-mail at weightcenter@mgh.harvard.edu.

Classification of overweight and obesity in adults
according to Body Mass Index (BMI).

To calculate BMI, use the following formula: (Weight in pounds) x 704 / (height in inches)² = BMI. Obesity of any class could mean an increased risk of medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, respiratory and liver problems, as well as many types of cancer.