Obesity and Weight Management

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than one-third of U.S. adults have obesity. This condition affects men and women of all ages, races, ethnicities, and education levels.

At Cooper University Health Care, we’re dedicated to offering you the support and resources you need to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Treatment for obesity can include diet and exercise, weight-loss surgery at our Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center, or a combination of these approaches.

What Is Obesity?

Doctors define obesity as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above. We can find your BMI by using calculations of your height and weight. Learn more about obesity and body mass index.

People who have obesity also have a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Some types of cancer, including breast and colon

We know it can be overwhelming to face multiple challenges with your health. However, losing a significant amount of weight can help prevent these conditions and lead to a longer, healthier life.

Obesity Treatment Options

When it comes to weight loss, we know that no two people are alike. Our doctors create a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan to help you obtain a healthy weight. This plan may include a combination of the following approaches:

  • Healthy diet: Nutritionists can help you develop healthy eating plans to lose weight and manage coexisting conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
  • Exercise: Our doctors work with you to create a safe exercise plan that incorporates cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises. Physical therapists teach you how to include more activity into your daily routine.
  • Weight-loss surgery (also called bariatric and metabolic surgery): Our fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons and advanced practice nurses are entirely devoted to the care, treatment, and lifelong support of patients choosing weight-loss surgery. Surgery is often the best choice for people with obesity who haven’t been able to lose weight through nonsurgical approaches. Learn more about our Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center and see who is eligible for weight-loss surgery.
  • Behavior modification: Psychologists are available to help you develop healthy thoughts and behaviors surrounding food. For example, many people overeat to cope with negative feelings. By addressing the root of these issues, you can make changes that lead to weight loss.
  • Medication: If you have health problems related to obesity, medications may be an option. These medications can help you feel less hungry or make it difficult for your body to absorb fat from food.

Weight-Loss Surgery Options at Cooper

The Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center is composed of fellowship-trained surgeons and advanced practice nurses that have a unique expertise in bariatric surgery. The surgical team at Cooper had conducted thousands of weight-loss surgeries, continuing to aid in the long-term weight loss journey for each patient that extends far beyond the day of surgery.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach, which in turn curbs hunger and requires smaller meals. It is the most common bariatric procedure currently offered, and the surgeons at Cooper have performed hundreds of RYGB procedures to outstanding results.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is another surgical option for patients, also done using laparoscopy to ensure less risk and quicker recovery time. VSG differs from RYGP in that much more of the stomach is removed, and a new ‘vertical sleeve’ is inserted to function as a new stomach. 

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB)

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) differs from the RYGP and VSG in that it is adjustable and even reversible. The flexibility of the procedure allows for adjustments over time, depending on the progress of the weight loss over the course of multiple years. As with the other procedures, this is a minimally invasive procedure that has less risk and quicker recovery than traditional surgery.

Our Obesity Specialists

If you are looking to jump start your weight management journey, set up an appointment with one of our specialists in the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center. Our specialists include fellowship-trained surgeons and advanced practice nurses, with the expertise and primary focus on aiding in each patient’s weight-loss journey. Whether the treatment approach is bariatric surgery or a regimented non-surgical approach, the specialists at Cooper will work with each patient to reach their goals and improve their quality of life.

Contact Us

To learn more about bariatric and metabolic surgery at Cooper or to schedule an appointment, please call 856.673.4500 or join us for a free weight-loss surgery informational seminar.

To learn more about non-surgical management of obesity, consult your primary care doctor. To schedule an appointment with a Cooper primary care physician, please call 1.800.8.COOPER.

Refer a Patient

If you are a doctor who wants to refer a patient to Cooper for bariatric surgery, please call 856.673.4500.