October 1, 2010
Local Doctors Try Some New Approaches To Fight Obesity
On a daily basis, obesity is being recognized as a nationwide curse. A new UCLA study published in Pediatrics magazine reports on a five-fold increase among teens undergoing obesity surgery in California. This coincides with a study by the Center for Disease Control that 34 percent of the American population is now clinically obese.
The weight loss surgery program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is one of the leaders in this field and among its founders was a Beverly Hills doctor who served as its director
until early this summer.
Theodore Khalili M.D. has been a pioneer in the field and trained many surgeons who have gone on to head up bariatric care programs all over the country. He recently established the Khalili Center for Bariatric Care as a one-of-a-kind medical practice offering a comprehensive approach to weight loss surgery, with tools and support to help people transform their lives.
“We are far more inclusive than simply surgery and follow-up visits. Our belief is that forming a partnership between patients and doctors, we can create ongoing and long-lasting healthy changes for our patients,” said Dr. Khalili.
“Our goal is to provide a lifetime of physical and psychological support to patients, which will fight their addiction to food allowing them to keep the weight off for good.”
Joining him at the center are two of his former Cedars-Sinai colleagues of the past 10 years-Gregg Kai Nishi M.D. and Eraj Basseri M.D. Together the trio has operated on more than 4,000 patients.
Other members of the new team include Steve C. Chen M.D., Omid A. Shaye M.D., Pedram J. Enayati M.D., and Ritu Chopra M.D.
The Khalili Center offers a holistic approach to weight problems including-nutritional and psychological counseling, organized patient alumni support groups which meet weekly for ongoing emotional support and practical problem solving aimed at forging a new life of health and wellness. The three doctors even take monthly hikes with their patients as part of the fitness program.
The Beverly Hills-based center is at 9033 Wilshire Blvd. (#200). It can be reached at 310-858-1242
