Dr Ayesha Peets Talbot has passed the American Board of Obesity Medicine Certification Exam for obesity medicine physicians and as a result has become certified in the subspeciality of obesity medicine. This makes Dr Peets Talbot the first certified physician in Bermuda to treat obesity and obesity-related conditions with medical weight-loss management.

Physicians certified in obesity medicine are able to positively affect all systems of the body by incorporating weight management into traditional models of medical practice. Specifically, this subspeciality requires competency in, and a thorough understanding of, the treatment of obesity and the genetic, biologic, environmental, social and behavioural factors that contribute to obesity.

Dr Peets Talbot was one of only 228 physicians who successfully completed the 2013 national exam in the United States.

According to the Bermuda Health Council, 68 per cent of Bermuda’s adult population was overweight or obese in 2011. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type-two diabetes and certain types of cancer. In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity in the US were estimated at $147 billion. In 2006, the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) in Bermuda was estimated at 12.7 per cent and 25.3 per cent respectively.

Patients and their healthcare providers need a variety of options for obesity treatments, since no single treatment approach will work for every individual. The American Society of Bariatric Physicians provides guidance to its members through a set of obesity medicine guidelines, which outline four medical weight-loss methods: dietary modification, exercise prescription, behaviour modification and, when appropriate, medication.

Dr Peets Talbot, with three other healthcare professionals — nutritionist Dr Sabrina Famous, physiotherapist Beth Hollis and behavioural therapist Dr Renee Simons — have launched a new optimal healthy weight programme, under the practice Ocean Rock Wellness Ltd.

They have joined forces to offer obesity treatment, management and prevention options for children and adults. It is a team-based approach that can be customised to the unique needs of an individual or family.

Ocean Rock Wellness Ltd is located in The Charities House, 25 Point Finger Road. For further information, visit www.oceanrockwellness.com or stop by the Open House on April 25 between 1pm and 4pm.