Diet and Nutrition; Prevention
Nutrition know-how for patients taking anti-obesity medication
August 28, 2024
Jaime Almandoz, M.D., M.B.A, is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and the Medical Director of the Weight Wellness Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism; internal medicine; and obesity medicine.
Additionally, his expertise includes the management of obesity, cardiometabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and complications following bariatric surgery. Dr. Almandoz is passionate about providing individualized, patient-centered care to improve metabolic health and overall wellness.
He earned his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, where he graduated first in his class. Dr. Almandoz completed a residency in internal medicine and fellowship in endocrinology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and then advanced training in nutrition and metabolic diseases at UT Southwestern. He received a Master of Business Administration degree in Healthcare Management from UT Dallas and UT Southwestern.
A nationally recognized leader in obesity medicine, Dr. Almandoz serves on the board of directors for the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) and as Vice Chair of the Nutrition and Obesity Disease State Network for the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE). He has also served on the governing board of The Obesity Society and is involved with a variety of other professional organizations, including the Endocrine Society and American Diabetes Association.
Dr. Almandoz’s clinical and research interests include interdisciplinary weight management programs, post-bariatric weight recurrence and long-term outcomes, disparities in obesity care and access to evidence-based treatments, and cardiometabolic health and obesity-related complications.
He has been recognized as one of D Magazine’s Best Doctors in Dallas and Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors, and has received multiple awards for his contributions to patient care, mentorship, and research. His work is widely published in top-tier obesity and endocrinology journals, and he is frequently invited to speak at national and international conferences on obesity management.
Jaime Almandoz, M.D., specializes in evidence-based, patient-centered medical care for people with obesity, including comprehensive management before and after bariatric surgery. His expertise integrates advanced training in internal medicine, endocrinology, and obesity medicine to support patients in achieving sustainable health outcomes and improved quality of life.
“Many of my patients have dealt with weight-related health challenges for years, often experiencing frustration or discouragement along the way,” Dr. Almandoz explains. “My role is to empower them by effectively addressing both their weight-related health concerns and any metabolic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, while focusing on their overall well-being.”
Dr. Almandoz cares for patients at all stages of their weight management journey – those interested in nonsurgical management, those considering bariatric surgery, and those who have already undergone surgical procedures.
“My goal is to optimize each patient’s health and quality of life, ensuring they achieve their individual health goals safely, without nutritional deficiencies or health complications,” he notes.
His practice emphasizes personalized care, recognizing each patient’s unique health circumstances, preferences, and lifestyle factors. Treatment plans may include nutrition guidance, behavior modification, pharmacological interventions, and appropriate physical activity programs tailored to individual needs and capabilities.
“Although achieving a healthy energy balance is important, our approach to obesity care goes far beyond that,” Dr. Almandoz explains. “We use innovative treatments that combine the latest evidence-based medications and procedures with personalized lifestyle strategies to support each patient’s overall health.”
Understanding that obesity involves a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors, Dr. Almandoz underscores the importance of a holistic approach.
“Weight and metabolic health extend beyond physiology alone; the social and behavioral elements are crucial,” he says. “My responsibility is to identify and address all potential contributing factors – including medications, metabolic issues, lifestyle behaviors, and social determinants – to help every patient achieve sustainable health improvements and a better quality of life.”
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