Weight management and metabolism specialist in Dallas
Jaime Almandoz, M.D., is an expert in nonsurgical weight management and the medical care of patients following bariatric surgery, a calling that fully utilizes his advanced training in internal medicine, endocrinology, and obesity medicine.
Dr. Almandoz is passionate about providing individualized, patient-centered care to improve metabolic health and overall wellness.
“Most of my patients have struggled with their weight for years, and many of them have lost hope instead of weight. One of my jobs is to help them effectively manage their weight and to treat the metabolic complications of obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes,” he says.
Dr. Almandoz sees a mix of patients, including those who don’t want bariatric surgery, those who are thinking about it, and those who have had it.
“I strive to ensure that they’re maximizing their weight-loss potential and are not becoming unwell or nutritionally deficient along the way,” he says.
Doing this successfully requires the specialized skills to identify each patient’s health concerns, preferences, and limitations to create a personalized and integrated approach.
“The cornerstone of weight loss is achieving a negative energy balance. We work with patients on novel methods for calorie tracking, dietary modification, weight loss medications, and meal replacement plans where necessary. Physical activity is also important, and we help patients begin safe and suitable exercise programs,” Dr. Almandoz says. “With the nation’s ever-growing obesity epidemic, the stakes could not be higher."
More than one-third of the American population is obese and, despite reports to the contrary, there is probably no such thing as “healthy obesity.” This is a concept that someone may be obese yet “metabolically healthy” – with normal blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. However, when these people are followed over time, they still have an increased risk of death and heart disease compared with people who weigh less. Excess body weight also increases the risk of other conditions such as cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis.
Triple board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, and obesity medicine, Dr. Almandoz stays actively involved in clinical research as the Assistant Medical Director of UT Southwestern’s Clinical Research Unit.
“Weight management and metabolism is a fascinating field because it doesn’t just involve physiological pathways; there is also a significant social component,” he says.
“Human beings are complex organisms, and obesity is a complicated disease when you factor in environmental, genetic, and behavioral influences – things don’t always play by the rules. My role is to ensure that there are no metabolic problems or medications contributing to a patient’s weight problem, and to incorporate lifestyle changes, behavioral treatments, and medications or surgical therapies – whatever is needed to achieve success for every patient.”
