ristos Internal Medicine approaches obesity as a chronic medical disease, no different in principle from conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Like other chronic diseases, obesity requires thoughtful evaluation, evidence-based treatment, and long-term management.
Dr. Varner believes obesity should be treated with the same seriousness, rigor, and compassion as any other medical condition, rather than reduced to willpower alone or addressed through short-term solutions.
Dr. Varner is board certified in Obesity Medicine and is experienced with all generally accepted medical treatments for obesity. Care is guided by current clinical evidence and tailored to each patient’s medical history, goals, and circumstances.
Treatment plans may include:
Surgical referrals are made thoughtfully and collaboratively when they represent the most appropriate option for a patient’s health and goals.
Lifestyle interventions are a crucial component of effective obesity treatment.
Dr. Varner works with patients on behavioral strategies that support sustainable change,recognizing that obesity is influenced by biology, environment, psychology, and lived
experience. The focus is on realistic, medically informed interventions that can be maintained over time rather than short-term or punitive approaches.
Effective obesity treatment begins with a thorough medical evaluation. This includesassessment for:
Identifying hereditary influences on weight to guide personalized prevention and management.
Recognizing illnesses that contribute to or worsen weight gain for targeted management.
Identifying health problems caused or worsened by obesity to guide treatment and prevention.
Reviewing drugs that can cause weight gain or hinder weight loss.
Understanding these factors allows treatment to be individualized and medically appropriate,rather than generic or incomplete.
Dr. Varner’s clinical focus on obesity medicine is informed by his own lifelong experience as an obesity patient. This perspective brings an added level of empathy, insight, and commitment to care.
He is particularly passionate about treating obesity because he understands firsthand the physical, emotional, and practical challenges patients face and the profound benefits that effective treatment can deliver.
Untreated obesity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint disease, sleep apnea, and many other serious conditions. Beyond medical risk, it can significantly impact quality of life, physical function, and longevity.
Dr. Varner views obesity treatment as one of the highest-impact areas of medicine. Helping patients improve metabolic health, regain function, and enhance quality of life is among the most meaningful aspects of his practice.
Obesity treatment is not a one-time intervention, but an ongoing process that evolves over time.
Care is delivered virtually or in person based on what is most appropriate for the patient and the clinical situation, with an emphasis on continuity, education, and long-term success.