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Overweight Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Dr. Scott presents personalized evidence-based care to people affected with overweight (BMI 25-29.9) in GastroDoxs in Houston. We enable you by way of dieting, lifestyle change, FDA-approved medication and least invasive surgery procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty to attain lasting weight results.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Does It Mean to Be Overweight?
Overweight refers to carrying a level of body weight that exceeds the known acceptable range of a particular height which is usually measured in body mass index (BMI). The BMI of 25-29.9 is overweight. The condition may predispose a person to a number of health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes type 2, heart disease, joint pains and sleep apnea. It can be caused by poor diet, lack of physical activities, heredity, medications and hormonal imbalance. The lifestyle modifications that are included in the management are balanced diet, physical activity, behavioral counseling, and in some instances, medical or surgery-directed medical practices.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Unhealthy eating patterns high in sugars, fats, and processed foods
Sedentary lifestyle-prolonged sitting at work or home
Genetic predisposition or family history of weight gain
Use of certain medications (antidepressants, steroids)
Poor sleep quality and chronic stress
Signs and Symptoms
Steady weight gain over months or years
Persistent tiredness or low energy
Shortness of breath during light activity
Aches or pain in the knees, hips, or lower back
Clothing feeling tighter around the waist and hips
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He examines your BMI and weight record, diet, sleep and stress history, and inquires to know about the epigastric pain-its: how, where and when it began, what causes it and what makes it go away.
Laboratory Tests
We order blood to test thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), fasting glucose, lipid and to exclude infection or other inflammatory-causing agents of H. pylori.
Imaging and Endoscopy
Abdominal ultrasound evaluates the gallbladder, pancreas and fatty changes in the liver.
Upper endoscopy (EGD) visualizes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to rule out gastritis, ulcers or reflux damage.
Functional Studies (if needed)
Gastric emptying study detects delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis).
Esophageal pH monitoring or manometry measures acid exposure and motility disorders.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
It might happen that occasionally Dr. Scott will prescribe an endoscopic biopsy or CT scan to better understand the root of your symptoms.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for overweight.
1. Initiatives and Alterations in lifestyles and diet.
Replacement Unsweetened ice tea or water in place of sweet drinks.
Increase 10-15 minutes of post meal walk.
Eat more consciously-eat on a small plate.
Keep food journal to identify trends.
2. Medications
Weight-reduction drugs to reduce appetite or retard fat absorption approved by FDA.
The team of Dr. Scott constantly monitors the side effects and benefits.
3. Minimized or hi-tech Procedures.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) to make your stomach smaller and make you feel full faster.
Introduced in our state-of-the-art endoscopy in Houston.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICD-10 code (overweight)?
Almost all codes are E66.3 overweight and E66.9 unspecified overweight.
Would I overweight take two plan b pills?
The present instructions do not advocate increased dose by two folds. Your healthcare provider will provide personalized contraception dosing advice when you always discuss it with them in case you need emergency birth control.
What is the rate of weight loss using endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?
The average loss by most patients in the first year is approximately 15-20 percent of their excess weight but it is a variable phenomenon.
Am I referring myself to doctor Scott at GastroDoxs?
No referral is required. It is possible to make an appointment directly either by calling Houston office or making a reservation on the internet.
My insurance, will it cover being overweight?
In order to be covered, you need to have a special plan and diagnosis code (E66.x). We have a team of billing personnel that will be glad to check your benefits ahead of treatment.
Does being overweight mean being obese?
A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered as overweight, and a BMI of 30 and above is considered obese. They are both risk factors of health but at varying degrees.
And where do I get to know more about having a healthy weight?
At CDC there is trustworthy advice, found at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html.
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