SAN FRANCISCO – Gastroenterologists are uniquely positioned to treat obesity, according to a panel of experts convened by the American Gastroenterological Association.
“We see this as a field that GI should own,” said Naresh T. Gunaratnam, MD, a gastroenterologist at Huron Gastro in Ypsilanti, Mich., who has made obesity treatment an important part of his practice.
Gastroenterologists are uniquely qualified in endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and in the placement of intragastric balloons and can also bring their internal medicine training to bear in patient education and medical prescription, Dr. Gunaratnam said in an interview.