As obesity rates continue to rise across the United States, the need for comprehensive and innovative obesity care has never been more critical. According to the CDC’s 2023 prevalence maps, Tennessee has an obesity rate of 37.6%, highlighting a growing public health challenge. Obesity contributes to numerous medical complications, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular diseases, affecting millions of Americans.
To address this urgent need, The Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga, PLLC will officially open its doors on December 2nd , 2024, marking a significant advancement in patient care for the Chattanooga metropolitan area. The center’s mission is to provide comprehensive obesity medical and surgical management, offering personalized tools and support for long-term weight loss and overall health improvement.
“Our goal is to expand access to high-quality, patient-centered obesity care and collaborate with leading hospitals and insurance networks to serve a broader patient population,” said Dr. Jaime Ponce, President of The Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga. “We’re proud to partner with top hospitals like Parkridge Medical Center, Hamilton Ambulatory Surgery Center and CHI Memorial, while working with many insurance providers to ensure our services are accessible to more people.”
Dr. Ponce, a nationally recognized leader in bariatric surgery and obesity medicine, is Board Certified in Surgery with a special designation in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, as well as Obesity Medicine. With over 22 years of experience, Dr. Ponce has cared for more than 5,000 patients in the Chattanooga area. He previously served as Medical Director of CHI Memorial’s Bariatric Surgery Program, leading it to national recognition, including accreditation as a Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Medicine. His program was also ranked among the top 100 bariatric programs in the U.S. by Leapfrog. On a national level, Dr. Ponce has served as President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and was honored with the 2023 National Outstanding Achievement Award in Bariatric Surgery.
The Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga is supported by an exceptional team of experts, including Brooke Henson, FNP-C, a Certified Bariatric Nurse with over 20 years of experience in bariatric surgery and weight loss medication management, Mary Ballard, RD, a highly regarded dietitian known for her expertise in nutrition and patient care, and Graham Brannan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 18 years of experience in bariatric psychology care.
The center is the only independent facility in Chattanooga offering fully integrated obesity care, including bariatric nursing, dietitian services, psychological support, and exercise guidance. In addition to our comprehensive team approach, the center will offer medically indicated access to the latest FDA-approved GLP-1 weight loss medications, including Wegovy® and Zepbound®. For patients requiring surgical intervention, we also provide minimally invasive bariatric surgery options to support lasting weight loss and improved health outcomes.
About Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga
The Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga is dedicated to meeting the growing demand for compassionate, high-quality obesity care, helping patients achieve healthier lives through sustainable weight management.
Contact
- President: Jaime Ponce, MD
- The Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga, PLLC
- www.WeightLossCenterChattanooga.com
- 423-362-LOSE (423-362-5673)
- info@WightLossCenterChattanooga.com