18 | SignatureMT
Text by Holly Matkin • Photography by John Mack
Urban Affairs
INTRODUCING
The United States' obesity rate has been
steadily increasing for decades, and Big Sky
Country is no exception.
"Obesity in Montana is above 20
percent now," explains Dr. Siddarth Kudav.
"The societal perspective on what 'ideal
weight' actually is has become really
skewed."
Dr. Kudav, a surgeon who specializes
in bariatrics, joined the Great Falls Surgical
Associates on August 1. He has been
working to help patients to improve their
health and quality of life ever since.
"Montana has very few bariatric surgeons
– maybe four statewide," Dr. Kudav explains.
"If I can provide a service that people need,
and can make it accessible to them, then that
fills a huge need."
Dr. Kudav has partnered with Benefis
Health System's Weight Loss Services
program, and is part of a four-member
multidisciplinary team that also provides
patients with psychological, dietary and
general medical services.
The team works with patients to develop
the most appropriate methods for treatment,
which may or may not include surgery.
"Surgery is just one option for treatment,"
Dr. Kudav says. "But for some, it's really the
only option."
Weight Loss:
The Team Approach
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