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Obesity medicine in Layton, Utah
Dr. Rees Checketts, DO, provides obesity and metabolic medicine for adults at Tanner Clinic in Layton, serving patients across Davis County. Care starts from one idea: weight is regulated by biology, so treatment should be too.
What obesity medicine is
Obesity medicine is a medical specialty focused on the hormones, brain signaling, genetics and environment that drive weight. Instead of "eat less, move more," you get a plan built on your labs, your history and the treatments with the strongest evidence.
Dr. Checketts is board-certified in internal medicine, completed a fellowship in metabolic and obesity medicine at the University of Utah and holds a B.S. in nutrition science.
Conditions commonly addressed
- Obesity and overweight with related health conditions
- Prediabetes and insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes where weight is part of the picture
- Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
- High blood pressure and cholesterol linked to weight
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Weight regain after surgery or after stopping medication
What treatment can include
Every plan is individual. Most combine several of these.
Nutrition
Practical protein, fiber and meal-structure targets that fit your life, not a crash diet.
Movement
Strength training to protect muscle and a realistic path to 150–300 active minutes a week.
Sleep and stress
Screening for sleep apnea and fixing the sleep habits that drive hunger hormones.
Medication
GLP-1 and other anti-obesity medications when biology needs more help. Learn about GLP-1 care.
Surgery coordination
Referral to or coordination with bariatric surgery when it's the right fit.
Ongoing follow-up
Regular visits to adjust the plan, because obesity is chronic and care should be too.
Obesity medicine FAQs
Is obesity really a disease, or a lifestyle choice?
Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease by the AMA, the Endocrine Society and the WHO. It involves complex interactions between genetics, hormones, neurobiology and environment. Willpower plays a much smaller role than biology, and treating it as a moral failing is both inaccurate and harmful.
Do GLP-1 medications like semaglutide really work?
Yes. The STEP 1 trial showed about 15% average body-weight reduction with semaglutide, results previously seen only with surgery. These medications work on hunger and fullness signaling in the brain, not just by slowing digestion.
Will I have to take weight-loss medication forever?
For many people, yes, just like blood pressure or diabetes medication. Obesity is chronic, with a strong biological drive to regain weight. Stopping medication often leads to regain. That isn't failure; it's how the biology works. Your provider can help you weigh the long-term risks and benefits.
What's the difference between BMI and actual health?
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Two people with the same BMI can have very different metabolic health. Waist circumference, visceral fat, blood markers such as insulin, lipids and glucose, and overall function give a much fuller picture.
Can I lose weight without medication?
Absolutely. Nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management are always the foundation. Medication is an option when biology makes that foundation insufficient on its own. A good obesity medicine plan is individualized to your history, goals and biology.
Where can I see an obesity medicine doctor in Davis County?
Dr. Rees Checketts, DO, sees adults for obesity and metabolic medicine at Tanner Clinic, 2121 N 1700 W, Layton, Utah 84041. Call (801) 773-4840 or book online through Tanner Clinic.
Ready to start?
Book with Dr. Checketts at Tanner Clinic in Layton. Coverage and referral rules depend on your insurance plan, so check with your insurer if you're unsure.