Valley Health Earns National Obesity Medicine Accreditation

The Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program has earned a new distinction from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), recognizing its commitment to high-quality, comprehensive care for patients living with obesity. 

The ACS Obesity Medicine Qualification designation is awarded only to select centers that meet rigorous standards for non-surgical obesity treatment. Valley Health is now among a limited number of programs nationwide to hold this accreditation. 

“Since its founding in 2012, the MBSAQIP has been instrumental in developing evidence-based guidelines for the surgical management of obesity. The new Obesity Medicine Qualifications are an important step towards developing similar evidence-based guidelines for the medical management of obesity. Our designation as a Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualifications demonstrates our commitment to helping all patients with obesity achieve weight loss and improve their overall health. This recognition is the culmination of a three-year process of developing protocols and data collection tools to track quality metrics to ensure we are providing the best possible care to patients in our Obesity Medicine Program.” Christopher Reed, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Metabolic and Bariatric Program 

What This Means for Patients 

To earn this accreditation, Valley Health demonstrated that it provides a full range of obesity medicine services, including: 

• Medical evaluations and lab testing 
• Nutrition and exercise counseling 
• Behavioral health support 
• Anti-obesity medications 
• Ongoing monitoring and care coordination 

These services are delivered through structured care pathways developed by the program’s Obesity Medicine Director and reviewed annually to reflect the latest research. 

“Our team recognizes obesity as a chronic disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach to care. The rapid development of weight loss medications in the past few years offers exciting opportunities for patients; however, for the best outcomes these medications should be prescribed in conjunction with education regarding diet and exercise and coaching to help patients achieve sustainable lifestyle changes. Our dedicated team of physicians, NPs, PAs, dietitians, and office staff are committed to helping patients through every step of their weight loss journey.” Christopher Reed, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Metabolic and Bariatric Program 

In addition to clinical services, the program tracks patient outcomes through a dedicated data system. This allows the team to monitor progress, identify trends, and continuously improve care. 

The accreditation is part of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a national initiative that promotes safe, effective treatment for obesity and related conditions. 

About Valley Health’s Metabolic & Bariatric Program 

Valley Health offers both surgical and non-surgical weight-loss options for adults across Virginia and West Virginia. The program is led by board-certified surgeons and supported by a team of dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and exercise professionals. 

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit valleyhealthlink.com/weightloss.