Information / Education

Tampa General Opens Physician-Supervised Weight Management Program for Obesity in the Palm Beaches

  • July 2026
  • The Jewish Voice


Dr. David Schwimmer

Losing weight is about more than willpower; your body’s biology plays a powerful role, too. For adults who have struggled to lose weight and keep it off, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has launched the TGH Weight Management & Metabolic Health Center, a physician-supervised program that offers a comprehensive, medically guided approach to obesity care for patients in the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast.

Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that negatively affects overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. Many patients find that traditional approaches alone don’t lead to lasting results.

The TGH Weight Management & Metabolic Health Center is designed to help patients achieve safe, lasting weight loss with expert medical support. A multidisciplinary team tailors each care plan to the individual, combining medical evaluation with guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change. Ongoing monitoring and support help patients stay on track and adjust their plan as needed.

As the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss grows, experts emphasize that medication alone is not enough. “Our team works together to address the four pillars of metabolic health: nutrition, physical activity, behavior, and medical or surgical intervention,” said Dr. David B. Schwimmer, the program’s medical director, who is board certified in gastroenterology and obesity medicine. Dr. Schwimmer sees patients at the TGH Digestive Health Center offices in Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.

Patients benefit from the program’s seamless access to Tampa General’s growing network of advanced clinical services on Florida’s East Coast, including surgical services when needed. It also supports patients and referring physicians through coordinated care services, including assistance with prior authorizations and pharmacy access. This integrated approach helps reduce barriers to care and creates a more seamless experience for patients navigating complex treatment options.

As medical director, Dr. Schwimmer brings specialized expertise in both digestive health and obesity medicine, helping patients address the underlying biological factors that contribute to weight gain. After earning his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Schwimmer completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, and later completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

To learn more or schedule a consultation with the TGH Weight Management & Metabolic Health Center, call (561) 721-8696.