Dr. Margarita McDonald M.D.

Media Releases

Get to know Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Margarita McDonald, who serves patients in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

Dr. McDonald is a dual board-certified bariatric surgeon specializing in medical management of obesity. She is the Founder of The Bariatric Medicine Institute in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

Passionate about obesity medicine for over a decade, she felt that the current management programs available to patients were not focusing on the individual patient. As a result, she decided to open The Bariatric Medicine Institute to fill this gap.

The Bariatric Medicine Institute is a comprehensive weight management center where the focus is on the mind, body & spirit. Dr. McDonald and her staff provide individualized medical weight management, known as bariatric medicine. Their goal is to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. They offer a multi-disciplinary approach designed to teach healthy eating and lifestyle changes, in conjunction with pharmacological therapy when needed.

 At the start of her academic career, Dr. McDonald graduated with her medical degree from the Tufts University School of Medicine in 2005. She then went on to complete her training within the Abington Family Medicine Residency Program at Abington Hospital.

As a testament to her success, the doctor is board-certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine, a non-profit, independent medical association of American physicians who practice in family medicine and its sub-specialties..

Furthermore, she is board-certified in obesity medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, a 501 nonprofit, self-appointed physician-evaluation organization that certifies physicians practicing obesity medicine.

Excelling in her efforts, Dr. McDonald is a member of the Obesity Medicine Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. In addition, she is affiliated with Abington Jefferson Health, Holy Redeemer Hospital, and Lansdale Hospital.

Bariatric surgery (or weight loss surgery) includes a variety of procedures performed on people who are obese. Long-term weight loss through Standard of Care procedures (Roux en Y Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch) is largely achieved by altering gut hormone levels that are responsible for hunger and satiety, thereby leading to a new hormonal weight set point. A doctor who specializes in this type of surgery is known as a bariatric surgeon. 

Recommended Articles

• Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac: The Rashes

  What is poison ivy? Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a popular plant known for causing rashes and skin irritation when one comes in contact with it.Poison ivy is a woody shrub or vine that is found in either shady or sunny locations. It can grow up to six feet tall as a shrub, or 150 feet tall...

• The Signs of Strep Throat

  What is strep throat?Strep throat is the most common form of bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, resulting in inflammation and irritation. Strep throat is caused by different types of streptococcus bacteria. The severity of the condition differs from one type of bacteria to another. Not...

• Zinc Deficiency

  What is zinc?Zinc is a mineral that plays an important role in many different chemical reactions in your body. The human body uses this mineral to fight off infections, maintain acid-base balance, promote growth and development, boost antioxidant activity, and regulate gene expression, among...

• When Is Allergy Season?

  Allergy season would mainly depend on the underlying factor of what individuals are allergic to and where they live. If an individual is suffering from a seasonal allergy or hay fever, then tree pollens could trigger the allergic reaction in the season of spring or late winter. If you are allergic...

• How Long Does Acute Bronchitis Last? How to Treat and Prevent

  Bronchial tubes, which are an important part of the respiratory system, perform an important function of exchanging air to and from the lungs. However, sometimes due to various triggers, these bronchial tubes can get inflamed causing a mucus build-up. The symptoms like coughing and dyspnea that are...

• Why Is Taurine Used in Energy Drinks?

  TaurineAmino acids are used to build proteins in the body. Taurine is classified as a conditional amino acid, which is not used to build proteins in the body. It is found throughout the body, but it is mostly concentrated in the brain, heart, eyes, and muscles. Taurine is produced in the body but...