Discover the AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute

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Whether it's insulin resistance, weight concerns, diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome or another endocrine condition, metabolic health complications can affect your everyday life. But the good news is, we’re here to help you live life on your terms.

Damon Tanton, MD, Executive Medical Director of the AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute, is here to give an in-depth overview of how the institute can help you heal.

What Is Metabolic Health?

Metabolic health refers to how your body creates energy. “One of the key indicators for metabolic health is how your body responds to a hormone called insulin, which is responsible for moving sugar or glucose from our bloodstream into our cells to create energy,” says Dr. Tanton. “When this process isn’t working how it should, it’s called insulin resistance.” This is often responsible for various metabolic diseases, like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more.

“What many don’t realize is that other factors affect an individual’s metabolic health, beyond diet and exercise,” explains Dr. Tanton. “While the foods you consume and the amount of exercise you get are a crucial part of your overall metabolic health, other factors, like sleep, stress and genetics, also play a vital role.”

Keep reading to hear more from Dr. Tanton as he answers some frequently asked questions about metabolic health and the AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute.

Why did AdventHealth create the Metabolic Health Institute?

AdventHealth created the Metabolic Health Institute to pioneer a new, preventive model of care that can begin tackling the root cause of a number of metabolic diseases. "Addressing obesity in the United States is one of the biggest challenges facing health care today," says Dr. Tanton. "It’s estimated that 100 million Americans are overweight or obese. Because of the scope of the issue, it’s hard to provide treatment at scale."

Our goal is to achieve a successful reduction in metabolic disease among our population in Central Florida, enabling our model of care to expand beyond our local community.

What conditions does the AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute treat?

"Because metabolic disease is so common, the AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute could potentially care for half the population. This could include people with insulin resistance, hormonal or endocrine imbalances and weight management needs," explains Dr. Tanton.

What’s different about our Institute’s approach to care?

The structure of the AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute enables us to establish relationships with patients early and potentially prevent metabolic diseases before they develop. The reality is, metabolic conditions affect more than just your physical health. Our approach to care is rooted in the idea that we’re a connected system — body, mind and spirit. This allows us to see the whole patient and provide the care they need beyond the physical.

"Typically, the health care industry focuses on treatment. But at AdventHealth, we’ll treat what’s necessary and work to get in front of the disease." says Dr. Tanton.

We believe that prevention is the best medicine when it comes to long-term metabolic conditions.

How will patients benefit from this new Institute?

At the AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute, we’ll help you feel your best, both inside and out, while empowering you to achieve your wellness goals.

Dr. Tanton explains, “Previously, care for metabolic disease was siloed. A patient would have to travel to different doctors and appointments to receive holistic care for metabolic disease. When a patient visits a Health Optimization Center, which serves as our outpatient evaluation clinics for metabolic health, they’ll have an initial consultation with a provider who will create a personalized care plan that includes all the necessary experts and resources to address their whole metabolic health.”

Why is a multidisciplinary approach to metabolic health important?

"There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to metabolic health. Care needs to be personalized and tailored to treat the whole person," explains Dr. Tanton.

Our team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, dieticians, exercise physiologists, behavioral health experts and educators who will work with each patient to determine the best approach to their unique care needs.

Metabolic Care That Gets to the Heart of Your Health

With metabolic conditions, you deserve the kind of care that goes beyond treating the symptoms — and that's what you can expect from us at the AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute. If you’ve been struggling with your metabolic health, you aren’t alone.

Learn more about our AdventHealth Metabolic Health Institute and how we can partner with you in managing your weight and reclaiming your life.

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