Take care of the person, not just the illness. This is what an interdisciplinary approach means for health advocates – as the name suggests, this concept assumes integration between different areas of knowledge, especially in more complex treatments, such as the fight against obesity. The condition affects one in three Brazilian adults (31% of this group), according to data from the 2025 Global Obesity Atlas.
For many years, medicine has divided the body into isolated parts, with each specialty working in a fragmented way, without communicating with each other, explains Dr. Gabriella Molinari, physician specializing in obesity, metabolism, regenerative medicine and longevity at the Molinari Institute, located in Campo Grande (MS). She explains that an interdisciplinary approach understands the human being as a set of interconnected systems, influenced by physical, emotional and behavioral factors.
“In modern clinical practice, this integrated vision allows us to understand the real context of each patient: his routine, his habits, his pain and his motivations. With this, we are able to develop individualized, more humane and effective treatment plans, which not only treat the symptoms, but promote real and lasting transformation. The difference is absolutely there: caring for the person, not just the disease,” says Dr. Gabriella Molinari.
Multidisciplinary care seeks to improve the patient experience in gastrointestinal or bariatric surgeries, for example. Before surgery for these procedures, a comprehensive evaluation is performed – nutritional, psychological, metabolic, endoscopic, cardiovascular and before anesthesia – to identify and treat any changes that may affect the success of the surgery or the postoperative period.
“This step is essential to prevent complications such as blood clots, intubation difficulties, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, use of risky medications, allergies, and even previous surgeries that can interfere with the chosen approach. The more precise this assessment is, the better the surgical indication and the lower the risk to the patient,” highlights Dr. Fabio Molinari, gastrointestinal surgeon at the Molinari Institute.
During the intraoperative period (the period from when the patient enters the operating room until he is transferred to the recovery room), in addition to the technical competence of the team, it is necessary to have compassion, care and respect. Dr. Fabio Molinari says that the patient and his companions need to feel safe and welcome.
“In the postoperative period, continuous clinical, nutritional, psychological and metabolic monitoring acts as a real support network. This integration is what maintains the results over time, favoring adherence, well-being and prevention of complications. The joint work of the specialties allows not only to cure, but also to change the patient’s life,” adds Dr. Agatha Molinari, gastroenterologist at the Molinari Institute.
According to the specialist, some of the main tests aimed at diagnosing care are: esophageal manometry, pH monitoring, pH resistance monitoring, hydrogen breath tests, food intolerance assessment, and diagnosis of functional and inflammatory intestinal diseases.
Dr. Marina Molinari, a physician at the Molinari Institute, highlights the practical implications of this approach. For her, when the patient realizes that all professionals are related and speak the same language, safety and trust increase.
“Working as a team creates a support network that strengthens the patient emotionally and encourages adherence to the therapeutic proposals,” says Dr. Marina Molinari. “Moreover, a shared vision allows for more precise adjustments, respecting each person’s limits and rhythm.”
In the case of patients undergoing obesity treatment, the Molinari Institute, where the four specialists work, also integrates a neurobehavioral approach with an emphasis on restoring self-esteem, changing eating identity and building long-term sustainable habits. This observation is carried out by clinical psychologist Bruno S. Morghetti.
“Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT), led by a psychologist from the Molinari Institute, is also observed. The focus is on emotional modification, self-knowledge and building practical strategies to change eating and lifestyle behavior,” explains the psychologist.
In addition, there is a dedicated nutritionist, with personalized plans adapted to the patient’s body composition, preferences and metabolic needs; And also the physical educator.
The doctors at the Molinari Institute advocate the role of the family in the process of changing habits and maintaining results. They say that involving family members in treatment, whether with information, listening or practical support, can make the journey easier and more effective.
“In short, the multidisciplinary approach looks at the patient in a whole way, in relation to his history, challenges and potential. For me, as a doctor, it is a way to practice a more authentic medicine, based on interconnectedness, listening and purposeful science,” emphasizes Dr. Gabriella Molinari.
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