Treating the whole Veteran: Leading the way in obesity treatment
Bay Pines VA physician Dr. Bharti Shetye was named Clinician of the Year
Dr. Bharti K. Shetye remembers the moment the news reached her. It was unexpected and briefly took her breath away: out of almost 6,000 members of the Association for Obesity Medicine, she was named the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Clinician of the Year Award. William H. McCarthy. But ask her what the recognition means and she’ll quickly shift the focus from herself to the veterans she serves every day.
In her everyday, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System the doctor wears many hats. She serves as a weight management consultant and champion, MOVE! service provider champion and primary care physician. But regardless of her title, her mission is clear: to help veterans regain their health, independence and quality of life.
“As the mother of an Air Force Academy student, I am fully aware, grateful and indebted to the members of our armed forces,” said Shetye. “Our veterans deserve state-of-the-art medical care.”
A personalized approach to the treatment of obesity
“When veterans lose weight, it’s not just about looks,” she said. “They feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. Their labs improve, their energy returns and they start to feel like themselves again.”
Shetye treats obesity for what it is: a chronic disease that can affect almost every system in the body. For many veterans, that means managing weight alongside conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic pain. Her approach to healing is rooted in both science and compassion. She meets veterans where they are and builds a path forward together.
“I’ve struggled with my weight for years,” said Coast Guard veteran Scott Iozzo. “From my first appointment with her, she was able to sit me down and explain what was going on with my body in a way that made sense. She helped me on my weight loss journey.”
While clinical benchmarks are important, weight loss of just 5-10% can significantly improve blood pressure, cholesterol and liver health. This is what Shetye emphasizes, calling them “victories without scale”. For veterans, this may mean playing with their grandchildren, returning to their hobbies, or simply feeling stronger each day.
Her philosophy is simple: success looks different for every veteran, and every step forward counts.
“Veterans leave my office in happy tears,” she said. “They tell me, ‘You’re the first doctor to help me get off my medication instead of adding more.’ It’s incredibly meaningful.”
According to Shetye, obesity is still too often overlooked or minimized, despite being recognized as a chronic disease. She encourages fellow clinicians to take it seriously, because when it is addressed directly, outcomes improve.
“If we don’t recognize it as a disease, we won’t treat it properly,” she said.
Although she continues to advocate for change in her field, her most important message is for the veterans themselves.
For those who have struggled with weight and the stigma that can come with it, Shetye wants them to know that they are not alone and not to blame. There are resources, treatments and care teams ready to support them.
“This is a journey,” she said. “And when veterans are supported with compassion and the right tools, real, lasting change is possible.”
The Clinician of the Year Award recognizes excellence, but at Bay Pines VAthat excellence is measured by something far greater: healthier, stronger veterans getting their lives back.
Veterans interested in starting their journey can contact their primary care team to learn more.
