By Dr. Asnat Raziel, bariatric surgeon specializing in obesity treatment, metabolic health and healthy longevity; Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Obesity Treatment, Assia Medical, Assuta Ramat HaChayal, Tel Aviv

The struggle with weight is a journey. At times it feels like an endless cycle of hope and disappointment, with plans that start with enthusiasm and end in frustration. In an overloaded medical system, it is easy to feel like just another number in a chart. Meanwhile, the full personal, emotional and biological story stays in the background. But there is another way. It is an approach that understands that obesity is a complex chronic disease, and that real change happens when you treat the whole person: body, mind, habits, environment and biology. This is where Dr. Asnat Raziel works. A leading bariatric surgeon, she chose to make a professional change. Today, as an obesity specialist, she focuses on personal medical guidance, advanced drug therapy and evidence-based lifestyle change.

In this article, we take a closer look at her approach to managing obesity and metabolic disease. You will see how many years of surgical experience come together with drug innovation and with artificial intelligence (AI) tools for collecting and processing medical data. You will also see the holistic thinking that treats every patient as a whole world.

This is a story about precise, humane medicine. It is about a process built to fit each person. It is also about moving from “just another diet” to long-term health management. The goal is not only weight loss, but stability, resilience and a better quality of life, from the inside out.

Key takeaways

• Discover how an obesity specialist combines advanced medical guidance by phone with innovative drug therapy and evidence-based medicine to build a personal plan for managing obesity and metabolic disease.
• Understand how a holistic approach, which combines deep biological understanding with behavior change and broad professional support, creates a stable and meaningful process over time.
• Learn how the consultation process works with the Rounds AI platform, which collects your medical history, processes your test results and supports professional documentation, even before the consultation itself.
• Get tools that help you understand the right path for you (drug therapy, behavioral support, or referral to a surgical team when needed) through a personal, tailored consultation.
• Get to know the “Living Large” model, which focuses not only on weight loss, but on managing a chronic disease, building personal resilience and creating a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

Who is Dr. Asnat Raziel? An obesity specialist who is much more than an expert surgeon

Behind every measurement, test or diagnosis, there is a person. This is the starting point that guides Dr. Asnat Raziel at every step of her professional and personal path. Dr. Raziel is a leading bariatric surgeon who chose to make a significant professional change. Today she no longer performs surgery. Instead, she leads a new approach to managing obesity and metabolic disease, based on personal medical guidance, advanced drug therapy and evidence-based medicine, alongside deep lifestyle change.

Dr. Raziel combines many years of clinical experience, technological innovation (including advanced AI tools) and a humane vision that recognizes the close link between body and mind. As an obesity specialist, she does not focus on weight loss alone. Rather, she manages a chronic disease through deep biological understanding, personal attention and tailored support.

If you are wondering what an appointment looks like, I describe it step by step in my article on the first visit with an obesity specialist.

The journey she offers her patients is not just a medical process. It is a way back to themselves: back to energy, confidence and balance. Her mission is to give people precise tools, up-to-date knowledge and responsible guidance, so they can build healthy, stable and meaningful lives over the long term.

To understand her unique approach more deeply, watch the following video:

Training and professional experience of obesity specialist Dr. Asnat Raziel

Dr. Raziel’s professional journey began at the Tel Aviv University Faculty of Medicine. It continued with significant service as a flight physician in the Israeli Air Force. It then took shape in a prestigious subspecialty fellowship in obesity surgery at the University of Minnesota in the United States. This is one of the leading medical centers in the world. Since then, she has gained experience in thousands of surgical procedures, from complex bariatric surgery to advanced minimally invasive procedures. Along the way, she has set a new standard of precision and safety in the field.

Founding the multidisciplinary center

Because she deeply understood that surgery is only the beginning of a journey, Dr. Raziel founded the Multidisciplinary Center for Obesity Treatment in 2005. This is not just another medical center; it is a home. Around her, she built a team of leading experts (clinical dietitians, psychologists and fitness trainers) who work together to provide full, personal support. The center’s emphasis is on building a safe, tailored process that aims to deliver the best possible results and keep them for years.

Her vision continues to evolve, with an eye on the future and on bringing breakthrough technologies into obesity treatment. At the heart of it all, however, her simple and powerful promise remains. She offers close, personal guidance that sees the whole person behind the numbers on the scale, and she walks with each patient, hand in hand, toward a new life.

The medical revolution: drug therapy and surgery in one approach

The world of obesity treatment has gone through a true revolution. The old approach, which saw surgery as a single, one-dimensional solution, has given way to a holistic, personal and precise view. Today we understand that obesity is a complex chronic disease, as the World Health Organization defines it. As a result, treating it requires a sophisticated combination of tools. Dr. Asnat Raziel stands at the forefront of this revolution. She leads an approach that combines drug innovation with surgical excellence, fully tailored to each patient.

Her treatment philosophy as an obesity specialist sees every patient as a whole world. She does not settle for dry data. Instead, she looks deeply into each person’s metabolic, emotional and behavioral profile to create a unique, “tailor-made” treatment plan. It is a delicate dance between science and empathy. In this way, the chosen solution is not only effective, but also sustainable and suited to the patient’s lifestyle.

Obesity drug therapy with an obesity specialist: a new era of options

The new obesity medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, have changed the rules of the game. For Dr. Raziel, however, they are not a “magic solution.” They are a powerful tool within a comprehensive process. Treatment includes choosing the right drug and dose for each person, close medical follow-up to manage side effects, and nutritional and behavioral support to prevent relapse. The goal is to use the medication to open a window of opportunity for changing habits, not to turn it into the only crutch you lean on.

Advanced bariatric surgery at the center: an expert team for comprehensive care

Although Dr. Asnat Raziel no longer performs surgery, advanced bariatric surgery remains an integral part of the center’s broad range of care. For suitable patients, bariatric surgery is still an effective and meaningful tool. It can lead to substantial weight loss and help treat related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and severe reflux.

The decision to operate comes only after a comprehensive, personalized medical assessment, as part of multidisciplinary thinking. The center includes senior surgeons who lead the field: Prof. David Goitein and Prof. Nasser Sakran, both with extensive experience in advanced bariatric surgery. Alongside them, other professionals make up the multidisciplinary team. They include clinical dietitian Sigal Alfasa, who specializes in nutrition support before and after surgery, and Dr. Dean Keren, a gastroenterologist who treats complex digestive conditions and reflux and performs endoscopic evaluation when needed. The center also includes Dr. Sharona Cherniak, a plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring surgery after weight loss.

The surgeons operate with advanced minimally invasive techniques, in line with current standards and in a professional, well-supervised medical setting.

Dr. Raziel’s role: guidance and strategic direction

In the current model, Dr. Raziel’s role is to guide, advise and provide strategic direction. She helps patients understand whether surgery is truly the right step for them, and what its benefits and risks are, as part of a broad view of chronic disease management. When surgery is not the right choice, she builds a personalized drug and behavioral treatment plan.

That is how the approach stays balanced and precise. Not every patient needs surgery. For those who are suitable candidates, though, the center offers one of the leading surgical teams in the field, together with ongoing medical and holistic support.

The goal is not simply to perform a procedure. Rather, it is to choose wisely, manage wisely and support the patient over time, with safety, responsibility and a broad perspective.

The holistic approach of obesity specialist Dr. Asnat Raziel: surgeon, writer, lecturer and active woman

For Dr. Asnat Raziel, the operating room does not stand apart from the creative and active life outside it. Surgical precision, strategic thinking and professional responsibility blend naturally with her love of writing, lecturing, music, hiking in nature and an active, healthy lifestyle. These are not separate worlds. Instead, they form a single fabric of curiosity, depth, discipline and an ongoing passion for learning and creating.

For her, writing is a space for processing ideas and sharpening her thinking. In her lectures, she connects advanced science, many years of clinical experience and human stories. She enjoys standing in front of an audience, sharing knowledge, making current research accessible and building a meaningful conversation with professionals and the general public. Music and nature give her balance, quiet and inspiration. Her workouts at the gym are not just a health routine. They also express a personal value of physical and mental resilience.

The connection between these worlds creates a broad approach to care. Obesity medicine is not only a surgical technique or the right choice of medication. It is also a deep process of changing identity, habits and self-image. Dr. Raziel sees every patient as a whole person, with a life story, challenges, aspirations and strengths. Surgery or drug therapy is part of the journey, but not all of it.

Creating precise and meaningful change

Her holistic approach rests on genuine listening. She takes an interest in daily patterns, eating, sleep, stress, social connections and the meaning each patient gives to their body. From there, she builds a personalized treatment plan that combines evidence-based science with deep human understanding.

Just like precise writing or a well-structured lecture, a successful medical process also needs structure, intention and clarity. She plans each stage with care and weighs every decision. Within that clear framework, however, there is room for flexibility, adjustment and sensitivity.

For Dr. Raziel, real medical change happens when biology, psychology and lifestyle meet. It happens when the body receives professional care and the mind also receives recognition. It happens when the patient is not just “a case,” but an active partner in the process.

This is how complete medicine takes shape. It is medicine that respects science and also respects the person. It aims not only at weight loss, but at health, resilience and meaning.

Dr. Asnat Raziel’s “Living Large” program: whole-health management and lifestyle change

In recent years, Dr. Asnat Raziel’s work has changed in a fundamental way. Today she no longer performs surgery, and holistic guidance and lifestyle change have become the core of her professional work. Through many years of experience as an obesity specialist, she came to understand that real, lasting change does not rely on a single medical action. Instead, it depends on ongoing management of the body, the mind and daily habits.

The “Living Large” program grew out of this view. It is a personal guidance model that combines research-based medical knowledge with coordination and referral to a broad network of professionals. Dr. Raziel helps patients understand the biological mechanisms of hunger and satiety, chronic inflammation and eating behavior. At the same time, she refers them to body and mind therapists according to their personal needs.

This network can include psychologists, emotional therapists, clinical dietitians, fitness trainers, mindfulness instructors, sleep specialists and other professionals. The program does not rely on workshops that she teaches herself. Instead, it builds a personalized support network, with continuous medical oversight and professional guidance.

What the program focuses on

The emphasis is on mindful eating, emotional regulation, mental resilience, regular physical activity, good sleep and stress management. Each patient receives a plan suited to their medical condition, their preferences and their stage of life. The guidance also includes follow-up, adjustments along the way and shared thinking about barriers and successes.

Dr. Raziel’s commitment to evidence-based medicine and scientific research continues to guide her work. Her clinical and academic knowledge blends with a humane, sensitive approach that sees each patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.

The goal is not only weight loss. Rather, the goal is to manage a chronic disease with deep understanding, personal responsibility and broad professional support. Living large means building a stable, healthy and meaningful lifestyle for the long term.

Personal phone consultations with obesity specialist Dr. Asnat Raziel of Assia Medical, Ramat HaChayal

The decision to set out on a journey of health change is a significant moment. Today, all of the guidance this obesity specialist offers takes place by phone. That is because access, continuity of care and flexibility are critical conditions for long-term success.

Her professional work takes place at Assia Medical, Assuta Ramat HaChayal, but the consultation itself does not require an in-person visit. This makes high-level professional guidance possible from anywhere in Israel, and sometimes from abroad, regardless of where you live.

Bringing artificial intelligence into the medical process

As part of the drive for precision, efficiency and data-driven medicine, Dr. Raziel uses the Rounds AI platform. It is an innovative, professional, AI-based platform that helps collect and process medical information.

Even before the consultation, the patient fills out a comprehensive digital medical history. The system brings together personal data, medical history and relevant documents, including lab tests and imaging. As a result, the consultation can begin with all the information already organized, processed and ready for in-depth analysis.

During the session itself, the system also helps transcribe the conversation and produce an accurate, structured consultation summary. This allows full focus on communication with the patient, while keeping documentation clear, high-quality and professional.

Together, many years of clinical experience and advanced technological tools create an efficient, organized, data-driven process that fits modern medicine.

The personal guidance process

The guidance rests on a personalized work plan. That plan draws on an analysis of your medical history, lab tests, metabolic profile and an understanding of how you actually live. The first conversation is an in-depth session. Its purpose is to build a full picture of your medical condition, eating patterns, sleep, stress, physical activity and personal goals.

After that, regular phone follow-up takes place. The plan changes based on your progress, your response to drug therapy if you take it, and changes in your emotional state or behavior. When needed, you receive referrals to body and mind therapists, dietitians, fitness trainers or other professionals, as part of a broad holistic network.

The emphasis is not only on weight loss, but on managing a chronic disease in a smart, evidence-based way.

Access, flexibility and continuity of care

Phone consultations offer high availability and fit changing schedules. Patients from all over Israel can receive guidance without coming to the center in person. In this way, they keep their care going even during busy times or when personal constraints get in the way.

The work at Assia Medical, Assuta Ramat HaChayal, reflects a commitment to a high medical standard and to advanced medicine. Together, medicine, technology and personal guidance create an innovative, precise and humane model of care.

The goal is clear. It is not only to treat weight, but to manage health. It is to build a stable, mindful and healthy lifestyle, wherever you are.

Setting out on a new path: how do you start the journey?

Deciding to make a change is a significant moment. It is the moment you choose to take responsibility for your health, your energy and your quality of life. Change does not start with surgery, and it does not start with a medication. It starts with an inner decision.

The first step is simple: one consultation. We listen, we explore, and together we set a clear direction. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Asnat Raziel.

One of the first questions people ask is which path to choose. Is drug therapy the right fit? Would a surgical evaluation by a multidisciplinary team help? Or is it better to start with deep behavior change? There is no single answer. Instead, the answer is personal, medical and tailored to your metabolic, emotional and behavioral situation.

During the phone consultation, the obesity specialist takes the time to understand your full story: your medical history, your past attempts, your patterns and your goals. Together, you build a precise, realistic and safe work plan.

How to prepare for a consultation with obesity specialist Dr. Asnat Raziel

To get the most out of the conversation, it helps to prepare the following in advance:

• Recent blood tests • A list of your medications and supplements • Relevant medical summaries • Above all, your goals and questions

Before the consultation, you will receive a comprehensive digital medical history form to fill out in advance through the Rounds AI platform. The system gathers your medical data, lab results and relevant documents, and then processes them in a structured way.

During the conversation itself, the system also helps with transcription and produces a professional, accurate consultation summary. This allows full focus on the content of the conversation and on the human connection, while keeping documentation clear and high-quality.

Together, many years of clinical experience and advanced AI technology make the process efficient, organized and data-driven.

Stories of real change

Real change does not show only in the number on the scale. You can see it in returning energy and in renewed confidence. You can see it in better blood sugar control, better sleep and freer movement.

Many patients who went through drug-based, behavioral or multidisciplinary guidance report deep and lasting change. It is not only weight loss, but also a shift in how they see themselves and who they are.

The goal is not a quick result. Instead, the goal is long-term stability.

The choice is yours: a broad approach to managing your health

The journey to health is a deeply personal process. It requires medical knowledge, but it also requires listening, flexibility and systems thinking.

Today, obesity specialist Dr. Asnat Raziel works with patients through personal phone consultations. Her care combines evidence-based medicine, advanced drug therapy when needed, and referral to a multidisciplinary network of body and mind professionals.

If a surgical evaluation or intervention is necessary, she can refer and guide you to the center’s senior surgical team. That team includes Prof. David Goitein and Prof. Nasser Sakran, alongside dietitian Sigal Alfasa and gastroenterologist Dr. Dean Keren.

The approach does not center on the procedure. Instead, it centers on managing a chronic disease in a smart, precise and personalized way.

If you feel it is time for a deep, well-grounded change, the first step is a conversation.

Questions and answers about obesity specialist Dr. Asnat Raziel

Does obesity specialist Dr. Asnat Raziel perform surgery?

No. Dr. Raziel no longer performs surgery. As an obesity specialist, she provides medical, drug-based and holistic guidance for managing obesity and metabolic disease. If surgery is necessary, she refers patients to a senior surgical team within the center.

Do consultations take place at the clinic?

All consultations take place by phone, with no need for an in-person visit. This means you can receive guidance from anywhere in Israel.

How does the information-gathering process work?

Before the consultation, you fill out a digital medical history through an advanced AI platform called Rounds. The system brings your medical data together and also helps transcribe the conversation and produce the consultation summary.

What does the “Living Large” program include?

It is a personal guidance model for managing a healthy lifestyle and a chronic disease. It includes adjusting drug therapy when needed, medical follow-up, and referral to nutrition, mental health and fitness professionals according to personal need.

Can I receive an insurance reimbursement?

Many patients are eligible for reimbursement through private insurance, depending on the terms of their personal policy. We recommend checking your eligibility directly with your insurance company.

Does Dr. Raziel, an obesity specialist, give lectures on obesity, and how can I sign up?

Yes. Dr. Raziel considers it very important to make reliable professional knowledge accessible to the general public. She lectures regularly at professional conferences and at public events on obesity treatment, new developments in bariatric medicine and healthy living. We recommend following the updates on her Facebook page and on her website, where upcoming lecture dates and registration details appear.

The journey to health is not a dramatic leap. It is a series of small, consistent and smart decisions. And it starts with one decision: to begin. To book a personal consultation and change your life with Dr. Asnat Raziel, click here