University Medical Center added obesity medicine services in 2026, giving patients important support in their weight-loss efforts.

“Obesity is a major public health concern that affects nearly every aspect of health,” said Dr. Tiffany Watson, a UMC family medicine physician who is certified in the practice of obesity medicine. “Our goal is to lower the risk of chronic disease and improve overall wellness through evidence-based treatment.”  

Alabama’s adult obesity rate was 39% in 2024, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Obesity is closely linked to chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers, Watson said. She provides care for patients using U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved weight-loss medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes nutrition counseling, physical activity and lifestyle modifications.

Watson was awarded certification by the American Board of Obesity Medicine in 2026 for demonstrating advanced knowledge and competency in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of obesity and related health conditions. 

Chronic conditions don't end when patients leave the doctor's office. That's why University Medical Center expanded efforts in 2026 to better support patients with chronic illnesses between appointments.

The expansion came in the form of Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM), a Medicare initiative that provides for ongoing care outside of traditional office visits. Instead of focusing only on in-person appointments, APCM allows care teams to stay engaged with patients on a consistent basis through regular check-ins, coordination and follow-up.

“It really focuses on keeping patients healthier and better connected to the care and resources they need,” said Dr. Tom Weida, UMC’s chief medical officer.    

UMC implemented APCM at its clinics in Tuscaloosa and Northport. The program allows UMC patient care teams to provide a range of health services between visits, including developing personalized care plans, reviewing medications and helping coordinate care with specialists or after a hospital stay. It’s a more connected and hands-on approach between appointments designed to make care more consistent and easier for patients to manage.

“It’s like having your mom manage your care,” Weida said. “We’re doing monthly checks, making sure we have an accurate medication list, answering questions and making sure we get reports back from the hospital and specialists.”  

Care managers also help patients work through everyday challenges that can affect their health, such as difficulty accessing healthcare services, trouble managing medications or transportation issues. APCM also provides patients additional ways to stay in touch with their care team through secure messaging and other forms of digital communication.  

University Medical Center began providing X-ray services at its Carrollton, Ala., and Livingston, Ala., clinics in 2026, allowing patient to receive more of their care in one place, reducing the need to travel to other facilities for imaging.

Patients requiring X-rays can receive them during an office visit as part of their regular care. They can also schedule an appointment for imaging. UMC-Carrollton and UMC-Livingston provide a full range of X-rays, including imaging of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine, joints and extremities.

X-ray services are also available at UMC’s main location in Tuscaloosa and at UMC-Northport.