Rita Kathawa, MD

Founder, Michigan Weight Loss Institute
Board-Certified in Internal Medicine & Obesity Medicine

Dr. Rita Kathawa is a dual board-certified physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and the founder of Michigan Weight Loss Institute. As one of metro Detroit’s leading bariatricians, she is an expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive medical management of obesity and weight-related conditions. Her approach combines FDA-approved therapies—including the latest GLP-1 medications and oral weight-loss treatments—with personalized lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidance, and surgical consultation when appropriate.

Dr. Kathawa earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutritional Sciences from Wayne State University, bringing a strong foundation in clinical nutrition to her medical practice. She received her Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Henry Ford Warren Hospital (formerly Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital). She then pursued postgraduate training in Obesity Medicine through Harvard Medical School, further deepening her expertise in evidence-based weight management.

Her clinical focus extends well beyond the number on the scale. Dr. Kathawa treats the full spectrum of obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease (MASLD), obstructive sleep apnea, PCOS, hypertension, and joint pain. She works closely with bariatric surgeons to optimize both preoperative preparation and long-term postoperative outcomes, helping patients avoid weight regain and sustain lasting results. Her practice also offers metabolism support, skin tightening and treatment of skin laxity (Morpheus8), hair restoration for post-bariatric patients, and comprehensive lab monitoring to ensure treatment safety and efficacy.

Dr. Kathawa’s work has been recognized both locally and nationally. She was named a Top Obesity Medicine Specialist (2024) and a Women in Medicine Top Doctor (2024), and was featured in Hour Detroit Magazine’s prestigious Faces of Detroit series as “The Face of Weight Management” (2025). Most recently, she appeared on Fox 2 Detroit to discuss the arrival of the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss. She serves as Clinical Faculty of Medicine at Michigan State University and is a frequent speaker on the topic of obesity, contributing to podcasts, radio programs, and hospital grand rounds.

With locations in Sterling Heights and Bingham Farms, Michigan Weight Loss Institute provides a supportive, results-driven environment where patients receive truly individualized care. Dr. Kathawa and her team are committed to helping every patient achieve lasting transformation—not just in body, but in confidence, mindset, and quality of life.

Credentials & Awards