Dr. Rita Kathawa, MD

Founder of Michigan Weight Loss Institute — Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine

Dr. Rita Kathawa is a dual board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. As the founder of Michigan Weight Loss Institute, she leads one of metro Detroit’s most trusted obesity medicine practices. Furthermore, Dr. Rita Kathawa is recognized as a leading bariatrician across Sterling Heights, Bingham Farms, and the surrounding region.

Her approach blends FDA-approved medical therapies with personalized, whole-person care. Specifically, she combines GLP-1 medications and oral weight-loss treatments with lifestyle coaching, nutrition guidance, and surgical consultation when appropriate. As a result, every patient receives a plan tailored to their biology, history, and goals.

Education and Medical Training

Dr. Kathawa earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutritional Sciences from Wayne State University. This foundation in clinical nutrition continues to shape her practice today. Afterward, she received her Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Henry Ford Warren Hospital, formerly Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital. In addition, she pursued postgraduate training in Obesity Medicine through Harvard Medical School. As a result, her training reflects both rigorous internal medicine experience and elite obesity medicine credentials.

Dr. Rita Kathawa’s Whole-Person Approach to Weight Management

Her clinical focus extends well beyond the number on the scale. In fact, Dr. Kathawa treats the full spectrum of obesity-related conditions. These include type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease (MASLD), sleep apnea, PCOS, hypertension, and joint pain.

For surgical candidates, she partners closely with bariatric surgeons across the region. Specifically, she manages preoperative preparation and long-term bariatric surgery follow-up care. Therefore, her patients are better positioned to avoid weight regain and sustain lasting results.

Her practice also offers metabolism support and skin tightening with Morpheus8 medical aesthetics. In addition, she provides hair restoration for post-bariatric patients and ongoing lab work through comprehensive testing. Furthermore, she runs a dedicated NAFLD clinic for patients with fatty liver disease.

Awards and Media Recognition

Dr. Kathawa has earned recognition both locally and nationally. For example, she earned the Top Obesity Medicine Specialist honor in 2024. That same year, she also received the Women in Medicine Top Doctor recognition.

Most notably, Hour Detroit Magazine featured her in 2025 as “The Face of Weight Management.” This honor came as part of the magazine’s prestigious Faces of Detroit series. In addition, she recently appeared on Fox 2 Detroit to discuss the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss. You can find her additional credentials and press features on our In The News page.

She also serves as Clinical Faculty of Medicine at Michigan State University. Furthermore, she is a frequent speaker on podcasts, radio programs, and at hospital grand rounds.

Locations and Patient Care

Dr. Kathawa sees patients at our two convenient metro Detroit locations. Specifically, the practice operates clinics in Sterling Heights and Bingham Farms. She also works alongside Stephanie Shaheen, PA-C, and a skilled clinical support team.

Above all, Dr. Rita Kathawa and her team are committed to lasting transformation. This commitment extends beyond weight loss to body, confidence, mindset, and quality of life. Therefore, every treatment plan reflects each patient’s unique medical history, lifestyle, and goals.

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Credentials & Awards