David Sarwer

Educational background

Dr. Sarwer received his B.A. in 1990 from Tulane University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa in Psychology. He also received the Aaron Hartman Medal in Psychology and the Senior Scholar Award in Psychology.

Dr. Sarwer received his M.A. in 1992 and his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1995 from Loyola University of Chicago. He then completed his internship year at the Medical College of Pennsylvania at Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Career

Dr. Sarwer began as an Instructor at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1995 in the Departments of Psychiatry and Surgery. He was promoted to Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry and Surgery in 1997, Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry and Surgery in 2004, and Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry and Surgery in 2012. He served as Director of Education (1997 to 2004) and Director of Clinical Services at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders (2004-2014). Dr. Sarwer served as the Director of the Stunkard Weight Management Program at University of Pennsylvania from 2007-2014. Dr. Sarwer's research is focused on the etiology and treatment of obesity. Much of his work has focused on the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of extreme obesity and bariatric surgery. He is currently leading a study, funded by NIH/NIDDK investigating the relationship between psychosocial functioning and outcomes of bariatric surgery. He also has a wealth of experience in the treatment of obesity with lifestyle modification interventions and pharmacotherapy. His more recent work in this area has focused on the adaptation and delivery of weight loss treatments in specialized medical settings, including primary care, reproductive endocrinology, and oncology.

While at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, he served as a consultant to the Center for Human Appearance and held an appointment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In these roles, he directed a program of research on the psychological aspects of physical appearance, which he maintains today. He served as editor on two books from this work Psychological Aspects of Reconstructive and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery (2006) and Presugical Psychiatric Screening (2014).

Dr. Sarwer is currently Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Obesity Science and Practice. He also serves as an Associate Editor for both Health Psychology and Obesity Surgery; consulting editor for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; and serves on the editorial boards of several other journals. In 2016, he was named to the editorial board of the The American Psychologist.

Original research

1. Bradley, Lauren E.; Forman, Evan M.; Kerrigan, Stephanie G.; Goldstein, Stephanie P.; Butryn, Meghan L.; Thomas, J. Graham; Herbert, James D.; Sarwer, David B. (2016). "Project HELP: a remotely delivered behavioral intervention for weight regain after bariatric surgery". Obesity Surgery. PMID 27586525. doi:10.1007/s11695-016-2337-3. 
2. Bradley, Lauren E.; Sarwer, David B.; Forman, Evan M.; Kerrigan, Stephanie G.; Butryn, Meghan L.; Herbert, James D. (2016). "A survey of bariatric surgery patients' interest in postoperative interventions". Obesity Surgery. PMID 26084251. doi:10.1007/s11695-015-1765-9. 
3. Sarwer, David B.; Spitzer, Jacqueline C.; Wadden, Thomas A.; Mitchell, James E.; Lancaster, Kathy; Courcoulas, Anita; Gourash, William; Rosen, Raymond C.; Christian, Nicholas J. (2014). "Changes in sexual functioning and sex hormones in women following bariatric surgery". JAMA Surgery. 149 (1): 26–33. PMID 24190440. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2013.5022. 
4. Sarwer, David B.; Moore, Renee H.; Diewald, Lisa K.; Chittams, Jesse; Berkowitz, Robert I.; Vetter, Marion; Volger, Sheri; Wadden, Thomas A. (2013). "The impact of a primary care-based weight loss intervention on the quality of life". International Journal of Obesity. 37: S25–S30. PMC 3786773 . PMID 23921778. doi:10.1038/ijo.2013.93. 
5. Sarwer, David B.; Moore, Reneé H.; Spitzer, Jacqueline C.; Wadden, Thomas A.; Raper, Steven E.; Williams, Noel N. (2012). "A pilot study investigating the efficacy of postoperative dietary counseling to improve outcomes after bariatric surgery". Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. 8 (5): 561–568. PMID 22551576. doi:10.1016/j.soard.2012.02.010. 

Reviews

1. Tewksbury, Colleen; Williams, Noel N.; Dumon, Kristoffel R.; Sarwer, David B. (2017). "Preoperative medical weight management in bariatric surgery: a review and reconsideration". Obesity Surgery. 27 (1): 208–214. PMID 27761723. doi:10.1007/s11695-016-2422-7. 
2. Sarwer, David B.; Polonsky, Heather M. (2016). "The Psychosocial Burden of Obesity". Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America. 45 (3): 677–688. PMID 27519139. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2016.04.016. 
3. Sarwer, David B.; Steffen, Kristine J. (2015). "Quality of life, body image and sexual functioning in bariatric surgery patients". European Eating Disorders Review. 23 (6): 504–8. PMID 26608946. doi:10.1002/erv.2412. 
4. Speck, Rebecca M.; Bond, Dale S.; Sarwer, David B.; Farrar, John T. (2013). "A systematic review of musculoskeletal pain among bariatric surgery patients: Implications for physical activity and exercise". Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. 10 (1): 161–170. PMID 24182448. doi:10.1016/j.soard.2013.08.001. 
5. Ellison, Jo M.; Steffen, Kristine J.; Sarwer, David B. (2015). "Body contouring after bariatric surgery". European Eating Disorders Review. 23 (6): 479–487. PMID 26395601. doi:10.1002/erv.2408. 

Original research

1. Crerand, Canice E.; Sarwer, David B.; Kazak, Anne E.; Clarke, Alex; Rumsey, Nichola (2017). "Body image and quality of life in adolescents with craniofacial conditions". The Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Journal. 54 (1): 2–12. PMID 26751907. doi:10.1597/15-167. 
2. Sobanko, Joseph F.; Taglienti, Anthony J.; Wilson, Anthony J.; Sarwer, David B.; Margolis, David J.; Dai, Julia; Percec, Ivona (2015). "Motivations for seeking minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in an academic outpatient setting". Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 35 (8): 1014–1020. PMID 26038370. doi:10.1093/asj/sjv094. 
3. Sarwer, David B.; Spitzer, Jacqueline C.; Sobanko, Joseph F.; Beer, Kenneth R. (2015). "Identification and management of mental health issues by dermatologic surgeons: A survey of American Society for Dermatologic Surgery members". Dermatologic Surgery. 41 (3): 352–7. PMID 25742557. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000279. 
4. Sarwer, David B.; Crerand, Canice E. (2008). "Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Appearance Enhancing Medical Treatments". Body Image. 5 (1): 50–58. PMID 18255365. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2007.08.003. 
5. Sarwer, David B. (2007). "The Psychological Aspects of Cosmetic Breast Augmentation". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 120 (7): 110S–117S. PMID 18090820. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000286591.05612.72. 

Reviews

1. Sarwer, David B.; Polonsky, Heather M. (2016). "Body image and body contouring procedures". Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 36 (9): 1039–1047. PMID 27634782. doi:10.1093/asj/sjw127. 
2. Imadojemu, Sotonye; Sarwer, David B.; Percec, Ivona; Sonnad, Seema S.; Goldsack, Jennifer E.; Berman, Morgan; Sobanko, Joseph F. (2013). "Influence of surgical and minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures on psychosocial outcomes". JAMA Dermatology. 149 (11): 1325–1333. PMID 24068036. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.6812. 
3. Sarwer, David B.; Spitzer, Jacqueline C. (2012). "Body dysmorphic disorder in persons who undergo aesthetic medical treatments". Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 32 (8): 999–1009. PMID 23015692. doi:10.1177/1090820X12462715. 
4. Sarwer, David B. (2007). "The psychological aspects of cosmetic breast augmentation". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 120 (7): 110S–117S. PMID 18090820. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000286591.05612.72. 
5. Sarwer, David B.; Brown, Gregory K.; Evans, Dwight L. (2007). "Cosmetic breast augmentation and suicide". American Journal of Psychiatry. 164 (7): 1006–1013. PMID 17606650. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.164.7.1006. 

Books

1. Block, Andrew R.; Sarwer, David B. (2013). Presurgical Psychological Screening: Understanding Patients, Improving Outcomes (1 ed.). American Psychological Association. ISBN 978-1-4338-1242-2. 
2. Sarwer, David B.; Thomas Pruzinsky; Thomas F. Cash; Robert M. Goldwyn; John A. Persing; Linton A. Whitaker (2006). Psychological Aspects of Reconstructive and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery: Clinical, Empirical and Ethical Perspectives (1 ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-0-7817-5362-3. 

Obesity and bariatric surgery

1. Gorman, Ali (December 30, 2016). "Growing Concern over 'Drunkorexia' Trend". 6ABC. Retrieved January 17, 2017. 
2. Ellin, Abby (April 28, 2016). "For Some, Weight Loss Means the Start of a Whole New Life". The New York Times. Retrieved January 17, 2017. 
3. Fitzgerald, Maureen (May 12, 2016). "Future Docs Go to Cooking Class". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved January 17, 2017. 
4. Scott, Maiken (February 19, 2014). "Breaking Down the Basics of Bariatric Surgery with Penn's David Sarwer". WHYY. Retrieved January 17, 2017. 
5. Stahl, Stephanie (March 18, 2013). "Health: Mixed-Weight Couples". CBS Philly. Retrieved March 19, 2013. 
6. Gorman, Ali (February 14, 2013). "Man's journey to face his past in order to lose weight". ABC News. Retrieved February 14, 2013. 
7. Moss-Coane, Marty (February 12, 2013). "Separating fact from fiction on weight loss and obesity". WHYY RadioTimes. Retrieved February 14, 2013. 
8. Carroll, Linda (November 15, 2012). "Bottoms up! Report reveals our boozy calories". NBC News. Retrieved November 16, 2012. 
9. "New York City Bans Sales Of Sodas Larger Than 16 Ounces". CBS 3. September 13, 2012. Retrieved September 18, 2012. 
10. Duddleston, Meridee (August 6, 2012). "Waist Not: What Now? A Slight Look at Weight Loss". WRTI. Retrieved August 6, 2012. 
11. Stahl, Stephanie (March 1, 2011). "Health Watch: Baby Food Diet". CBS. Retrieved March 1, 2011. 
12. Frangou, Christina. "Bariatric Surgery Improves Sexual Function in Female Patients: Amount of Weight Loss, Type of Procedure Not Factors". Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News. Retrieved February 1, 2011. 
13. Fattah, Renee Chenault (July 29, 2010). "Use the Web to Keep Weight Off". NBC. Retrieved August 10, 2012. 
14. Kelly, Diana (January 10, 2010). "Blown diet? How to make up for last night". MSNBC. Retrieved January 10, 2010. 
15. Marcus, Mary Brophy (January 7, 2010). "Putting a face on food allergies". USA Today. Retrieved January 7, 2010. 
16. ANI (August 25, 2009). "Obese men prone to erectile dysfunction". Times of India. Retrieved August 25, 2009. 
17. "Bouncing Back". Cookie Magazine. Retrieved July–August 2007. 
18. Dahl, Melissa (July 6, 2007). "Diet Pill’s Icky Side Effects Keep Users Honest". MSNBC. Retrieved July 6, 2007. 
19. Lewis, Cathy. "Surviving Abundance: Childhood Obesity". Hearsay with Cathy Lewis. Retrieved May 21, 2007. 

Body image and plastic surgery

1. Dubick, Stephanie (February 27, 2017). "When You Have Body Dysmorphia, Coping Through Plastic Surgery Can Be A Nightmare". Broadly. Retrieved March 7, 2017. 
2. Fitzsimmons, Eric (February 22, 2016). "Face to Face Provides New Window to See Children with Craniofacial Disfigurement". Daily Local. Retrieved January 17, 2017. 
3. Dolgin, Elie (December 4, 2015). "Plastic Surgeons, Fearing Violence, Turn to Psychiatry to Screen Patients". Stat. Retrieved January 17, 2017. 
4. Rapaport, Lisa (November 3, 2015). "Face-lift May not Boost Your Self-Esteem". Reuters. Retrieved January 17, 2017. 
5. Scott, Maiken (February 28, 2013). "Taking patient's psychological temperature before surgery can improve outcome". WHYY. Retrieved March 4, 2013. 
6. Fain, Jean (November 16, 2012). "Body Image Researcher David Sarwer Debunks Hollywood Myths". Huffington Post. Retrieved November 16, 2012. 
7. Johnson, Robert (October 31, 2011). "A Nip and a Tuck". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 31, 2011. 
8. Hochman, Gloria. "Face-lifts are down, but not on their way out". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved November 1, 2010. 
9. Cox, Sarah. "The ugly truth of our society". The Eagle Eye. Retrieved April 8, 2010. 
10. Tahmincioglu, Eve. "Your Career: Time for Extreme Makeover?". NBC. Retrieved August 10, 2012. 
11. Dreisbach, Shaun. "You want a prettier what?". Glamour Magazine. Retrieved April 1, 2008. 
12. Chao, Ning. "Is your makeup aging you?". Marie Claire. Retrieved November 1, 2007. 
13. Singer, Natasha (August 16, 2007). "Study suggests that a Need for Physical Perfection May Reveal Emotional Flaws". The New York Times. Retrieved August 16, 2007. 
14. "State of body, state of mind". San Antonio Express. Retrieved August 12, 2007. 
15. DeNoon, Daniel (August 10, 2007). "Breast Implant/Suicide Link Confirmed". WebMD. Retrieved August 10, 2007. 
16. Doheny, Kathleen (August 9, 2007). "Cosmetic Breast Surgeries Tied to Increased Suicide Risk". HealthDay, ABC News. Retrieved August 9, 2007. 
17. Gellene, Denise (August 8, 2007). "Breast Implants Linked to Suicide Risk". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 8, 2007. 
18. Remo, Jessica. "Plastic Spluergery". Philadelphia Magazine. Retrieved July 2007. 
19. Marinello, Nick; Michael DeMocker. "Skin Deep?". Tulanian. Retrieved Spring 2007. 
20. Lewis, Cathy. "The Skin You’re In". Hearsay with Cathy Lewis. Retrieved May 23, 2007. 
21. Clayton, Victoria (May 11, 2007). "Way to go, grad! Here’s a check for a new nose". MSNBC. Retrieved May 11, 2007. 
22. Rendon, Jim. "10 Things Your Plastic Surgeon Won’t Tell You". Smart Money. Retrieved April 26, 2007. 
23. Boodman, Sandra (March 6, 2007). "Cosmetic Surgery’s New Frontier". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 6, 2007. 
24. Marcus, Mary (February 12, 2007). "Acne Leaves Emotional Marks". USA Today. Retrieved February 12, 2007. 
25. Triffin, Molly. "Makeovers: The Good, Bad, and Yes, Ugly". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved December 1, 2006. 
26. Rubin, Rita (December 19, 2006). "Buoyed by Bigger Breasts". USA Today. Retrieved December 19, 2006. 
27. Marcus, Mary (December 10, 2006). "As a Gift, Surgery Cuts both Ways". USA Today. Retrieved December 10, 2006. 
28. Marcus, Mary (December 10, 2006). "Cosmetic Surgery gets a Lift from Boomers". USA Today. Retrieved December 10, 2006.