Outside the clinic
Dr. Murali lives in Houston with his wife and two children. He teaches Sunday school, enjoys early morning workouts, and is a lifelong student of music, history, and human behavior. Whether playing the bamboo flute, reading on systems thinking, or dancing with his kids after dinner, he finds joy in connection, curiosity, and movement.
Interested in working with Dr. Murali? Let’s build something better — together.
Meet Dr. Sameer Murali
Obesity Medicine Physician | 30,000+ patient encounters
Dr. Murali is a nationally recognized physician who has dedicated his career to the treatment of obesity since 2011. His expertise spans clinical leadership, research, systems design, and — most importantly — patient care.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University, completed medical school and internal medicine residency at UT Southwestern, and earned a Master’s in Health Services Research from UCLA. He has advanced training in human-centered design and is triple board certified in internal medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine.
His personal connection to this work runs deep. He has struggled with his weight since childhood and has dedicated his professional life to delivering compassionate, personalized, and effective care for anyone who shares this challenge.
"Helping you with your weight helps me with mine. This work is personal — for you and me." -Dr. Murali
Dr Murali’s experience: From clinics to classrooms to COVID
Rapidly expanded UT Health Houston’s weight management offerings to West, Southwest, and Northwest Houston
Led the country’s largest bariatric program at Kaiser Permanente Southern California
Published research in JAMA and Annals of Internal Medicine
Delivered a TEDx Talk on behavior change and the psychology of health
Launched “Dr. Murali Weighs In” on YouTube to make science-based, relatable weight care accessible
Winner of Kaiser Permanente’s 2020 Physician Exceptional Contribution Award for leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic
Hear from Dr. Murali's patients
We've helped thousands of patients achieve the lifestyle they've always dreamed of. Now is your opportunity to embark on your own VisionQuest.
“I’ve never had a doctor take so much time to explain and truly understand what I’m going through.”
“Dr. Murali makes me feel seen, not judged. He’s thorough, kind, and truly cares.”
“This is the best care I’ve received. I left feeling hopeful and ready for change.”
“Dr. Murali must be cloned for the good of humanity. He is a brother, a son, a father, a friend. He is actually present for the visit… I strongly recommend that this doctor be studied, cloned, duplicated… He is simply excellent.”
“Dr. Murali has got to be the smartest doctor I’ve ever met. He’s a scientist also… I felt like I had gone to college and taken a college course in a matter of an hour and 45 minutes.”
“Dr. Murali takes the time to get to know his patients, he is very caring and thorough. He puts a lot of thought and compassion into you as an individual.”
“I see a lot of doctors and this was one of the best appointments I’ve ever had. Dr. Murali knew my history before the appointment (which is rare)… I felt like an individual patient and not just another number.”
“Dr. Murali is literally my favorite doctor with the time he spends with me and is fully engrossed in my care. I could not ask for any better.”
“Dr. Murali goes above and beyond to meet the needs of his patients. I tell everyone I know about him and how thorough and smart he is.”
“Dr. Murali is one of the best doctors I’ve ever been to. It’s almost like going to a therapist… When I leave, I feel upbeat and refreshed.”
“Dr. Murali knew exactly my medical problems, my issues, and he is very careful, very thoughtful, very kind. I would definitely always recommend him.”
“Dr. Murali is an amazing provider. He really listens and pays attention, and I’m very satisfied with the doctor.”
“I’ve never had a provider look at my entire medical history… He listened to what I had to say and addressed all concerns. I wish he was my primary care physician.”