Good Morning...In 2 hours, Elvis comes alive, and if you are near the Burke office stop in and see the King...he will be seeing patients but in between, there could be a few bars of Love Me Tender and Viva Las Vegas...Also, on a more social note, every year the staff and I have a Holiday Open House that we call "Patient Appreciation Nite" We provide snacks, (lots of them "healthy") wine and last year we had karioke which was hilarious. We have been doing this for 21 years and the reason: WE NEVER FORGET HOW HAPPY WE ARE THAT YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO OUR PRACTICE. We have the most incredible patient population of wonderful people and we are honored that you have decided to allow us to take care of your medical and/or weight loss needs. Friday, December 5th is the date...5PM-730 PM. PLEASE stop by
Please read the comment posted yesterday....lots of helpful hints that came from a Weight Watchers Newsletter. You NEVER read any bashing things about Weight Watchers written in this blog. Their program is based on behavioral modification and life style changes. It is NOT an exploitative business trying to sell you shakes, bars and other items that provide a rtemporary fix to the weight problem. Losing weight and keeping that weight of is NOT a "diet"...it MUSTbe a behavioral modification strategy. For long term success, I would ask that each and everyone of you eliminate the concept of "dieting" and focus on "life style changing".
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
weight loss and Halloween
Good morning...for those of you who would love a good laugh....staff and I are dressed for Halloween today and tomorrow....our costumes???? you gotta stop by to find out (hine for Posner garb: The King comes alove tomorrow)
Okay, now comes the most treacherous period of time for weight control....Halloween through New Years.....average weight gain in America during this time period: 7.4 pounds. From the Halloween candy to the Thanksgiving dinner to the Christmas and New Years celebrations, we eat lots of food and consume lots of calories. Then comes the lament on December 31 "My New Year's resolution is to lose weight".
START NOW!!! Do not give in to the "left over" Halloween candy. Start your efforts now! If you have gained weight since you were last here, come in for a "tune up" few weeks. Build lots of "wiggle room" over the next 4 weeks before Thanksgiving. Get to that gym more often. Do NOT let yourself be one of the millions who have to do that tiresome, old new years resolution about having to lose weight. Start now!
Okay, now comes the most treacherous period of time for weight control....Halloween through New Years.....average weight gain in America during this time period: 7.4 pounds. From the Halloween candy to the Thanksgiving dinner to the Christmas and New Years celebrations, we eat lots of food and consume lots of calories. Then comes the lament on December 31 "My New Year's resolution is to lose weight".
START NOW!!! Do not give in to the "left over" Halloween candy. Start your efforts now! If you have gained weight since you were last here, come in for a "tune up" few weeks. Build lots of "wiggle room" over the next 4 weeks before Thanksgiving. Get to that gym more often. Do NOT let yourself be one of the millions who have to do that tiresome, old new years resolution about having to lose weight. Start now!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
weight loss and inches
Good morning....
The new INBODY body analyzer we have in the office provides much more information than the scale alone. Often, people come in for their appointments and become disappointed when the number of the scale fails to drop significantly in a given week, yet the person feels that the clothes are fitting much differently. Fluid retention, especially in women, often explains why the numeric weight on the scale does not drop lots that week. The INBODY allows us to monitor this. Moreover, as people turn to weight training as an adjunct to their weight loss efforts, the INBODY allows us to measure lean muscle mass.
If you have not been in recently, we woild be happy to provide you with a complimentary body scan to see all of these parameters, not just your weight in pounds.
For those of you currently in the program, we will continue to scan you every 4 weeks or so providing you with all of this info.
The new INBODY body analyzer we have in the office provides much more information than the scale alone. Often, people come in for their appointments and become disappointed when the number of the scale fails to drop significantly in a given week, yet the person feels that the clothes are fitting much differently. Fluid retention, especially in women, often explains why the numeric weight on the scale does not drop lots that week. The INBODY allows us to monitor this. Moreover, as people turn to weight training as an adjunct to their weight loss efforts, the INBODY allows us to measure lean muscle mass.
If you have not been in recently, we woild be happy to provide you with a complimentary body scan to see all of these parameters, not just your weight in pounds.
For those of you currently in the program, we will continue to scan you every 4 weeks or so providing you with all of this info.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
weight loss and weather
Another soggy, dark miserable day...for those of you who exercise outside, it probably ain't happening today...for those of you are at housebound today because of the wetaher, you will be challenged NOT to start reaching for snack foods...
As the weather gets colder and it remains darker it is much more challenging to maintain the exercise levels and the more prudent eating activities that we can during the summer months.
Home gym equipment would address the dark/cold/rain issues and NOT having those snack foods around the house that would challenge you would address the snacking issue.
Do not let the seasonal changes derail your efforts to become healthier and thereby happier...
As the weather gets colder and it remains darker it is much more challenging to maintain the exercise levels and the more prudent eating activities that we can during the summer months.
Home gym equipment would address the dark/cold/rain issues and NOT having those snack foods around the house that would challenge you would address the snacking issue.
Do not let the seasonal changes derail your efforts to become healthier and thereby happier...
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
weight loss and sleep
Good morning.,....everyone be careful driving out there today.
A number of patients tell me that one of their "downfalls" is nighttime eating. This seems to be very prevalent in those patients who have difficulty sleeping. They find themselves hitting the kitchen and snacking lots.
A few thoughts on this: 1- If you are having sleep problems, see your doctor becasue there are things we can do to help you. Lack of sleep, aside from the nighttime eating issue, leads to daytime soumlence, lack of energy, fatigue, irritability etc 2- do NOT have those "snack" foods...nuts, pretzels, popcorn and other things in the house that will challenge your efforts. Believe me, if you have those high-caloric foods in your cubboards, they will call out to you by your first name. DON'T BUY THEM!!!
Off to the gym...have a great day
A number of patients tell me that one of their "downfalls" is nighttime eating. This seems to be very prevalent in those patients who have difficulty sleeping. They find themselves hitting the kitchen and snacking lots.
A few thoughts on this: 1- If you are having sleep problems, see your doctor becasue there are things we can do to help you. Lack of sleep, aside from the nighttime eating issue, leads to daytime soumlence, lack of energy, fatigue, irritability etc 2- do NOT have those "snack" foods...nuts, pretzels, popcorn and other things in the house that will challenge your efforts. Believe me, if you have those high-caloric foods in your cubboards, they will call out to you by your first name. DON'T BUY THEM!!!
Off to the gym...have a great day
Monday, October 26, 2009
weight loss and nurturing
Good morning...I am completely bummed out this morning as thr Giants lost last night....People in the office stay away from me for the first part of Monday morning when the Giants lose on a sunday...why do lots of men allow their team's loss affect them the next day??? It is a "Y" chromosome thing....
Lets talk about a "X" chromosome thing...nurturing. Whether it be a chemical/hormonal thing or a learned response, women tend to be more nurturing than men. Whether if be making an apple pie on a sunday, bringing cookies into coworkers or providing a high-caloric "treat" for our children, women tend to nurture others with food. Very difficult patients in our program are nurses and teachers as both geroups tendto always be challenged by high-caloric food sources brought in my their colleagues. Common to both professions is female predominance.
It is important that we, as a country, must be better about not "nurturing" others around us just with high-caloric food sources. Especially if or colleagues and/or family members are overweight we are HURTING them by challenging their food control by bringing them high calorie foods.
Tonight Posner is rooting for the Skins....doesnt happen often but it is that way tonight.... Eagles need to go down...its enough we have to put upo with the World Series thing again...UGH (man am i bitter today from the Giants loss...I will be better after lunch...promise!)
Lets talk about a "X" chromosome thing...nurturing. Whether it be a chemical/hormonal thing or a learned response, women tend to be more nurturing than men. Whether if be making an apple pie on a sunday, bringing cookies into coworkers or providing a high-caloric "treat" for our children, women tend to nurture others with food. Very difficult patients in our program are nurses and teachers as both geroups tendto always be challenged by high-caloric food sources brought in my their colleagues. Common to both professions is female predominance.
It is important that we, as a country, must be better about not "nurturing" others around us just with high-caloric food sources. Especially if or colleagues and/or family members are overweight we are HURTING them by challenging their food control by bringing them high calorie foods.
Tonight Posner is rooting for the Skins....doesnt happen often but it is that way tonight.... Eagles need to go down...its enough we have to put upo with the World Series thing again...UGH (man am i bitter today from the Giants loss...I will be better after lunch...promise!)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
weight loss and individual differences
Genetics/inheritance of DNA plays a large role in our body morphology. Obviously, there is almost no one who enters our program who professes to have a "very fast metabolism". Almost everyone feels their metabolism is slow. However, there clearly are differences between people on how they assimilate/burn off calories.
I have has several patients tell me that "they heard it was okay to take one day a week and eat what you want." Many, many people who have weight control issues CANNOT do this. If they take one day (or more of course) and eat high-caloric foods, weight will NOT go down even if the first 6 days of the week were well planned and conducive to their efforts.
Some people can "get away with" eating lots of food and not gain weight (hello many males) but for most women, especially over 30 years old, this is not the case.
I have has several patients tell me that "they heard it was okay to take one day a week and eat what you want." Many, many people who have weight control issues CANNOT do this. If they take one day (or more of course) and eat high-caloric foods, weight will NOT go down even if the first 6 days of the week were well planned and conducive to their efforts.
Some people can "get away with" eating lots of food and not gain weight (hello many males) but for most women, especially over 30 years old, this is not the case.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
weight loss and the government
Good morning...Once again the news stories contain articles discussing government intervention into the obesity issue by such things as taxing sugar-containing sodas and perhaps other food sources that are contributing to the growing epidemic of obesity in the United States.
The government (by the way, we all seem to use the word "they" when it comes to affixing blame to a situation..."THEY" really do not care about the small investor... "THEY" are responsible for the mess in this country.."THEY" don't know how to drive in the snow... Okay...who are "THEY"??????????) is paying lots of money for healthcare in the Unites States, and with that being the case, does the government have the right to take steps to lower the obesity rate by such things as "taxing" poor food and drink choices? I think that most of us agree (especially us non-smokers) that we could care less what the government levels on cigarette sales. Most of Americans could care less if there was A 20 dollar surcharge on a pack of cigarettes...only people who would care are smokers, tobacco companies and operations that profit from selling the cigarettes. How about people who have no weight problems who feel their insurance premiums are high and/or their federal tax dollars afre being spent on healthcare for people who have co-morbidities seondary to obesity? Does the non-obese person who does not drink regular Pepsi care if there was a 20 dollar surcharge on a can of Pepsi?
Fundamental to this discussion are the "rights" of Americans to consume the sugar drinks, be at a weight that is not healthy and not be "penalized" for this via paying higher health premiums, taxes on foods/drinks that perpetuate the weight problems etc.
My thoughts? This is a capitalistic society and I love the freedom of America for businesses to sell their products in a competeive manner. However, if there are definite food/drink sources....tobacco, alcohol, high fructose drinks etc that are hurting Americans, then the government should, in fact, act on the people's behalf to lessen the chances of poor food/drink choices being made. Your thoughts?
The government (by the way, we all seem to use the word "they" when it comes to affixing blame to a situation..."THEY" really do not care about the small investor... "THEY" are responsible for the mess in this country.."THEY" don't know how to drive in the snow... Okay...who are "THEY"??????????) is paying lots of money for healthcare in the Unites States, and with that being the case, does the government have the right to take steps to lower the obesity rate by such things as "taxing" poor food and drink choices? I think that most of us agree (especially us non-smokers) that we could care less what the government levels on cigarette sales. Most of Americans could care less if there was A 20 dollar surcharge on a pack of cigarettes...only people who would care are smokers, tobacco companies and operations that profit from selling the cigarettes. How about people who have no weight problems who feel their insurance premiums are high and/or their federal tax dollars afre being spent on healthcare for people who have co-morbidities seondary to obesity? Does the non-obese person who does not drink regular Pepsi care if there was a 20 dollar surcharge on a can of Pepsi?
Fundamental to this discussion are the "rights" of Americans to consume the sugar drinks, be at a weight that is not healthy and not be "penalized" for this via paying higher health premiums, taxes on foods/drinks that perpetuate the weight problems etc.
My thoughts? This is a capitalistic society and I love the freedom of America for businesses to sell their products in a competeive manner. However, if there are definite food/drink sources....tobacco, alcohol, high fructose drinks etc that are hurting Americans, then the government should, in fact, act on the people's behalf to lessen the chances of poor food/drink choices being made. Your thoughts?
Friday, October 23, 2009
weight loss and dining out
Last night I wandered into a restaurant near where I am staying in Florida and the place was interesting in that they change the menus seasonally and EVERY entree is 450 calories or less. Steak, pork seafood dishes, salads etc...all less than 500 calories. The dessert tray was brought over with all these great looking desserts but they were in really small portions...all desserts under 300 calories. No bread was brought to the table.
Sure, if alcohol was consummed, a dessert bought etc, the meal would have been not greatly conducive to a weight loss effort. BUT..think of other restaurants where they bring that hot bread to the table...portions are huge...desserts are very large...: much more chance of derailing your weight loss efforts.
When dining out, seek out choices that will be compatible with your plans to be healthier and happier.
Sure, if alcohol was consummed, a dessert bought etc, the meal would have been not greatly conducive to a weight loss effort. BUT..think of other restaurants where they bring that hot bread to the table...portions are huge...desserts are very large...: much more chance of derailing your weight loss efforts.
When dining out, seek out choices that will be compatible with your plans to be healthier and happier.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
weight loss and investment
Good morning....I am writing this entry from Florida....yes, your doctor does take an occasional few days off...thank you to Donna and the staff for providing the great care in my absence.
Me Marsha posted a comment yesterday that was positively commenting on the "worth" of our program, basically saying that if she totaled up all the monies she has spent on "fad" diets, this would have exceeded what her investment is in our program, and although expensive, she feels better "worth for her money" being in a medically supervised program.
Money is precious as we all work so hard to earn it. Taking a grand and investing this in a weight loss program is a big chunk of money. However, lets look at the flip side: What happens if we develop a serious disease such as a heart attack, diabetes, breast cancer or pancreatic cancer? How much lost wages will be realized because of time away from work? How many doctor/hospital bills will not be fully covered by insurance? How much money will be spent on medications?
The answer is that preventing the comorbidities of being overweight will SAVE you tens of thousands or perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars in the big picture. Your investment into your own health is the very BEST investment you can make. I am not just talking about paying for our program...such things as hiring a personal trainer, getting workout equipment for your house , etc...all of these "investments" will save you LOTS of money over time. The added bonus: you will feel happier, look younger, improved self-confidence.
You cannot invest in the stock market , real estate or anything else nearly as high a return on your investment as investing in YOUSELF.
Me Marsha posted a comment yesterday that was positively commenting on the "worth" of our program, basically saying that if she totaled up all the monies she has spent on "fad" diets, this would have exceeded what her investment is in our program, and although expensive, she feels better "worth for her money" being in a medically supervised program.
Money is precious as we all work so hard to earn it. Taking a grand and investing this in a weight loss program is a big chunk of money. However, lets look at the flip side: What happens if we develop a serious disease such as a heart attack, diabetes, breast cancer or pancreatic cancer? How much lost wages will be realized because of time away from work? How many doctor/hospital bills will not be fully covered by insurance? How much money will be spent on medications?
The answer is that preventing the comorbidities of being overweight will SAVE you tens of thousands or perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars in the big picture. Your investment into your own health is the very BEST investment you can make. I am not just talking about paying for our program...such things as hiring a personal trainer, getting workout equipment for your house , etc...all of these "investments" will save you LOTS of money over time. The added bonus: you will feel happier, look younger, improved self-confidence.
You cannot invest in the stock market , real estate or anything else nearly as high a return on your investment as investing in YOUSELF.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
weight loss and fad diets
http://www.aolhealth.com/diet/basics/diet-trends-cookie-diet?icid=mainmaindl3link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2Fdiet%2Fbasics%2Fdiet-trends-cookie-diet
Thanks Ellen for the above link....
If you click on this link, it will discuss a story on Good Morning America concerning a woman who went from a size 24 to a size 6 on the "Miracle" Cookie Diet. Have you seen those annoying commercials where people are singing: "Who has their hand in the cookie jar...?"
Once again, corporate America scamming the public...yes, the same public that spends 55 BILLION dollars a year on weight loss efforts. This latest fad involves eating "high-protein" cookies for breakfast and dinner and then a 500 calorie dinner. So the company runs these annoying commercials all the time, their PR person gets a gig on Good Morning America profiling some woman who was probably paid by the company to chronicle her "Miracle" success story and then the viewers of GMA will pick up the phone and order this Cookie Diet thing.
Ladies and Gentleman, let me make this clear once again: LOSING WEIGHT REQUIRES BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION AND LIFE=STYLE CHANGES. ANY PROGRAM BASED ON ARTIFICIAL FOOD SOURCES WILL FAIL IN THE LONG TERM.
So, if Dr. Posner was sitting on the couch of GMA and asked what he thought of the "Cookie Diet" he would pull the New York thing of feigning a sneeze and saying "BULLSHIT".
Seriously, do not be scammed by any supplement company or commercial weight loss organization that makes losing weight sound "easy". As we all know, losing weight requires lots of work on behavior modification and there are no real shortcuts. So, do NOT put your hands in the cookie jar...plan how you can eat "real" food, but in the correct proportions.
Thanks Ellen for the above link....
If you click on this link, it will discuss a story on Good Morning America concerning a woman who went from a size 24 to a size 6 on the "Miracle" Cookie Diet. Have you seen those annoying commercials where people are singing: "Who has their hand in the cookie jar...?"
Once again, corporate America scamming the public...yes, the same public that spends 55 BILLION dollars a year on weight loss efforts. This latest fad involves eating "high-protein" cookies for breakfast and dinner and then a 500 calorie dinner. So the company runs these annoying commercials all the time, their PR person gets a gig on Good Morning America profiling some woman who was probably paid by the company to chronicle her "Miracle" success story and then the viewers of GMA will pick up the phone and order this Cookie Diet thing.
Ladies and Gentleman, let me make this clear once again: LOSING WEIGHT REQUIRES BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION AND LIFE=STYLE CHANGES. ANY PROGRAM BASED ON ARTIFICIAL FOOD SOURCES WILL FAIL IN THE LONG TERM.
So, if Dr. Posner was sitting on the couch of GMA and asked what he thought of the "Cookie Diet" he would pull the New York thing of feigning a sneeze and saying "BULLSHIT".
Seriously, do not be scammed by any supplement company or commercial weight loss organization that makes losing weight sound "easy". As we all know, losing weight requires lots of work on behavior modification and there are no real shortcuts. So, do NOT put your hands in the cookie jar...plan how you can eat "real" food, but in the correct proportions.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
weight loss and being there for others
Good morning,...First, Suzanne, I wish your mother a speedy and excellent recovery....it is VERY hard to see our parents deteriorate physically...it is a physical and mental challenge being able to start taking on the "parenting" role to our own parents.
Suzannes comment actually prompted my blog topic this morning. We are looked upon by many people to be a support system. Whether it be our spouses who need our support, to our aging parents to our children (whose generation seems to need this support for lots more years than the boomers needed/got from our parents)...we, the baby boomers (and if you were not born between 1948-1964 then stoill read this cause in about a decade or so, this will apply to you as well) find ourselves with our own health issues but yet, we still are the primary source of support for so many people.
However, if our own health suffers, we will be in no position to help those around us who are reliant on our support. Losing weight will put you in a healthier situation, ward off chronic diseases, and will allow you to live longer in a healthier state. Obviously, if is great to be healthier so YOU can enjoy retirement and the fruits of your labors, but also, you will be bteer positioned to help those family members who need you. With people living longer because of the excellent derugs and surgeries available, and our childrens generation being the "boomerang" generation (they do come back after college) we all need to be healthier. Losing weight is a huge step in getting back that health.
Suzannes comment actually prompted my blog topic this morning. We are looked upon by many people to be a support system. Whether it be our spouses who need our support, to our aging parents to our children (whose generation seems to need this support for lots more years than the boomers needed/got from our parents)...we, the baby boomers (and if you were not born between 1948-1964 then stoill read this cause in about a decade or so, this will apply to you as well) find ourselves with our own health issues but yet, we still are the primary source of support for so many people.
However, if our own health suffers, we will be in no position to help those around us who are reliant on our support. Losing weight will put you in a healthier situation, ward off chronic diseases, and will allow you to live longer in a healthier state. Obviously, if is great to be healthier so YOU can enjoy retirement and the fruits of your labors, but also, you will be bteer positioned to help those family members who need you. With people living longer because of the excellent derugs and surgeries available, and our childrens generation being the "boomerang" generation (they do come back after college) we all need to be healthier. Losing weight is a huge step in getting back that health.
Monday, October 19, 2009
weight loss and "ME" time
First, good morning..second, yes, i am stll VERY upset about the Giants getting their butts kicked in New Orleans....their defense looked AWFUL. I think I could have put cleats on and looked better than their linebackers.....oh well, things could be worse, I could be a Skins fan (oops...just p---ed off lots of readers..sorry!)
Second...some VERY insightful comments yesterday and I would encourage you to read these....they help me learn more about how to help people. and I think they may help you as well.
As I was driving to work this morning listening to the traffic reports about this delay here and that dealy there, I started thinking about all the people who sit in traffic and have to wasted hours a day....then at work for hours..long commute home..prepare dinner, attend a soccer practice, help with homework, then bedtime and the next day begins. When do people get "ME" time? I am referring to the ability to take the time to think about thermselves...exercise, plan meals, snacks, relax with a good book or watch a movie.....when does this time happen? If it doesnt happen at all, it is so easy to see how the quickest and easiest "me" time is eating a fun food source.
Finding "me" time is a very important element to long term health. Sometimes it seems impossible, but perhaps if you think things through, there may be an ability to shift some things around to create some "me" time. This is not selfish....it is imperative for long term good health
Second...some VERY insightful comments yesterday and I would encourage you to read these....they help me learn more about how to help people. and I think they may help you as well.
As I was driving to work this morning listening to the traffic reports about this delay here and that dealy there, I started thinking about all the people who sit in traffic and have to wasted hours a day....then at work for hours..long commute home..prepare dinner, attend a soccer practice, help with homework, then bedtime and the next day begins. When do people get "ME" time? I am referring to the ability to take the time to think about thermselves...exercise, plan meals, snacks, relax with a good book or watch a movie.....when does this time happen? If it doesnt happen at all, it is so easy to see how the quickest and easiest "me" time is eating a fun food source.
Finding "me" time is a very important element to long term health. Sometimes it seems impossible, but perhaps if you think things through, there may be an ability to shift some things around to create some "me" time. This is not selfish....it is imperative for long term good health
Sunday, October 18, 2009
weight loss: the sprint vs. the marathon
Good Sunday Morning....What horrible weather!!! I believe one more day of this bad stuff then back to the sun!
Yesterday I was seeing a patient whose weight loss has been steady and we were discussing the pace of her weight loss. She brought up this statement which I LOVED: "Losing weight should be looked at like a marathon, not a sprint." Whay is meant by that is weight loss AND the maintenance of that healthy weight is a LIFE-LONG effort (marathon) as opposed to whipping as much weight off as quickly as possible and then "ending" the effort. That is why we use "real" food in our program as opposed to the Optifast/Medifast model of liquid diets. Our aim is to NOT rush weight of you only to have that weight come back. Learning new eating behaviors and approach to your eating behaviors and exercise patterns are what this is all about. Yes, we do incorporate a prescription anorectic to "jumpstart" your efforts, but this is only meant to help you psychologically get "into it" more by seeing an obvious result in the firts 2 weeks.
"Dieting: is not what losing weight is about..."life-stylechanging/behavior modification" IS what losing weight is all about...and this is in fact a marathon, not a sprint.
Yesterday I was seeing a patient whose weight loss has been steady and we were discussing the pace of her weight loss. She brought up this statement which I LOVED: "Losing weight should be looked at like a marathon, not a sprint." Whay is meant by that is weight loss AND the maintenance of that healthy weight is a LIFE-LONG effort (marathon) as opposed to whipping as much weight off as quickly as possible and then "ending" the effort. That is why we use "real" food in our program as opposed to the Optifast/Medifast model of liquid diets. Our aim is to NOT rush weight of you only to have that weight come back. Learning new eating behaviors and approach to your eating behaviors and exercise patterns are what this is all about. Yes, we do incorporate a prescription anorectic to "jumpstart" your efforts, but this is only meant to help you psychologically get "into it" more by seeing an obvious result in the firts 2 weeks.
"Dieting: is not what losing weight is about..."life-stylechanging/behavior modification" IS what losing weight is all about...and this is in fact a marathon, not a sprint.
Friday, October 16, 2009
weigth loss and sabotage
First, I want to thank Donna for writing the entry this morning....Donna has been with us now over 8 months and has done an INCREDIBLE job here....
I had a patient today who discussed with me the concept of "self-sabotage" referring to eating food sources that will derail weight loss efforts...stress eating of high caloric foods and snacks....we also discussed the "external" sabotage that our friends and famiuly will often do to us. Despite seeing an obvious weight problem, people around us will offer up desserts, "treats" and other sources that will hurt our efforts to become healthier and happier.
We must learn to NOT self-sabotage and certainly, not allow us to be sabotaged by well-intentioned friends and family.
I had a patient today who discussed with me the concept of "self-sabotage" referring to eating food sources that will derail weight loss efforts...stress eating of high caloric foods and snacks....we also discussed the "external" sabotage that our friends and famiuly will often do to us. Despite seeing an obvious weight problem, people around us will offer up desserts, "treats" and other sources that will hurt our efforts to become healthier and happier.
We must learn to NOT self-sabotage and certainly, not allow us to be sabotaged by well-intentioned friends and family.
My weight loss story
Good Morning! Hope everyone is doing well despite this crummy weather. In case you were wondering.... no, this is not Dr. Posner. I think the bad weather got the best of him and he asked me, his trusty physician assistant, to write today's blog. A task that I gladly accepted.
I wanted to use this opportunity to tell you a little bit about my weight loss journey. As some of you already know, I had my daughter Elana 10 months ago. Before I got pregnant I weighed 130lbs, which was about 5lb more than I liked to be for my 5'2" stature. During the first trimester of my pregnancy I made the huge mistake of eating a lot of carbohydrate-laden foods... Eggos and marshmallows were my favorite.... to counteract the fatigue and nausea associated with early pregnancy. By the end of the first 12 weeks I had gained 15 lbs. During my second trimester I wised up and started doing a little research on nutrition during pregnancy and discovered that while my body craved carbs, what I needed was more protein. In conjunction with the nutritional counseling I received through my natural birthing classes, I managed to gain very little weight my second trimester. However, my appetite picked up again at the end of the pregnancy and along with the tremendous amount of edema associated with my pre-eclampsia I weighed 185 1bs on the day of Elana's delivery.
So there I was after my delivery with a beautiful baby, who only weighed 5 lb and 9.5 oz to my dismay, and a very swollen and not so beautiful me. I was very happy when I saw the first 15 lbs come off within 2 weeks, though most of it was water. Then I got serious about eating healthy, not only for me but for my baby since I was breast-feeding. I went back to the pregnancy diet that I was given at the birthing classes, which was a high-protein regimen with lots of green leafy vegetables and fruits. I quickly began to feel more energized and I started losing weight steadily. I returned for my 6-week follow-up and was cleared for exercise... yeah! I had already been walking for a few weeks, but started doing more intensive aerobic activity with light weight/resistance training. Things were going well! Elana was doing great, breast-feeding was a breeze, and I was getting into the groove of being an active new mother. By my 30th birthday in February I was down to 150 lbs... having lost 35 lbs in 2 1/2 months.
Then it was time to think about going back to work in early March. I was set to return to my old job, but some things had changed in my absence that were going to make juggling motherhood and my career very stressful and difficult. So I started looking for a new position, and saw Dr. Posner's ad for a PA, which I promptly responded to.... and one week later had a new job at an exciting internal medicine/weight loss practice. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to help my patients with their own weight loss efforts, while I continued with my own. Once I started working at the practice, I had all the information I needed at my fingertips. I was on the right track before, but the nutritional counseling provided through Serotonin Plus was just what I needed. Since I was still breast-feeding, I had to stick with my own version of Phase 2 1/2 and had to forego medications.... but it worked. By Easter I was down to 140 lbs, and my sister-in-law told me that she hated me for have such a "sweet baby girl that doesn't cry" and losing my "baby fat". I was pleased!
Eventually... like we all do.. I hit a plateau at about 135lb. I knew that meant I had to step it up a notch. Elana was 6-months old and done with breast-feeding, so I started Phase I and running. Let me give you some history.... I avoided running when I played lacrosse in college by volunteering to be the goalie... meaning I hated it so much I let people hurl hard rubber balls at me! However, something changed after a friend gave me a running stroller for my long walks with Elana.... and I started running. I found that I enjoyed running a lot and it was a great way to get rid of stress. In addition, each time I went for a run with Elana, it got easier and easier and the weight loss was very encouraging. I decided I was going to run a race ... a 4-miler in Ashburn at the end of June.. and I did! At the end of the race I was exhausted, but felt great! I did it, and my family including Elana was there to cheer me on!
I have continued to run with and without the stroller... having completed a 10K and 5K since. I actually placed third for my age group in the 5K... which is big accomplishment for a "beer-drinking" girl from Pittsburgh that was 185 lbs nine months prior. I am set to run a 1/2 marathon on November 8th and just signed up for a full marathon in March! I still can't believe I'm going to do that! My current weight is 121 lbs, which is a little more than what I weighed when I graduated high school in 1997. However, I am in the best shape of my life... thanks to the Serotonin Plus program and the support of my family.
So my journey coutinues.... I continue to see patients lose weight and enjoy helping them with their journeys. I continue to be constantly energized by the success stories I see "day in and day out" with our program. Working with all of you has made it very easy for me to maintain focus, despite everyday challenges. Thank You for sharing your stories with me at your weekly visits, and allowing me the opportunity to share my story with you!
Sincerely,
Donna L. Eckenrode, PA-C
I wanted to use this opportunity to tell you a little bit about my weight loss journey. As some of you already know, I had my daughter Elana 10 months ago. Before I got pregnant I weighed 130lbs, which was about 5lb more than I liked to be for my 5'2" stature. During the first trimester of my pregnancy I made the huge mistake of eating a lot of carbohydrate-laden foods... Eggos and marshmallows were my favorite.... to counteract the fatigue and nausea associated with early pregnancy. By the end of the first 12 weeks I had gained 15 lbs. During my second trimester I wised up and started doing a little research on nutrition during pregnancy and discovered that while my body craved carbs, what I needed was more protein. In conjunction with the nutritional counseling I received through my natural birthing classes, I managed to gain very little weight my second trimester. However, my appetite picked up again at the end of the pregnancy and along with the tremendous amount of edema associated with my pre-eclampsia I weighed 185 1bs on the day of Elana's delivery.
So there I was after my delivery with a beautiful baby, who only weighed 5 lb and 9.5 oz to my dismay, and a very swollen and not so beautiful me. I was very happy when I saw the first 15 lbs come off within 2 weeks, though most of it was water. Then I got serious about eating healthy, not only for me but for my baby since I was breast-feeding. I went back to the pregnancy diet that I was given at the birthing classes, which was a high-protein regimen with lots of green leafy vegetables and fruits. I quickly began to feel more energized and I started losing weight steadily. I returned for my 6-week follow-up and was cleared for exercise... yeah! I had already been walking for a few weeks, but started doing more intensive aerobic activity with light weight/resistance training. Things were going well! Elana was doing great, breast-feeding was a breeze, and I was getting into the groove of being an active new mother. By my 30th birthday in February I was down to 150 lbs... having lost 35 lbs in 2 1/2 months.
Then it was time to think about going back to work in early March. I was set to return to my old job, but some things had changed in my absence that were going to make juggling motherhood and my career very stressful and difficult. So I started looking for a new position, and saw Dr. Posner's ad for a PA, which I promptly responded to.... and one week later had a new job at an exciting internal medicine/weight loss practice. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to help my patients with their own weight loss efforts, while I continued with my own. Once I started working at the practice, I had all the information I needed at my fingertips. I was on the right track before, but the nutritional counseling provided through Serotonin Plus was just what I needed. Since I was still breast-feeding, I had to stick with my own version of Phase 2 1/2 and had to forego medications.... but it worked. By Easter I was down to 140 lbs, and my sister-in-law told me that she hated me for have such a "sweet baby girl that doesn't cry" and losing my "baby fat". I was pleased!
Eventually... like we all do.. I hit a plateau at about 135lb. I knew that meant I had to step it up a notch. Elana was 6-months old and done with breast-feeding, so I started Phase I and running. Let me give you some history.... I avoided running when I played lacrosse in college by volunteering to be the goalie... meaning I hated it so much I let people hurl hard rubber balls at me! However, something changed after a friend gave me a running stroller for my long walks with Elana.... and I started running. I found that I enjoyed running a lot and it was a great way to get rid of stress. In addition, each time I went for a run with Elana, it got easier and easier and the weight loss was very encouraging. I decided I was going to run a race ... a 4-miler in Ashburn at the end of June.. and I did! At the end of the race I was exhausted, but felt great! I did it, and my family including Elana was there to cheer me on!
I have continued to run with and without the stroller... having completed a 10K and 5K since. I actually placed third for my age group in the 5K... which is big accomplishment for a "beer-drinking" girl from Pittsburgh that was 185 lbs nine months prior. I am set to run a 1/2 marathon on November 8th and just signed up for a full marathon in March! I still can't believe I'm going to do that! My current weight is 121 lbs, which is a little more than what I weighed when I graduated high school in 1997. However, I am in the best shape of my life... thanks to the Serotonin Plus program and the support of my family.
So my journey coutinues.... I continue to see patients lose weight and enjoy helping them with their journeys. I continue to be constantly energized by the success stories I see "day in and day out" with our program. Working with all of you has made it very easy for me to maintain focus, despite everyday challenges. Thank You for sharing your stories with me at your weekly visits, and allowing me the opportunity to share my story with you!
Sincerely,
Donna L. Eckenrode, PA-C
Thursday, October 15, 2009
weight loss and happiness
Defining your relative state of "happiness" is usually based on a number of factors...job satisfaction, financial stabilty, relationships, our family;s state of health and happiness and a number of other factors.
One of the components of happiness for many people is their own health and self-perception of "image". One of the really fun things for me in administering the Serotonin=Plus Weight Loss Program is watching the transformation of our patients during the program. Yes, the person starts becoming thinner, wearing more stylish clothes, using less prescription medications. However, im addition the "happiness" meter seems to go up tremendously. Overall, many patients who came in frustrated and upset leave their visits with a big smile on their faces and a new resolve to make this new image their permanent one.
Weight loss will make you healtheir for sure. But it also makes you happier. When we embasrk on a weight loss effort, usually we are somewhat "sad" because we initially perceive that we are being punished and deprived. The "act" of losing weight is not fun...but the end result brings much happiness.
One of the components of happiness for many people is their own health and self-perception of "image". One of the really fun things for me in administering the Serotonin=Plus Weight Loss Program is watching the transformation of our patients during the program. Yes, the person starts becoming thinner, wearing more stylish clothes, using less prescription medications. However, im addition the "happiness" meter seems to go up tremendously. Overall, many patients who came in frustrated and upset leave their visits with a big smile on their faces and a new resolve to make this new image their permanent one.
Weight loss will make you healtheir for sure. But it also makes you happier. When we embasrk on a weight loss effort, usually we are somewhat "sad" because we initially perceive that we are being punished and deprived. The "act" of losing weight is not fun...but the end result brings much happiness.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
weight loss and ridicule
This morning's topic is sensitive and almost brings us back to our childhood when we witnessed the cruelty of children to each other based on physical issues. Being "made fun of" whether it be acne lesions, stuttering, weight issues or other physical characteristics was a horrible experience that many children experienced growing up.
In the newspaper yesterday, I was reading about a controversy up in New Jersey involving an overweight candidate for Governor. The article descibed a situation in which the incumbent Governor was running ads discussing how his opponent is "throwing his weight around" on various issues. Clearly, the message wan't just using the expression to imply that the candidate is being persistent on issues, but in fact was also ridiculing his obesity.
Being overweight or not should not at all affect the job performance of a politician. Playing running back for the GIants may be affected by weight issues, but the jobs that most of us have, including a Governor position, do not rely on us having a certain BMI.
What this episode does show however, is that there is a subtle "prejudice" against overweight people on the workplace, as the ads are implying that if someone cannot control their own weight , how can they be expected to control issues at work that are of importance? These ads are trying to turn votes against the candidate because of his weight.
One of my motivations for not being overweight is, in fact, "professional" in that by running a weight loss program, my credibilty would be diminished if I was overweight. Nost people's occupations are not healthcare and therefore "credibility" is not lost by being overweight. However, is there a subtle prejudice at any work place? Are promotions adversely affected? Is being hired to a new job adversely affected because of physical appearance? I am interested in tyour comments.
In the newspaper yesterday, I was reading about a controversy up in New Jersey involving an overweight candidate for Governor. The article descibed a situation in which the incumbent Governor was running ads discussing how his opponent is "throwing his weight around" on various issues. Clearly, the message wan't just using the expression to imply that the candidate is being persistent on issues, but in fact was also ridiculing his obesity.
Being overweight or not should not at all affect the job performance of a politician. Playing running back for the GIants may be affected by weight issues, but the jobs that most of us have, including a Governor position, do not rely on us having a certain BMI.
What this episode does show however, is that there is a subtle "prejudice" against overweight people on the workplace, as the ads are implying that if someone cannot control their own weight , how can they be expected to control issues at work that are of importance? These ads are trying to turn votes against the candidate because of his weight.
One of my motivations for not being overweight is, in fact, "professional" in that by running a weight loss program, my credibilty would be diminished if I was overweight. Nost people's occupations are not healthcare and therefore "credibility" is not lost by being overweight. However, is there a subtle prejudice at any work place? Are promotions adversely affected? Is being hired to a new job adversely affected because of physical appearance? I am interested in tyour comments.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
weight loss and darkness
This morning I woke up at my usual 515am (it really sucks to be an old guy) and it is pitch dark. As I am writing this at 545am, it is still pitch dark. During the summer months, by this time the sun is out and it is warm with the birds singing. A number of my patients do their exercise outside. They do not like treadmills and other inside equipment and would much rather do their caloric burnoff outside. However, when we hit the fall and winter months, the opportunity to be outside is much less. The person will find themselves exercising less and less and weight loss will therefore become more difficult.
Many people do not like gyms. For those people, I would strongly encourage the purchase of a piece of equipment for home usage. Place a ttreadmill in front of a TV set and when it is dark outside, you have a means of caloric burnoff that can take place despite the dark and cold.
There are 2 ends of the equation: calories coming in and calories being burned off....try to work on nboth ends and do not let the dark and cold derail your exercise plans.
Many people do not like gyms. For those people, I would strongly encourage the purchase of a piece of equipment for home usage. Place a ttreadmill in front of a TV set and when it is dark outside, you have a means of caloric burnoff that can take place despite the dark and cold.
There are 2 ends of the equation: calories coming in and calories being burned off....try to work on nboth ends and do not let the dark and cold derail your exercise plans.
Monday, October 12, 2009
weight loss and the environment
Good morning ....first...thanks again for tall the GREAT comments on the blog...I encourage everyone to read these comments and get into the foray yourself as well! Great advice....fun to hear others insights....Yesterday there was a discussion about the "environment" and controlling this via ensuring that there are not challenging foods/snacks around to tempt you. I strongly encourage people to NOT have things around the house that will make it easy for you to derail your weight loss efforts. Face it..if there is ice cream in the freezer, Godiva chocolate in the cabinet, these will, in fact, calll out to you by your first name...if there is nothing like this in your house or desk at work, you would have to get up and actively search for it...."self control" is VERY difficult as this relates to fighting off immediate gratification behavior patterns. Food is a very inexpensive immediate gratification...massages, buying a new car, going on a vacation...all of these are "gratification" but they cost lots of money.....a food item? not lots of money at all. Battling instinctual behavior patterns is very difficult...but by controlling our own environments, we will be more successful. Once again gang, thanks for the comments and keep them coming! I am learning more every day because of your insights...it is helping me become a better physician for you all!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
weight loss and "self control"
Good Sunday Morning...you all know this is my favorite day this time of year...why? the weather and I get to watch hours of the NFL. My predictions will come at the end.
Thanks for the comment debate yesterday...we discussed the concept of people on the workplace maintaining candy dishes on their desks, enticing people to eat them and perhaps derailing their weight loss efforts.
The concept of "self control" applies to many issues in our lives. From not spending money on that pretty paif of shoes that costs 300 dolllars, to not over drinking at a wine and cheese evemt to not getting that second plate of food at a buffet restuarant...all of these are examples of when our "self control" mechanisms are being tested. What it comes down to is that we, the most intelligent organism in this world, is still in the kingdom called "animals" and we do have to some extent an instinctual part of our genetic base that makes us an immediate gratification species.
Buying the large screen tv provides an immediate fun thing whereas redirecting that money to you 401K provides NO immediate gratifcation. Eating that chocolate dessert is much more fun than that thinking that by foregoing that dessert, you may have less chnaces of getting diabetes in the future.
Fighting our immediate gratification urges for the purposes of the delayed gratification of better health and looking better is a very difficult thing to do but a necessary step to acheive long term weight loss results.
Okay.....your Dr Predictions: Giants destroy Oakland even without Eli, Sorry Skins fans...they go down to Carolina by one touchdown, New England defeats undefeated denver, to you Eagles fans, you will have your way with tampa...you will win the game by 3 touchdowns and unfortunately Dallas fans will be very happy with your beating of (?) Kansas City
Thanks for the comment debate yesterday...we discussed the concept of people on the workplace maintaining candy dishes on their desks, enticing people to eat them and perhaps derailing their weight loss efforts.
The concept of "self control" applies to many issues in our lives. From not spending money on that pretty paif of shoes that costs 300 dolllars, to not over drinking at a wine and cheese evemt to not getting that second plate of food at a buffet restuarant...all of these are examples of when our "self control" mechanisms are being tested. What it comes down to is that we, the most intelligent organism in this world, is still in the kingdom called "animals" and we do have to some extent an instinctual part of our genetic base that makes us an immediate gratification species.
Buying the large screen tv provides an immediate fun thing whereas redirecting that money to you 401K provides NO immediate gratifcation. Eating that chocolate dessert is much more fun than that thinking that by foregoing that dessert, you may have less chnaces of getting diabetes in the future.
Fighting our immediate gratification urges for the purposes of the delayed gratification of better health and looking better is a very difficult thing to do but a necessary step to acheive long term weight loss results.
Okay.....your Dr Predictions: Giants destroy Oakland even without Eli, Sorry Skins fans...they go down to Carolina by one touchdown, New England defeats undefeated denver, to you Eagles fans, you will have your way with tampa...you will win the game by 3 touchdowns and unfortunately Dallas fans will be very happy with your beating of (?) Kansas City
Saturday, October 10, 2009
weight loss....debate about "treats"
Good morning....as in every morning, before i write the blog i check the comments.....I am going to debate the person who posted a comment yesterday..
subject: my rant about people, especially supervisors, NOT having candy dishes on their desks thereby minimizing the opportunity for overweight people to walk by and pick them up and derail their efforts
Comment: ( you can see it on yesterdays blog in entirety) Having a "treat" available is not very harmful, a person taking one small candy will not hurt him/her and people need to exhibit "self control"
I DISAGREE!!! If people could exhibit "self control", 67% of America would NOT be overweight. Weight issues are killing Americans and even though "one piece of candy" will not kill someone, in the aggregate, lots of camdies will. Women tend to be "nurturers" much more than men, and in professions dominated by females, such as teachers and nurses, constantly foods/snacks are appearing at the workplace to "treat" others. Is a "treat" something that derails someone's efforts to become healthier? If 67% of the workers in your environment were alcoholics, would you have travel bottles of alcohol in a basket on your desk?
I respectfully disagree with my commnentator yesterday, as "treats"do not and should not be caloric-driven. BUT.......I want to THANK YOU for talking the time to read and comment and I want ALL of you to become involved with these discussions!!!! Thank you for being involved!!!!!!
subject: my rant about people, especially supervisors, NOT having candy dishes on their desks thereby minimizing the opportunity for overweight people to walk by and pick them up and derail their efforts
Comment: ( you can see it on yesterdays blog in entirety) Having a "treat" available is not very harmful, a person taking one small candy will not hurt him/her and people need to exhibit "self control"
I DISAGREE!!! If people could exhibit "self control", 67% of America would NOT be overweight. Weight issues are killing Americans and even though "one piece of candy" will not kill someone, in the aggregate, lots of camdies will. Women tend to be "nurturers" much more than men, and in professions dominated by females, such as teachers and nurses, constantly foods/snacks are appearing at the workplace to "treat" others. Is a "treat" something that derails someone's efforts to become healthier? If 67% of the workers in your environment were alcoholics, would you have travel bottles of alcohol in a basket on your desk?
I respectfully disagree with my commnentator yesterday, as "treats"do not and should not be caloric-driven. BUT.......I want to THANK YOU for talking the time to read and comment and I want ALL of you to become involved with these discussions!!!! Thank you for being involved!!!!!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
weight loss an "treats"
This morning I saw a patient who has been doing GREAT in the program (as most of you do!!!) and she did tell me she had one sidetrip off the dietary plan by eating some chocolate. I asked her where the chocolate came from and she told me that her boss has a candy dish on her disk.
Attention bosses, non-bosses and anyone else at the workplace who has a desk that is visited by others: Obesity is the NATION'S LARGEST HEALTH CONCERN. AMERICANS ARE DYING EARLY AND DEVELOPING VERY BAD DISEASES BECAUSE OF OBESITY... DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT HAVE CANDY DISHES ON YOUR DESK.
If you value your co-workers/employees lives, why tempt them with snack sources that contribute to declining health? What you think is some sort of "treat" is in fact, a sabotaging effort that is contributing to the declining health of America and a time when we can least afford this. Please think about these issues before "treating" someone....
Okay...bring on the comments!!!
Attention bosses, non-bosses and anyone else at the workplace who has a desk that is visited by others: Obesity is the NATION'S LARGEST HEALTH CONCERN. AMERICANS ARE DYING EARLY AND DEVELOPING VERY BAD DISEASES BECAUSE OF OBESITY... DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT HAVE CANDY DISHES ON YOUR DESK.
If you value your co-workers/employees lives, why tempt them with snack sources that contribute to declining health? What you think is some sort of "treat" is in fact, a sabotaging effort that is contributing to the declining health of America and a time when we can least afford this. Please think about these issues before "treating" someone....
Okay...bring on the comments!!!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
weight loss and "breaks"
Frequently when we have patients who need to lose much more than 30 pounds, and these patients stay past the initial 12-week phase, at some point the following statement comes out " I need a break." What is meant by this? More often than not, money expenditure has nothing to do with this. Rather, it is the mental stress and "work" involved in the act of losing weight.
The gaining of weight takes no effort at all....do what is fun, do not plan any meals, and do what is easy. To lose weight requires much energy, thought , planning etc. You cannot just wake up, eat Captain Crunch berries and cream for breakfast, reach for a piece of cheescake for dessert, etc...One must plan their meals, strategize their meal plans and forego foods and drinks that provide immediate gratification.
Needing a mental "break" from your efforts to lose weight is a natural feeling, but if it turns into a prolonged venture back to old behaviors, then weight will go right back on. Guaranteed. Always remember that you are making the choice to be happier and healthier. It is a great choice.
The gaining of weight takes no effort at all....do what is fun, do not plan any meals, and do what is easy. To lose weight requires much energy, thought , planning etc. You cannot just wake up, eat Captain Crunch berries and cream for breakfast, reach for a piece of cheescake for dessert, etc...One must plan their meals, strategize their meal plans and forego foods and drinks that provide immediate gratification.
Needing a mental "break" from your efforts to lose weight is a natural feeling, but if it turns into a prolonged venture back to old behaviors, then weight will go right back on. Guaranteed. Always remember that you are making the choice to be happier and healthier. It is a great choice.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
weight loss and jealousy
Yesterday I spoke to a patient in our program who told me that her best friend is around 32 year old, was a former college basketball player, works out regularly, but also eats everything she waants...all types of foods, Captain Crunch cereal with berries, cheesecake etc...and she doesnt gain weight. The patient in our program stuggles with her weight and eats less than her friend by far, yet is obese.
Metabolism goes along way when it comes to weight struggles. Family units tend to have certain body types and certain predispositions to obesity. It is indeed frustrating to see others maintain a great weight with seemingless little effort. Sometimes you feel like smacking them as they are consumming some high-caloric food source without a care in the world as toi what it may do to their weight.
Dont feel jealousy,,,,just understand that some of us have to "work harder" to lose weight. And proceed to do that work!
Metabolism goes along way when it comes to weight struggles. Family units tend to have certain body types and certain predispositions to obesity. It is indeed frustrating to see others maintain a great weight with seemingless little effort. Sometimes you feel like smacking them as they are consumming some high-caloric food source without a care in the world as toi what it may do to their weight.
Dont feel jealousy,,,,just understand that some of us have to "work harder" to lose weight. And proceed to do that work!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
weight loss and the need for help
I clicked on a headline on the AOL news yesterday about the actress Kirstie Alley "collapsing" because of the stress of her weight gain back to 265 pounds. As most Bational Enquire-ish types of stories, I certainly do not know the validity of the story, but certainly her weight struggles have been well chronicled. Moreover, she at one point was a spokesperson for one of the prepackaged meak programs that advertise all over, so her weight relapse has been detailed extensively and serves as a reminder that weight issues cross all socioeconomic spectrums, intelligence, etc.
The "need for help" in losing weight should not be construed as some sort of "weakness" or character disorder. Virtually EVERYONE who has a weight problem needs outside help, and if this was not the case, then there would be no overweight people in America. Yet, 67% of Americans are overweight and I would bet that 0% of overweight people want to be overweight.
Kirstie Alley obviously needs lots of help, and this does not make her a bad, weak or stupid person. There are many issues most likely involved including psychological and chemical components. If you or anyone else in your life is overweight, then do not hesitate to seek help. This is not a weakness and shold not be embarrassing.
The "need for help" in losing weight should not be construed as some sort of "weakness" or character disorder. Virtually EVERYONE who has a weight problem needs outside help, and if this was not the case, then there would be no overweight people in America. Yet, 67% of Americans are overweight and I would bet that 0% of overweight people want to be overweight.
Kirstie Alley obviously needs lots of help, and this does not make her a bad, weak or stupid person. There are many issues most likely involved including psychological and chemical components. If you or anyone else in your life is overweight, then do not hesitate to seek help. This is not a weakness and shold not be embarrassing.
Monday, October 5, 2009
weight loss and happiness
First, thank you for the blog comments..very insightful writings appear and I learn much from reading them and I know thatmany of my patients would beenfit from reading these comments as well.
As we all assess our relative sense of "happiness", many factors contribute to this....job satisfaction, relationship issues, performance and happiness of our children and family members, financial stability and many others. One of the most important contributing factors though is our relative state of health and self-image. If we are taking many medications, have serious medical illnesses, having side effects of medications, thelevel of "happiness" cannot go unscathed. Moreover, looking in the mirror and seeing a sight that makes you feel less self-confident, and even possible embarrassed will further erode your "happiness" levels.
Losing weight will make you happier...it really will. The word "jolly" has always been attributed to overweight people, almost like a Santa who always laughs. That is probably on the outside...there may not be much laughing on the inside. I will repeat this: losing weight will make you happier. It is a good choice and much more long-standing happiness than a food choice that instantaneously makes you feel "good" but wears off as quickly as it is eaten. Being healthier and looking younger will make you happier for years.
As we all assess our relative sense of "happiness", many factors contribute to this....job satisfaction, relationship issues, performance and happiness of our children and family members, financial stability and many others. One of the most important contributing factors though is our relative state of health and self-image. If we are taking many medications, have serious medical illnesses, having side effects of medications, thelevel of "happiness" cannot go unscathed. Moreover, looking in the mirror and seeing a sight that makes you feel less self-confident, and even possible embarrassed will further erode your "happiness" levels.
Losing weight will make you happier...it really will. The word "jolly" has always been attributed to overweight people, almost like a Santa who always laughs. That is probably on the outside...there may not be much laughing on the inside. I will repeat this: losing weight will make you happier. It is a good choice and much more long-standing happiness than a food choice that instantaneously makes you feel "good" but wears off as quickly as it is eaten. Being healthier and looking younger will make you happier for years.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
weight loss and effort
Good morning....Football Sunday,....Skins fans...i think you guys will win today....Giants get another easy one...Baltimore will beat New England....
Okay...all of you reading this are putting in effort....you are taking time in which you could do something else more fun to read Posner's thoughts that will perhaps help you stay focused on your efforts. Going to a football tailgate event and not drinking beer, eating carbs etc...lots of effort. Getting to thatb gym and devoting time to workout...lots of effort. Planning your meals when you travel and confronting food placed in front of you at conventions: lots of effort.
Gaining weight requires NO effort...the loss of weight requires GREAT effort.
Your effort will pay off huge dividends in the future with much better health and happiness. Make the effort ...it is soooo worth it
Okay...all of you reading this are putting in effort....you are taking time in which you could do something else more fun to read Posner's thoughts that will perhaps help you stay focused on your efforts. Going to a football tailgate event and not drinking beer, eating carbs etc...lots of effort. Getting to thatb gym and devoting time to workout...lots of effort. Planning your meals when you travel and confronting food placed in front of you at conventions: lots of effort.
Gaining weight requires NO effort...the loss of weight requires GREAT effort.
Your effort will pay off huge dividends in the future with much better health and happiness. Make the effort ...it is soooo worth it
Saturday, October 3, 2009
weight loss and chemicals
Good morning.....First, I must admit that when I reread some of my entries, I see an amazing amount of typos and misspellings....I offer up this excuse: first thing I do upon awakening is write these entries...I do not put my contacts in until after I run, so I am kind of visually-challanged in the wee hours of the morning...I promise you that your Doctor writes at a better-than fourth grade level, so I am blaming the typos on my vision without contacts....am I forgiven?
A number of patients ask me whether their weight issues are all "genetic" and are they fighting a battle they cannot win because of hereditary factors.
We, to a large extent, are a product of our genetics and upbringing. We inherit our eye color, hair color, height and predisposition for being overweight. However, the other major component is the learned behaviors we adopt as a product of our environment. Did our parents base all rewards around high-caloric foods? Did our family shame us when we did not stuff our faces at a family get-together?
The genetic predisposition is no doubt a contributing factor...some of us inherit a faster metabolism than others. We watch some people eat all the crap they want, and not gain a pound when others just look at food and the pounds pack on. Not fair, but reality.
We cannot change our genetics...it is the cards we have been dealt. We can change behavior patterns though and even despite our chemical flaws, we can sometimes work harder on the behavioral end to achieve the results we want.
A number of patients ask me whether their weight issues are all "genetic" and are they fighting a battle they cannot win because of hereditary factors.
We, to a large extent, are a product of our genetics and upbringing. We inherit our eye color, hair color, height and predisposition for being overweight. However, the other major component is the learned behaviors we adopt as a product of our environment. Did our parents base all rewards around high-caloric foods? Did our family shame us when we did not stuff our faces at a family get-together?
The genetic predisposition is no doubt a contributing factor...some of us inherit a faster metabolism than others. We watch some people eat all the crap they want, and not gain a pound when others just look at food and the pounds pack on. Not fair, but reality.
We cannot change our genetics...it is the cards we have been dealt. We can change behavior patterns though and even despite our chemical flaws, we can sometimes work harder on the behavioral end to achieve the results we want.
Friday, October 2, 2009
weihht loss and attraction
Good morning....I want to expand on our topic yesterday and also direct you to the "anonymous" comment posted yesterday that was aslo very interesting.
About a year ago, I had a patient who trains physicians on certain x-ray machines tell me an interesting story. She said that when she was markedly overweight, the phssicians in the training roon would be poorly attentive to her lecture. She could tells that eyes were not on her, but rather their watches, out the window, etc. When she lost her 60 pounds, wearing nice dresses and such, she said the doctors couldnt keep their eyes off of her...she could tell there was a complete change in the "attention factor"..
This is not fair, it is not right, it is "old school" for people to be judged or attneded to when they look more fit or more appealing....but it is reality. People are driven more to people who aesthetically look good. Whether it be chemical or a learned behavior, people in shape and looking good will attract more attention.
Yes, we want to lose weight to be healthier, but yet the above does provide another good reason...not fair per se, but reality. Your thoughts?
About a year ago, I had a patient who trains physicians on certain x-ray machines tell me an interesting story. She said that when she was markedly overweight, the phssicians in the training roon would be poorly attentive to her lecture. She could tells that eyes were not on her, but rather their watches, out the window, etc. When she lost her 60 pounds, wearing nice dresses and such, she said the doctors couldnt keep their eyes off of her...she could tell there was a complete change in the "attention factor"..
This is not fair, it is not right, it is "old school" for people to be judged or attneded to when they look more fit or more appealing....but it is reality. People are driven more to people who aesthetically look good. Whether it be chemical or a learned behavior, people in shape and looking good will attract more attention.
Yes, we want to lose weight to be healthier, but yet the above does provide another good reason...not fair per se, but reality. Your thoughts?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
weight loss..a fun story
Good morning...as you can tell from the time of this entry, your good Doctor cannot sleep tonight...but I was thinking of a really fun story a patient told me yesterday. I asked her if I could use the story for my blog this morning, and she said it was fine.
The patient is cllose to 60 years old and has lost lots of weight in the program. She was at a dinner party over the weekend, and was sitting at a table with her husband and some other couples. Some guy sitting next to her leaned over at one point and told her how "great she looked". He repeated this several times and at the end of the night, not in earshot of her husband or the guy's wife, he asked her if he could call her. The patient was shocked, firmly said "NO!!!" and then went home.
Why the point of the story? Well, as much as the patient was shocked by the guy's aggressive behavior, she said to me yesterday that "It has been 30 years since I have been aggressively approached", and she smiled lots telling the story. If felt great for her to know that her "look" generated a horn-dog response from a guy.
Yes, losing weight makes us much healthier but it also makes us look younger and more attractive to ourselves and others. We all wantr our spouses to be the ones to notice this and make the compliments, but it sometimes is ego-boosting to have others notice as well!
The patient is cllose to 60 years old and has lost lots of weight in the program. She was at a dinner party over the weekend, and was sitting at a table with her husband and some other couples. Some guy sitting next to her leaned over at one point and told her how "great she looked". He repeated this several times and at the end of the night, not in earshot of her husband or the guy's wife, he asked her if he could call her. The patient was shocked, firmly said "NO!!!" and then went home.
Why the point of the story? Well, as much as the patient was shocked by the guy's aggressive behavior, she said to me yesterday that "It has been 30 years since I have been aggressively approached", and she smiled lots telling the story. If felt great for her to know that her "look" generated a horn-dog response from a guy.
Yes, losing weight makes us much healthier but it also makes us look younger and more attractive to ourselves and others. We all wantr our spouses to be the ones to notice this and make the compliments, but it sometimes is ego-boosting to have others notice as well!
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