Sunday, May 31, 2009

Americans and Weight Part 2

Yesterday I wrote about a study demonstrating that over the past 20 years, Americans are leading a less healthy life style now than they did 20 years ago.

Possible reasons? The need for dual working parents leaving less time for meal preparation, the increased use of high-fructose sweeteners during that time period, growth of fast food chain restaurants, childhood focus on the internet and other sedentary activities as opposed to playing outside. These are just some of them. Many, Many more.


The implications of this are tremendous if left unchecked. Expenditures on healthcare which are breaking the bank already will worsen even more crippling our country's ability to fund anything else. As individuals, we should focus more on the lifestyle issues that may make us susceptible to illness and as parents, help our children learn healthier behaviors.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Americans and Weight

A study was released from the University of South Carolina and released in the American Medical Journal that showed that over the past 20 years Americans have developed a less healthy life-style despite being inundated with much data about the medical riskes associated with weight problems. A survey was administered to Americans in the 1980s and and the same survey was given from 2002-2006. The survey was basically 5 points asking for information about smoking, drinking, exercising, and consuming foods that were "healthier".

Here is some of the data: Now, only 8% of Americans surveyed check off positively on all 5 issues as oppoed to 16% 20 years ago. The obesity rate is 36% now as oppoed to 28% in the 1980s. LESS people exercise regularly now than 20 years ago.

Why, despite the increased knowledge we have now associated weight with illness are we actually becoming heavier? More tomorrow. Hve a great Saturday.

Americans and Weight

Good morning from Vegas...

A study was released from the University of South Carolina and released in the American Medical Journal documented that despite being better informed about the health benefits of eating better and living a healthier life-style, less Americans are conforming now then they did 20 years ago.

A health check-list, including eating choices, exercising, smoking and consumming alcohol was administered to people in the 1980s and then the same check-list to people from 2003-2006.

Here is some of the data: Only 8% of Americans now meet all 5 of the healthy life-style criteria as compared to twice that number in the 198023. The obesity rate has risen from 28% to 36%. Those people eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day dropped from 42% to 26%.

The question is why, given the fact that we have been better educated over the years as to the association of weight with disease, that the numbers are getting worse as opposed to better.

Will continue this discussion tomorrow.

Have a great Saturday!

Friday, May 29, 2009

weight and vegas

Sorry for the late post. Some business meetings out here and arrived midnite their time. As I was walking toward the registration desk at the hotel, I noticed a disproportionate number of overweight people at the bar and at the gaming areas. Staying up late to gamble and drink is probably an activity the habitual morning exercise person does not do, even on vacations. I was thinking that casinos are probably a bad vacation choice if you are in a weight losing mode. When you gamble here, waitresses are bringing free drinks, and often when alcohol is consummed, you find yourself eating more food. This adds up to pounds going on as opposed to off.

Of course, not everyone gambling in a casino is a gamblerholic (okay, I admit...I played a fee blackjack hands). "Vices" tend to come in packages, and smoking, drinking, gambling and eating seem to all be related. Often the addicted gambler cannot understand how the alcoholic can ruin their life, the smoker cannot understand how someone can lose all their money to a casino and the drug addict cannot understand how someone can get up to over 300 pounds.


Addictions are in part chemically related and envbiromentally fostered. As this relates to families who have a high rate of morbid obesity, clearly "nature and nurture" contribute greatly. This does not mean that if you come from a family where virtually everyone is overweight, that you have a predestined future. This can be changed but clearly much work is required.

I hope that when I return, Serotonin-Plus is not owned by MGM-Mirage and the staff is not dealers and waitresses! Okay, I promise not to gamble away the business!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

weight loss and sabotaging each other

I had a nurse visit yesterday for her follow-up appointment and it was a challenging week for her with much work stress. She related that she was making too many trips to the break room/kitchen area and there bountiful amounts of backed goods that were brought in my other nurses. When I go to the hospital, I would similarly notice incredible amounts of high-caloric foods that were brought in by the nureses for other nurses.

In a similar manner, many of my tracher patients tell me that their break rooms look like the Old Country Buffet. Teachers, similar to the nurses make it a habit to bring in for others a variety of cookies, cakes and other high-caloric food sources. This is all done inakind manner to try to make their peers feel recognized for their hard work.

However, with weight problems afflicting 67% of Americans, how much "good" are we doing hy tempting overweight people with these "gifts"? Would you tempt an alcoholic with a bottle of wine? Tempt a drug dealer with a fix? Then why tempt your overweight colleagues with food?

We tend to "nurture" or as a sign of caring, by bringing people food. Taking a step back, by feeding overweight people wrong food sources, you are hastening their early death. Why would anyone do this?

Whether you are a teacher, nurse, or in any other profession where there is a break room/kitchen area, if your intention is to bring in somethoing for everyone, I would urge you to think hard about what you are bringing in, the make-up of the people you are bringing it to, and assess whether you are really being kind or unconsciously hurting people.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

weight gain and accountability

Yesterday we had a number of patients cancel their appointments for followup visits in the program. This is a very common occurrence after a three-day weekend. Why? The reason is that a number of people gain weight during the holiday weekends because of excessive eating and drinking. When Tuesday rolls around, there is a feeling of "embarrassment" or a fear that when they weigh in there will be a rebuke or negative reaction from us.

After a weight gaining week, this is the exact time NOT to cancel your appointment. There is absolutely no reason to be embarrassed and certainly our role here is supportive...not judgemental like a parent or a teacher if you "mess up".

Holiday weekends are very challenging because it seems as if everyone around us is consumming alcohol, eating high-caloric foods, etc. It is very difficult not to partake of these activities and if weight gain occurs, IT IS OKAY!!! Not every week will be a successful weight loss week. The key is monitoring what happens by writing down your weight weekly and having a reaction planned based on what you see. When you are in the visit phase of your program of course come in that week. We will help you focus, prescribe you the med, and get you back on track!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

weight loss and excuses

" I traveled and the meetings all had pizza and sandwiches and chips....I couldn't find anything to eat"

"I had no time for exercise this week...work was too busy"

" I was with friends and everyone was drinking alcohol"

" I had no time to keep my food diary"

" I didn't have time to go out shopping for food"

" I was so busy at work I forgot to take my pills"....


On any given week in our program, when a patient has an "off" week, meaning that they do not lose or actually gain weight, these, amongst lots of others are the reasons that are provided. Quite frankly, these are all really good reasons as to why we can get off track. Once again, as we have discussed previously, as soon as we stop thinking about our weight loss efforts, we start going back to old behaviors and weight goes back on.

I implore you to write down all the reasons as to why you get sidetracked at times, and then on the same piece of paper, write down possible actions you can take to negate that challenge. As an example, if you are attending meetings where food is being provided, perhaps you can contat the person responsible for providing the food and request some choices that are compatible with your weight loss efforts.

Losing weight is not easy....gaining weight is. There are many excuses/reasons why we have difficulty, but try to rise above these challenges for long term success.

Monday, May 25, 2009

memorial day

No weight loss talk today. Just a note to recognize the great sacrifice that all men and women who have served our country have made. I was in the Navy for 7 years but the only combat I saw was fisticuffs during a softball game on base. I was lucky. Many others...our parents, brothers, uncles, aunts, sisters, grandparents, friends etc. have helped truly protect this great country of ours. When I came back from Europe last week I felt like kissing the ground when I got back here. This is a great country we live in and its a great day to remember all the people who made this possible

Sunday, May 24, 2009

matching food intake to age

I would bet that most of you, certainly including me, eat far less than we did when we were in our late teens/early 20s. Despite eating many more calories back then (and lots more alcohol) weight issues never seemed to be a problem. Metabolism was such that the calories seemed to just burn off quickly. Then, especially for women, as you progress through the 20s, 30s, 40s, metabolism seems to slow down dramatically. You find that if you even came close to eating the amount you used to eat in college, the weight starts packing on.

Matching caloric intake to age-adjusted metabolism issues is very difficult because its not as if there is some computer chip in your head telling you just how much you can consume without putting weight on, with adjustments based on age. The key for weight control is monitoring your weight and then adjusting caloric intake and exercise to establish a weight that you want. Clearly, as time progresses we need to adjust downward the caloric intake or weight will increase.

Time for a run at the park with Tanner the dog. Have a great Sunday!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

weight loss and Memorial Day

This weekend there are many cookouts, gatherings and opportunities to be around many people who will be doing lots of alcohol consumption and high-caloric intake. It is very challenging, if you are in a mode to lose weight, to be around this eating/drinking environment and not feel compelled to join in.

Mentally, try to focus on all the reasons why weight loss is so important to you and try to separate the "fun" of being with others from the caloric intake. It is difficult to separate these, but truly, enjoying the company of others does not require drinking alcohol or overeating. (Unless you cannot stand the people you are hanging out with, in which case the alcohol could serve a purpose!)

Friday, May 22, 2009

weight loss and "finish lines"

Yesterday I saw a patient who returned to our program after gaining about 5 pounds from her previous low about a year ago. Originally, she and her daughter had come in with the major motivation being slimming down for the daughter's wedding. They both did an incredible job last year of losing well over 30 pounds each. They reached their goals and both were thrilled with their "new look" for the wedding attire. This was a year ago.

Yesterday the mother returned and although she had only gained back 5 pounds in the year, she told me her daughter gained back many pounds. This motivated me again to write about the concept of "finish lines", meaning that when someone has his/her major weight loss motivation being an event, such as a wedding, reunion, etc., when that date passes, the odds are VERY strong the person will immediately go back to old behaviors and gain the weight back.

It is great to look great for a special occasion, but it is obviously even more important to be healthier for the rest of your life. Use both as motivations, and take away the concept of a "finish line" to your efforts to be healthier and happier.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

weight and Swine Flu

There was a story yesterday in the Washington Post that discussed the fact that the death rate with the current Swine flu is higher in obese people than in the non-obese. Is the immune system compromised by being obese? Clearly, diabetes adversely impacts on the immune system, but not all obese people have diabetes.

Medically, it is well known about the association of obesity with heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, sleep apnea and other life-threatening illnesses, but the immune system is not discussed often.

Yet another reason why your weight loss efforts are so vitally important to have you become healthier and therefore happier. Your investment in money and time is well worth your efforts. Sabotaging food sources may provide some element of immediate gratification, but is it really worth the morbidity and suffering that the aforementioned disease processes can inflict on you?

Hey....have not thrown a trivia question your way...here is one...winners get a free bottle of Serotonin-Plus!!! Here goes: (NO INTERNET HELP!!!! YOU ARE ON THE HONOR SYSTEM!!!) Name the first name of all the Bee Gees

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

weight loss and restless leg syndrome

An article came out yesterday showing the association of being overweight with developing restless leg syndrome. For those of you not familiar with this syndrome, the affected person will notice, especially at night, movement of the lower extremities in a jerking type of fashion. This can sometimes take place at the dinner table and can be very embarrassing to the affected person. At nighttime, the patient's bed partner will be awakened by the leg jerking. There are medications such as Requip that are used for RLS but a number of side effects can occur.

We all know the "obvious" medical conditions associated with being overweight, i.e. heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc., but there are a number of other conditions that will adversely affect quality of life, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Also, do not forget that breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer rates are increased by being overweight.

Your choice to lose weight will make you healthier, prolong your life, and increase the quality of your life. Next time you are tempted with your favorite weight gaining food source, whether it be that bag of chips, the container of ice cream, popcorn, nightly glass of wine, ask yourself whether this "sweet, treat or goodie" (and you all know i DESPISE those words when attached to food) will make you healthier, prolong your life, etc. A true "treat" is something that will i fact make you healthier and thereby happier.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

weight loss and role models

Several months ago I saw a ridiculous, but funny picture called "Role Models". Two men, who live less-than-stellar lives get into legal trouble and their punishment, court ordered is having to mentor 2 boys in a sort of "Big Brother" program.

Yesterday I had a girl, 12 years old, brought in by her mother for a consultation concerning our program. The mother started the program several days ago, and her child is about 30 pounds overweight. There is a family history of cardiac disease, but most certainly, a 12 year old is mostly interested in losing weight for the aesthetic/social ramifications.

I started thinking about the added pressure that is now on the mother to be very successful in losing weight. There is enough pressure on one's self to commit to a changing life-style, but knowing that you have someone who looks up to you monitoring your progress and mimicking your behavior patterns can add stress.

The fact is that whether it be a child, a spouse, a sibling, a co-worker---your efforts and fortitude in achieving a healthier lifestyle will be an inspiration for others to follow. This should not add pressure to your efforts, but rather serve as a motivational tool for you to show all the people whose lives you touch that it is possible to lose weight and keep it off. Be a role model...you will not only make your own life better but may also influence positively many others to do the same.

Monday, May 18, 2009

weight loss and ego

Several nites ago we saw the show Hairspray, and for those of you who have never seen the show or movie, the story takes place in Baltimore, 1962, and the main character is a very enthusiastic teenager who every day watches a dance show on TV geared for youth, similar to the Old Bandstand show. The show featured a steady troupe of young people who would dance on the show, and of course, the females were all the cheerleader types...thin, pretty, etc. The main character was overweight, and when they had an open tryout for the show, she ran down to the studio and of course was made fun of by almost everyone.

The story of course, ends well, with the overweight main character getting the handsome leading man, getting voted the Best dancer, etc.

Reality often is not Broadway. Many of our patients relate stories of feeling ridiculed, stared at and other negative feelings sent their way because of the weight problem. Relationships as well have been altered by someone having weight issues. Health, of course, is probably the major reason why people say they want to lose weight, but there are many other, more sensitive reasons as to why a person becomes motivated to lose weight. It would be great if a potential employer, potential suitor, potential promotion at work hadabsolutely nothing to do with weight issues. Reality however is that excessive weight can and will often adversely affect the above mentioned scenarios and as completely unfair as this is, it is reality. Please feel free to post your thoughts on this on our chat room.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

weight/observations from London

I am taking off for Dulles Airport early tomorrow morning and I have been thinking in retrospect that in walking the streets of London for the past 4 days, the overweight rate appears to be the same as America. The portions are smaller and food more expensive, but EVERY dish comes with "chips" (these are french fries). Also, the alcohol consumption appears to be VERY abundant here, which of course will lead to weight issues.

Perhaps a Serotonin-Plus clinic in London??? Hmmmmm...not a bad idea!!!

Have a great Sunday and I look forward to getting more serious next week on the blog!

weight and energy levels

It is sometimes difficult to assess your own energy levels as this is a very subjective sensation. Do you get tired i n the middle of the day and sometimes fight narcolepsy at meetings? Do you find yourself having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? Do you come home from work and pass out on the couch watching tv?

Being overweight most certainly will decrease energy levels and almost every one of our patients tells us that their energy levels improve dramatically when the weight loss is substantial. Sleep apnea, which can increase daytime fatigue/narcolepsy, will also improve with weight loss.

During the walking tours I have been on, it is also clear that the overweight people are having difficulty keeping up with the pack.

From improved cardiopulmoanary conditioning to reduction in sleep apnea to being able to exercise more aggressively, losing weight is your ticket to more energy.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Walking vacations

Top of the morning to you...

I know I have covered this subject before but I am now living it, so let me discuss this again. If you are in a weight losing mode and choosing vacation ideas, pick a place where the food is not the main attraction and walking lots is part of the trip. Face it...lots of us pick cruises because of the spector of a great eating experience...or "all inclusive resorts" because of the incredible amount of booze and food you can consume for the same price.

Here in England, the food kind of sucks (sorry for being such a stuck up American) and we must have walked miles and miles yesterday seeing such fun places as the Tower of London and the place where the Queen lives.

Last night we took a walking tour following the famed Jack the Ripper's murder spree learning lots of hypotheses and facts I never knew. They think he may have been a doctor because of the precise nature in which he removed organs of his victims. (He clearly could not have been an internal medicine physician because we suck at surgery.)

Anyway, the point here is that there is no way this type of vacation will cause weight gain. (Unless you drink all the beer that I see being consummed in the middle of the day outside the pubs by working people...how do they return to work???)

If you have a choice of vacation spots, pick the ones where the sights and history are more abundant than the food and pina coladas!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

good morning from London

Okay, so this week will be less about revelations about losing weight but more about Guillivers Travel...I mean Posner's travels but let me see if I can find some pertinent points. First of all for all my airline travelers, you must definitely need to bring your foods to the airport because if you rely on the airport food places, calories will pack on. Also, do NOT bring those snack things on the plane like trail mix, nut packs etc...I fould myself mindlessly eating those things by the 5th hour. I can see just fromm the late nite cab ride that Londoners are less weight than americans. But every pub I drove by was full of people drinking huge beers so tonight I will need to ask some random people here their thoughts... I had a steak sanswich at the hotel bar last nite when i arrived and it sucked...maybe this is a contributing issue...the food sucks so people eat less. Also, the dollar here doesnt get you much, so if you want lots of food, you will need to pay lots and lots for it. Not like the good oldbuffet at the Mirage in Vegas! Lots more tomorrow! Also,, thanks to my GREAT staff for allowing me the ability to be here!!! They are seeing patients daily and if you need their help, just call. Also, my cell works here and I am in touch lots of times if anyone has any problems they need my opinion on.

good mornin from London

good mornin from London

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

weight and other countries

Off to London this morning...embarrassing Posner factoid: he has NEVER used his passport before...pathetic, yes??? His chosen profession as a solo primary care physician has precluded long trips, but today he ventures out to a new world.

I am very curious to see if England has the same weight problems as America. I am told by a number of my Latin American patients that in their countries, they do not have even close to the obesity epidemic we have here in the U.S. Why??? Is it corporate America brainwashing us to eat at fast food restaurants? Is it the high fructose sweeteners used in many products? Are our social events more about food and alcohol than other countries? Are we less "vain" than other cultures? I am interested to see your insights, especially from anyone who has lived outside of the U.S. Please post something on our chat at: www.spdiet.com

Will check in tomorrow..tally ho!!!
test

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The "Give-Up" mentality

Along the journey to be happier and healthier (which is what weight loss brings you) sometimes we stumble a bit. The scale will show us a slight weight gain or no loss despite a week in which we try very hard. The frustration that is felt when this occurs is very deep. Sometimes, a thought creeps into our mind like: "Why even bother?"

There are great reasons why NOT to let a challenging week coerce you to stop your efforts entirely. Once again, you are choosing a path that will allow you to live longer, avoid medications, feel more energy, look younger, fit into your clothes, be able to be seen at events and not be embarrassed, etc. These are GREAT results of weight loss and you cannot let a week or two of no weight loss block your mission. Turn that frustration into resolve....resolve to increase your exercise, get rid of any saboteurs that are creeping back into your kitchen, be firm at a dinner out and say "no" to the proddings of your friends to "just taste it...it can't hurt."

Your choice to be healthier and happier is a great one. The entire picture is somewhat of a war between the instinctual part of the brain and the intellectual. Not everry weekly battle will be won, but the war is the big picture...you can ,lose some battles but still win the war

Monday, May 11, 2009

Obvious vs. non-obvious saboteurs

I hope everyone's mother's day was relaxing and fun....

When we think of food sources that can sabotage your weight loss efforts, the "obvious" things are candies, chocolates, desserts, ice cream, etc. These food sources basically jump out at us and shout: "I will DESTROY your weight loss efforts". (I guess that is if foods could speak)

However, there are other food items that are wolves in sheep's clothing...for instance that healthy glass of cranberry juice in the morning...or that yogurt parfait from Mc Donalds with the nuts...or the one glass of white wine...or the hand full of almonds...these sources of food and drink are not as blatantly sabotaging as the Reeces pieces, but in their own way, in the aggregate, they can derail your weight loss efforts.

Take stock of the types of fluids you ingest, the snacks that you are doing, and ensure that you are not consumming more calories than you thought you were.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day

Have a great and wonderful day celebrating Mother's Day....

Probably the most "eating out" day of the year.

Seek out the high protein choices, avoid those champagne mamosas and mentate through the concept that showing love for your mother or receiving the love of your family and children does not mean you have to eat high-caloric food sources today. Your family wants you to be healthy and happy for years to come. Any effort on your part to lose unwanted weight will allow you to be there longer to see your children and grandchildren grow and florish Your choice to be living healthier will allow you to do this. Chocolate cake will not!

Enjoy your family!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Weight Loss and Television news

Last nite the Channel 9 story aired....for those of you who cannot make it up past sunset (that is me!!!) you can see it on the Channel 9 website: www.wusa9.com check out the home page section that says "LIVING WELL" and click on that section...you will see the video come up among several others. It is entitled 'Serotonin Diet".

First, I want to apologize to my INCREDIBLY great patients, Don and Sue for the last name mistake...Not quite certain how the tv people messed up their last names, but in any event, they looked GREAT on the camera and I want to thank them for their graciousness for taking the time to have the tv people film them.

I was greatly relieved to see that the story did, in fact, focus on the weight loss program as opposed to "the pill". Clearly, the serotonin product is part of the program, but by no means do we tell anyone: "Just take this pill, do nothing, and the weight will come off."

The "counter" opinion provided by the GWU physician who runs their weight loss program really didn't have anything much negative to say except caution about the chemical serotonin because serotonin afects mood and other functions. He didn't say that serotonin is "bad", but rather that it affects other functions. I thought for certain he would have smashed the use of phentermine or questioned the efficacy of oral serotonin supplementation, but it was a rather mild "balance" counterpoint.

So many "hype" stories about weight loss take place touting machines or pills that are "easy" weight loss, so I was VERY happy to see that the folks at Channel 9 clearly pointed out that a program is what is needed. I believe Channel 9 will have a live "chat" on their website with me entertaining questions..Monday, 130PM....PLEASE join us if you have time!!! Check the blog for details about this. Have a great Saturday!!!

Friday, May 8, 2009

weight loss and restaurants

Last nite we were out at a "Family" restaurant near my office and I was amazed to see that easily 75% of the people in the restaurant were morbidly obese...not just overweight. The restaurant has very good food, very modest prices and portions are incredibly large. Most of the dishes include lots of carbs...pizzas, gyros, pasta dishes, etc. The appetizer choices include such healthy choices as cheese fries and onion rings.

I am not knocking the restaurant at all...they offer great value. What I am bringing up though is my patients' choice of restaurants. Going out to lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch etc. is a "treat"...a break from the routine. It is a good time to relax, talk about issues, etc. But if you are in a weight losing mode, try to make a good choice in restaurant that will support your efforts. Placing yourself in a restaurant that has a menu with only a few "good" choices will make it more difficult than being at a place thathas lots of variety for you. Yes, you can go into this family restaurant and order a steak and vegetables, but you will see around you way too many tempting choices that may sway your decision. Pick a place to go to that is still a treat for you, but has healthy choices. Remember at all times that buffets are the worst! Nothing challenges human nature more than offering someone a small amount of food or a large amount at the same price.

Tonight 11pm channel 9 news story...tune in to see whether SP is labelled as the BEST weight loss program in town or will we be smeared???? News at 11!!! laughing....have a great friday!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

TV Change!!!!

Just heard that the Channel 9 story will be changed to friday 11pm news.....please tune in!!! also, there will eb a live chat on the wusa9 website monday at 130 pm...please chjeck the blog for details...sorry for the change!!!!

weight loss and stress

Yesterday a patient was telling me how difficult it is to lose weight when stress consumes her entire life. From personal issues with her family to the eroding retirement accounts to the chronic bad news in the papers about flu epidemics, the patient felt that everywhere she turns, there is no peace. Like so many people, she has been turning to high-caloric saboteurs (remember...we do not allow the terms "sweets" "treats" and "goodies") as some form of stress treatment.

It is easy to tell someone to put their IPOD headphones on and exercise instead of reaching for food, but in reality it is difficult sometimes to handle stress by exercising. But remember at all times that eating a food source does NOTHING to make the stock market go up, make the price of your house rise or make an elderly relative get over their health issue. You must try to summon your internal forces to understand that under stressful times, you, as the matriarch or patriarch of your family, needs to be healthy to be there to help your loved ones. Succumbing to stress-induced eating does NOTHING to eliminate the stressors, and in fact, will worsen them if YOU put yourself at health risk.

Other subjects: Launch event at Dr. Shara's office went very well last nite. She has a wonderful office in Old Towne and if any of you need a great chiropractor to help your back or neck pains, my niece is the best! (okay, some nepotism here, but this is my blog so I can do this!!!)

Last reminder..Channel 9 news at 11PM will have a story about our program....tune in to find out whether we are touted as the best weight loss program in town or will the GWU doctor slam us! News at 11!!!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

weight loss and back pain

Good morning! Later this afternoon we are opening a satellite clinic in the Old Towne, Alexandria area. The clinic will be at the Back 2 Health chiropractic office of a FABULOUS chiropractor (okay niece..you owe me for that plug), Dr. Shara Posner. You may notice a coincidence in the last name...hmmmmm....okay, here is the story: Shara is my brother's daughter. She has been practicing in the area for a number of years now and truly provides excellent chiropractic care to her patients. When Shara has a patient with some medical issues, she will call up her uncle and conversely when I have back pain patients not responding my interventions, Shara has been great in helping them get better with her therapies. There is also no truth to the rumor that she calls me "Uncle Drugs" and I call her "Niece Holistic".

Many patients notice that when they lose weight, the back pain they were experiencing disappears. This, of course, would make sense, given that the less weight we carry around, the less pressure on the joints and muscles. The advancement of arthritis is also slowed down by weight loss. If you or a loved one experience chronic back pain, and if there is excessive weight prosent, this provides you with et another reason as to why losing weight is so important for your health.

Reminder: tomorrow nite on the Channel 9 (CBS) news 11pm there will be a story about our program. Tune in!!!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Supplements

I noticed yesterday that the FDA forced a number of Hydroxycut products off the market, including their weight loss supplement because of a number of serious adverse reactions, including liver failure and death. This, and the ephedra experience indicate that perhaps when weight loss will involve the use of supplements to help, medical supervision is needed. Not necessarily I full blown program such as the Serotonin-Plus program, but even a one-time consult with a physician to discuss the strategy, any supplements contemplated, etc.

Supplements are not held to the same regulatory standards as prescription medications, and it is important to have a good working knowledge about what ingredients are in that supplement and whether you are taking any medications that may interact adversely.

Reminder that Channel 9, (CBS) is doing a story about our program on their 11pm news this Thursday nite. A husband/wife team will be profiled who lost lots of weight. Your doctor was interviewed as well. I believe they also interviewed a weight loss doctor from GW Hospital as a countering viewpoint. I am interested to see how this story is "spun" Tune in!!!

Monday, May 4, 2009

"Do I have to Count Portions???"

Yesterday I attended a launch event for a medspa in Ohio that will be bringing the Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program into their facility. This was a very interesting place...a combination of a bed and breakfast, day spa and now a weight loss center. The facility was beautiful, isolated, peaceful and the owners were incredibly nice and hospitable.

During the coarse of the presentation, one of the attendees asked in a very frustrated way: "Is this one of those diets where you have to count portions/amounts?"

Clearly, there is work involved in the reduction of calories. But herein lays the psychological concept: In the initial phases of learning how to ear reduced caloric portions, most people do, in fact, need to weigh the food, count the portions, etc. Once the person incorporates these changing portions on a more permanent basis, there will be no need to actually "count" the portions. "Eye-balling" the portion size will then take place and this becomes part of the lifestyle.

Once again, there is no question that there is lots of work involved in the act of losing weight. However, when the correct principles are followed early, they will be much easier to carry forth later.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

weight loss programs

Good Sunday morning..it is o-dark-thirty and I am about ready to leave for a trip to Ohio. A medspa in Fremont will be opening a weight loss center and we are going out there to help them introduce this to their clients. I started thinking about some of my internal medicine patients, who, over the years, spent tens of thousands of dollars going to "inpatient" treatment programs for obesity. Some of the universities (Duke is one ) have programs where a patients actually travels to their facility for a week or more and is given classes about behavioral issues, dietary classes, etc.

I think it is GREAT when someone with weight issues takes "time off" to address this problem, as life-threatening medical problems can be a result of not addressing it. However, how "natural" is it to be taken away from the environment in which someone lives, works, plays, etc., and try to address the issues? My opinion is that people who have weight problems need to address the multiple issues involved while being in the environment that contributed to the overall problem. I think that alcohol and drug treatment programs are differeent in that it is a NECESSITY to get that person away from their environment. I think when it comes to being overweight or not pathologically obese, the person needs to learn how to be around that environment and still follow a plan. Clearly, anorexia nervosa and bulemia are ina completely different category as well as people who are over 100% ideal body weight. Inpatient treatment programs that take them out of their environment are probably necessary.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

weight loss and disappointment

Good Saturday morning...first, Suzanne, I promise you I will not show up at your house checking the contents of your fridge! (But I cannot promise that I will not show up on a commercial on your favorite 2am tv show if you have insomnia some nite).

Ellen told me that Kirstie Alley's discussion on the Oprah show Thursday included thoughts about "diappointment", meaning that apparently Ms. Alley felt that she had let her sponsor, Jenny Craig, "down" by regaining all the weight she lost...and more.

Often, when a patient of ours comes in and had a challenging week, the person seems reticent about getting on the scale not so much because they are upset, but more because they feel that they are "letting their doctor down". I always reassure the patient that we/I feel not one bit of diappointment in that person for a week of weight gain. We are here to help people lose weight..not "judge" them, and our support does not change one bit based on that weeks results.

Psychologically, we are all not immune to the feelings that our actions somehow affect the way other's see us. I have had many patients who do not tell one person they are in a medical weight loss program for fear that if they leave and put weight back on, the people around them will see them as "losers". The fear of "failure" in front of others often motivates us to be more aggressive, and whether it be our weight loss program or any other physicians, the success of a medically supervised weight loss program is in part the "accountability"...knowing you have to get on that scale in front of someone else. When that someone else is a medical professional, that is an even more traumatic event in the case of no weight loss.

Your efforts to lose weight and your success in reaching your goals are only for you to "judge". My staff and I are here to help you achieve the results you desire and as best you can, try to eliminate any thoughts that a weight gaining week somehow "disappoints" us. Similarly, your friends, family and loved ones should be looked at as support and not the Olympic panel of judges. Furthermore, please try to look at the "big picture" meaning that do not look at yourself in the mirror after a week of weight gain as a "loser" or "failure". Use a week of no weight loss or gain to motivate you to re-gather your determination and make the next week more aggressive.

In the case of Ms. Alley, I do suppose she didn't have to give the money back. No one is paying you to lose weight...it is YOUR desire to be healthier and happier that is YOUR motivation. These will serve you much better as motivation long-term than a check from the folks at Nutrisystem or Jenny.

Friday, May 1, 2009

weight loss and celebrities

So yesterday afternoon I am escorting out a patient I had just seen to the front desk area and I have three staff members up front juggling phone calls coming in as a barrage. I mean literally the phones were ringing off the hook. We have 7 lines, and usually at the most 3 will be in use at one time, but all 7 were lighting up, and as soon as one call was finished, that open line would ring immediately. As I hate to have my patients sit on hold or not have their calls answered promptly, I started answering the phones as well. EVERY phone call was from someone wanting more info about our weight loss program. I finally asked a caller if a commercial had just run on TV and sure enough, our comercial had just run on Channel 7 during the Oprah show. Turns out Oprah's guest yesterday was Kirstie Alley and their discussion of course was about their weight loss struggles. What timing for our commercial!

Anyway, to the point: Here are two women, one of whom can buy the world and the other has companies throwing her tons of money to lose weight using their horribly tasting prepackaged meals and these women cannot keep their weight off. Both can afford personal chefs, personal food shoppers, errand runners, daily personal trainers, etc and both have zero success in long term weight loss. This points 0ut the complexity of the psychological factors and genetic factors that contribute to weight problems. So, if you have difficult keeping your weight off after our program, do not feel ashamed, embarrassed or a like a "loser"...it is INCREDIBLY difficult to lose weight and maintain that loss and often help is needed. WE ARE YOUR SUPPORT!!! Look at our chat room and blog daily..come in to use our scale...all of these cost NOTHING. We are here for YOU and many of you have already shown Oprah and Kirstie that despite your relative lack of resources compared to them, you have shown the strength and fortitude to succeed !!! (oops...I guess now I never will be booked as a guest on Oprah....and, by he way, here is a bit of a rant: What made "Dr" Phil some weight loss guru??? At one point he had supplements and foods bearing his name on the shelves for weight loss. What are his credentials to advise someone about weight loss??? He sure didn't have success with his friend!!!)