Friday, July 16, 2010

New Site!!!

THE BLOG HAS NOT DISAPPEARED!!!! IT IS NOW SOLELY ON THE WWW.SPDIET.COM WEBSITE....CHECK IT OUT!!! STILL BEING WRITTEN DAILY.....SEE YOU'ALL THERE!!!! ROBERT POSNER, M.D.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

weight loss and diet pills

Every major news station was reporting yesterday about the FDA's evaluation of three new "diet pills" that may be approved soon. These will be prescription medications. The most notable one combines phentermine (which is used in our program) with an antiseizure drug , Topomax. The nickname for this antiseizure drug is called "Dopamax" because it causes many people, at certqain dosages to feel quite tired and dopey.

The others use antidepressant meds in combination with anroectics.

The talking heads on the news shows were doing a great job however of reminding people that weight loss is NEVER just using a pill. "Diet and exercise" were discussed as a necessary compnent of any long term weight loss effort.

We, at Serotonin-Plus will evaluate these medications carefully before deciding to include any of them in our protocol. Safety is first and foremost on our priority list and when a physician incorporates any new medications into a regimen he/she wants to be certain you are not posing any safety concerns. Stay tuned and we will provide you with as much updated information as possible. In the meantime, always remember that the permanent loss of weight is NEVER in a pill...it is in a lifestyle change.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

weight loss and rewards

We have been rewarded with food from our earliest memories...how often did our parents "bribe"/reward us with food.."If you are good, you will get ice cream"..."if you finish your entire dinner, you get dessert.."

We have proceeded over the years to reward ourselves with food and alcohol...long day of hard work deserves a couple of glasses of wine...

Learning to reward ourselves and our children with things other than high caloric food or drink sources will go a long way in helping us and others with weight control. Other rewards may include a gift certificate for someone, a massage therapy session for ourselves, an item of clothing or jewelry that can be bought, etc...

Try to take food sources out of your reward system arsenal.

Monday, July 12, 2010

weight loss programs and pricing....

There was a comment yesterday posted asking about pricing issues, but I do not feel this is the correct venue to discuss pricing. Out number can be called: 703-866-4144 quite anonymously to discuss pricing.

We had a meeting with another physician from the Pennsylvania area who is currently doing a franchise medically supervised weight loss program but he is unhappy with it. The program involves the selling of a number of things...vitamins, supplements, food sources etc. He feels like he has to be a salesman to his patients.

The success of our program is rooted in the unique nature of serotonin supplementation, the use "real" food as opposed to prepackged foods and teaching behavior modification.

Costs, thru Care Credit this can done for as little as 125 dollars a month....

The cost of losing weight cab ne expensive but the costs of remaining overweight are much more.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

weight loss and mood

When discussing weight control issues and mood, it is like the proverbial "chicken and the egg"..which comes first? When we are in a depressed mood, we often do not feel like exercising, being proactive in our health issues, etc. We often will resort to food sources as a treatment for our depression/anxiety. Conversely, when we are overweight, this frequently causes mood changes..we feel depressed about our appearance, our self-esteem suffers and the negative cycle continues...the added depression worsens the weight problem.

Breaking the cycle? Realizing at all times that losing weight and feeling better about our appearance can only help our mood. Intellectually, we know that food sources do not "treat" depressed moods, so thinking through these issues and not succumbing to the food sources is of paramount importance in not allowing the viscious cycle to continue.

Losing weight makes us happier...your efforts will be rewarded.

Friday, July 9, 2010

weight loss and summer

There are times of the year when weight loss efforts are obviously challenged...winter time when people are snowed in and there is less daylight/warmth to exercise outside, holiday season when there are many gatherings, etc.

We do not think of the summertime as presenting challenges but in fact, there are many opportunities to have your efforts derailed. Cookouts with the three "B's" ..burgers buns and beers, neighborhood gatherings where lots of high-caloric foods and alcohol are present, summer vacations at the beach where many food/drink sources appear.

If you are not at your goal weight, take a step back and see how you are managing your summertime eating/drinking patterns and ensure that there are not behavior patterns occurring that are derailing your efforts. Do not allow the summertime to sneak in unwanted behaviors.

Vigilance of your weight loss efforts require constant surveillance....do not let your guard down!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

weight loss and immediate gratification

First, thanks to "Anonymous" for the very nice comment....sometimes as I am making all of these typos while writing this every morning I sometimes wonder how many people are reading this and whether it is making a difference for some...the feedback, either positive or negative, obviously alerts me that there are people reading this and the positive ones compel me to continue...

Today I wanted to throw out there the concept of humans being an "immediate gratification" specie. I really believe this is very much built into our genome. The primordial behavior to seek things that provide an immediate gratification....a food source, a fun activity, sex etc. This is often tempered however by another part of the brain that makes us think of the ramifications of the immediate gratification behavior and sometimes that part of our brain stops or delays the behavior.

As this relates to weight control, this does have a great impact because to a large extent the consumption of high-caloric food sources provides an immediate gratification then followed by self-flagellation for allowing ourselves to have given in to the primordial eating behavior. How many times have you made three trips to a buffet, including the last trip for a dessert and say to yourself: "I am so full, I wasnt even hungry..why did I do that?"

As best you can, try to allow the intellectual part of your brain to take over and control the primordial part that compels us to eat way past the point of satiation or make us eat food sources that derail our weight loss efforts. Instinctual behaviors can be quite strong but they can be overcome.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

weight loss and negotiations

Do you ever find yourself "negotiating" concerning your food intake? "Well, if I allow myself to eat that high-caloric food source I will do Phase 1 tomorrow." Or something like 'I can have those 3 glasses of wine but I will exercise more tomorrow."

Keeping awareness of your food/drink intake and offsetting derailing behaviors with a response the next day/week is a necessary part of long-term weight loss. There will be many situations where you will be confronted with challenging food sources and if you do not think through these issues, weight is certain to go back on.

I do not think you need to do this on a day-day basis...but as I have mentioned ad nauseum, WRITE your weight down on a clipboard next to your scale once a week and if that weight has gone up, have a PLAN as to what you are going to do to get this down again. We get into the most trouble with weight control when we stop thinking about it. We find ourselves resorting to old behavior problems and this results in weight gain.

Always try to keep on the forefront of your mind why you are choosing to be healthier and happier and implement the necessary steps to make yourself successful.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

weight loss and changing your life

First, I want to thank the people for the very nice comments yesterday....well appreciated!

I want to ask each of you this question: How would your life change if you lost all the weight you want/need to lose?

Would you be healthier and life longer with a higher quality of life? Would you look lots younger? Would you be able to move around easier? Would you rid yourself of medications? Would people treat you differently? Would you have a greater potential for professional advancement? If you are single would your social life improve? If you play sports such as tennis or golf would your game improve? Would you have more energy? Would you fit into some of those very fashionable clothes that are in your closet that you cannot put on?

As yourself these questions and more....and if your crystal ball tells you through these answers that the entire quality of your life will change for the positive, then embrace your efforts to lose weight, look at food sources that would derail your efforts as saboteurs and do what it takes to become happier and healthier. It is an excellent choice to lose weight.

Monday, July 5, 2010

weight loss...."starting and stopping"

It never seems to be a good time to "start a diet"...whether it be a birthday coming up...a vacation trip..business travel etc...it is difficult to find a good time to "start".

As mentioned frequently, losing weight and keeping that weight off is NOT a "diet"..it is a life style change...and it is never easy to find the time to change lifestyle. We build our lifestyle based on many factors...how we were raised, the things that make us comfortable and happy, how we enjoy our leisure time etc. Part of our lifestyle certainly includes how we appraoch our eating behaviors.

It is ALWAYS a great time to start living a lifestyle that will make you healthier AND happier. The day to "start" was yesterday and the day to stop is NEVER...once you lose that weight you will smile lots more. You will have tremendous amount of energy and you will look years younger. All great stuff!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

weight loss and restaurants

I know I have covered this topic but my experience last nite emphasizes this issue: Choose restaurants wisely if you are on a mission to lose weight. I went to a place called the Melting Pot....lots of people raved about it...you cook your own food at your table, their desserts are heavenly etc.

Okay, the famous food critic, Posner, will give you his review: BAD

I always tell my patients if you are going to ingest food or drink sources off of your dietary plan,make sure it is worth it..meaning high quality food...a very ezquisite dessert...a fine wine....not a three musketeers bad, Boones Farm wine or other cheap sources of calories.

Back to this restaurant...cheese appetizer in a pot with bread to put into it....cheese was no better than velvetta.....main course marginal....and then they tout these chocolate molten desserts with marshmellows and other things you dip into the chocolate....once again, I thought it was NOT worth the calories....

Anyway, I know this is only my opinion but I ask all of you to evaluate your choices of restaurants and try to leave off the lost places which are known solely for their high-caloric dishes...choose places that provide high quality protein in a wonderful atmosphere.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

weight loss and holidays

Once again a reminder....you have/are working very hard to lose weight and feel healthier and happier. This weekend will present lots of challenges...every event you will attend will challenge you with food and alcohol choices that will tempt you to stray off your path of winning the battle.

Learning how to celebrate holidays and events without partaking of extraordinary amounts of high caloric food sources is difficult. Being around lots of people drinking alcohol and consuming tremendous amounts of calories and not joining in is very challenging.

At all times, try to remember why it is so important for you to lose weight and stay steadfast in your approach to not allowing in the derailing food choices that place you in an unhealthy situation.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Weight Loss and motivation

"There is no food that will taste as good as your weight loss feels"

I would like to take credit for that line but I lifted off of someone else....but I do like what this points out....Food is an IMMEDIATE gratification that perhaps gives us some sort of instantaneous "high" but then we tend to self-loathe as we gain weight and realize that the instant gratification is not worth the long-term consequences.

When you lose weight, you become healthier, higher self-confidence and self-esteem, look younger, fit into your sexy clothes again and you feel more energy...all of these feel GREAT and in fact MUCH better than the immediate "rush" we get from a food source.

Before ingesting a food source that you know will derail your efforts, think about the line above and repeat to yourself that statement...that food source does not taste nearly as good as the weight loss will feel.


Thursday, July 1, 2010

weight loss and safety

An overweight person's main motivation to lose weighjt is to become healthier. Many people in our program have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc and they were told that weight loss will make these dangerous medical entities either resolve or be much better with weight loss.

It is unsafe to be overweight. Very unsafe. Aside from the diabetes/heart disease risk factors a number of cancers are more highly prevalent in overweight/obese people....breast, gastic, pancreatic and colon to name a few.

When I have new patients enter the program, much of the concern is about its' safety. Even more prominent are other physicians who, when they are approached by a patient about doing our program will tell them that "diet pills are unsafe and I dont know anything about that serotonin and it probbaly doesnt work."

I want to reassure everyone that after 8 years, 10,000-plus patient experience and being a board certified internal medicine doctor for 26 years, it is MUCH SAFER SHORT AND LONG TERM to be in a medically supervised program helping you lose weight than remaining overweight being administered multiple medications for the obesity co-morbidities. When people lose weight , their diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol improve dramatically. Looking at the risk/benefit ration of a weight loss effort under supervision even with prescription anorectic medications, it is not even close...losing weight under these circumstances is MUCH safrer than allowing to remain overweight with the co-morbidities.

So when a physician or self-professed knowledgable friend (lots of them now with the advent of the internet....makes everyone an expert, right?) tries to tell you that a weight loss program is "unsafe", think twice about the veracity of this.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

weight loss and portion control

I was at a restaurant last evening and ordered a veal dish (okay, your doctor was not following his own advice and had a veal parmigiana with pasta). What came out was this huge hunk of veal which could have easily fed three people. I felt compelled to keep eating way past the point of satiation. I finally told myself "Posner, you tell your patients to ask yourself the question: am i still hungry? before eating the next bite. My answer was clearly NO.

Even though most of this was protein, the breading was not and of course, there was some bread brought to the table first and pasta accompanied the veal and I had to try some of that...

The food was great, bountiful and not too over priced....BUT...if I was in a weight losing mode, this would have been a very bad choice of a restaurant.

Choose restaurants that are NOT known for their massive portions. We tend to all like "deals" and places that provide an appetizer, a huge main course, dessert and a side dish for outrageously low prices are very tempting for our stomachs and wallets but not conducive to our weight loss efforts.

Make sure portion control is part of your strategy.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

weight loss and nuts

One of the common misconceptions in "healthy" eating is that nuts are a required element.

When I inform patients that the ingestion of nuts derail weight loss efforts I frequently hear "But THEY say that nuts are GOOD for you." My question at that point is : Who are "THEY"? "They" are probably the same people who told you as a child not to go swimming after you eat because you will develop cramps, drown and die. Honestly, does anyone know a kid that ate , went swimming , developed stomach cramps and died?

The bottom line is that small, repetitive eating food sources such as nuts will derail weight loss efforts. Human nature is such that we do not tend to limit these small food sources such as popcorn, nuts etc and when we start eating these things we tend not to stop.

Eliminating nuts from your dietary intake will help, not hinder your weight loss efforts.

Monday, June 28, 2010

weight loss and the movies

One of the fun parts of going to the movie theater is going to that snack area and making decisions as to what to buy to eat while watching the movie. When you approach the counter the first smell that hits your senses is that popcorn. When you look at the available choices, foirst thing you notice is the incredible rip-off prices being charged for these drinks and snacks...but, we still buy them.especially the popcorn.....and now they have the self-dispensing butter topping.

The calorie count of the popcorn as well as the oversized candy boxes is tremendous. Moreover, we put ourselves in the realm of distracting eating....for hours munching on food sources while engrossed in the movie...a recipe for weight gain disaster.

Eat your meal before going to the movies and make a conscious effort to NOT go near that candy stand. You worked very hard the entire week and you do not want to wasted these efforts with a distracted eating at the movies mode!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

weight loss and holidays

July 4th weekend coming up..for many it is exit stage left for a long weekend at the beach..for others it is neighorhood barbeques...

No matter what are the plans, inevitably they will include events with high-caloric food sources available including alcohol, desserts etc.

You have/are working very hard to get that weight down and become healthier and happier. It is amazingly how easy it is to take a 3 day weekend and really derail your efforts. Watching fireworks and enjoying the love of your friends and family does not necessitate ingesting lots of calories. Learning how to celebrate an occasion and have fun from the need to ingest high caloric food sources is a necessary component of long term weight loss success.

If you do notice after a weekend that the weight has increased, then have a definitive plan as to how you will work very hard the next weeks to get back on track.. Obviously if you need our help we are here for you.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

weight loss and human nature

Last nite at a restaurant in south Florida they had a special before 7PM...$2.95 dollar appetizers if you bought a drink...these appetizers were incredible...little steak sandwhiches, shrimp cocktail, flatbread pizza....all for a minimal amount of money.

I found myself ordering a bunch of appetizers...i wasnt really that hungry but i couldnt resist the "deal"...

Ah..human nature....most of us cannot pass up a deal when it comes to many things including food. If your meal comes with a free dessert, how many of us refuse the dessert even if we are not hungry. If we can upsize a popcorn for a measly 25 cents more, who does not do this?

Companies selling us foods are expert in knowing how to play this part of human nature...we are manipulated all of the time by our human nature desire to get a "deal". When it comes to longterm weight control it is important that we take a step back and evaluate how much of our food intake is based on hunger and how much is based on other factors...including the human nature aspects of our behavioral patterns.

Friday, June 25, 2010

weight loss and maintenance

Yesterday I gave a lecture at a hospital in the Ft Lauderdale area about weight loss, and the speech was for hospital employees. The hospital was having a health education forum.

At the end of my talk many questions were asked about maintenance of weight loss. Actually, it is perceived that the maintenance phase of weight loss is actually more difficult than the weight loss itself. Why?

As much as we tell ourselves there is no "finish line" when it comes to our weight loss efforts, we do tend to perceive an "end" of a "diet". Two major points: for long term success there is no "diet" ..rather, it is a lifestyle change. Secondly, there is no "end"...for longterm success in weight loss there is no end to the planning and lifestyle change.

This should be viewed as reality, not discouragement. Weight loss will make you healthier and happier...sacrificing old lifestyle choices that made you less healthy and less happy should be embraced.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

weight loss and planning

We are used to planning lots of things concerning our day....what time we wake up, what we need to get accomplished at work, who is going to bring the kids to their after school events...etc..lots and lots of planning....

Do we have time to "plan" what we are going to do for dinner if we are out on a business meeting? Time to plan what we will do for a snack in the airport? Do we plan how to get 3-4 exercise sessions in per week?

The long term control of weight requires much planning...you must make the time to plan your meals, plan how you will navigate around difficult days, plan how you can avoid reaching for those food sources that caused you to have weight control issues.

It takes time to plan these things...but taking that time is very important.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

weight loss and exercise

Some really great news! We have aligned the Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program with two trainers in the area. One, Lisa Lutz, is a former Mrs. Virginia and still competes in body building competitions. Lisa is a certified personal trainer and also has an image consulting business. Lisa also happens to be the daughter of Angela Melton, our Nurse Manager.

Lori Zarcone works out of Golds gym locally and she will be offering a free one hour training session for all of our patients. Lori is passionate about helping people lose weight and most certainly exercise is the other end of the equation..calories coming in/calories being burned off.

Incorporating exercise is an important part of a long term weight loss strategy. By no means are we expecting people to run marathons and we understand completely that due to orthopedic limitations/time limitations it may not be possible to do extreme amounts of exercise. However, each of us should attempt to incorporate an exercise program for ourselves that individually makes sense. Please call our office: 703-866-4144 to find out how you can meet one of our trainers and start incorporating an exercise regimen to your lives. Doing so will go a long way in helping you with weight control longterm.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

weight loss and the give up mentality

There are many times when we are tempted to "give up"...throw in the towel....losing weight is too much work...and you can be very diligent for 6 days, take one day and revert to old behaviors and the weight doesnt change a bit...frustration and thoughts of "giving up"...

Always remember the reasons as to why it is so important for you to lose weight...you are making the choice to become healthier and happier....great choices...less medications, higher confidence and self esteem....feeling better about life....

There are days when you feel challenged and perhaps even some despair...when this happens take out the list off things that positively happen when you lose weight and review that list...write that list out if you do not have it already....focus on how positive your life will change when you reach your goals....hop on this blog and read the entries...keep yourself in the "zone". And never give up (hey..isnt that the line from the movie Titanic")

Monday, June 21, 2010

weight loss and the beach

A very popular vacation in this area is to "go to the beach"...no one ever identifies which beach they are going to, just the geenral "beach". Many, rather than taking hotel rooms, rent houses which makes it much more children-friendly. Meals then become under control of the parents. In many cases more than one family unit is cohabitating the house.

For those in charge of meal planning, be very senstivie to the size/weight pf the guests who will be there. If there are a number of overweight adults and children, ensure there are many healthy choices available at each meal. Historically we weel that"beach" food is all about snacks, high carbs, alcohol, desserts etc. There are no rules to this. The waves and water are every bit as fun woithout a stomach full of high-caloric foods.

Plan the meals and be senstive to peoples needs.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

weight loss and image

Yesterday I had a great time watching about 15 of our patients strut the stage wearing some really hot outfits...proud to show off their new bodies...

We have lots of pictures and will send a newsletter to you all with some of the pics...

Each "model" wrote a bit of a biography....including how and why weight became an issue, their motivation to lose the weight and how their lives have changed since the weight loss....it was really cool to hear the experiences....

I guess the "politically correct" answer as to why you want to lose weight revolves around the health benefits....but the body image that changes...to the positive and proud is an amazing byproduct.

Next time a food source appears that you know derails your weight loss efforts, stay steadfast in your desire to feel better, be healthier and have a body image that you are proud to flaunt...not hide...

Friday, June 18, 2010

weight loss and confidence

Okay, one final plug for our event tomorrow....our FIRST ANNUAL SEROTONIN-PLUS FASHION SHOW We are asking for clothes donations that will go to the United Community Ministries...This will be an incredibly fun event...Music, entertainment Posner doing standup...

But most important is the Fashion Show...How cool is this??? People who months ago would BENER have thought about getting up in front of other people are now agreeing to be Models! The new-found confidence of weight loss is allowing these people to strut the stage and show off their new look! PROUD to be seen....

This is what weight loss can help you achieve...Of course, all of the positive health manifestations are incredibly important but the self-confidence and self-esteem boosts that accompany weight loss are profound.

3PM BOBBY MCKEYS PIANO BAR AT THE NATIONAL HARBOR TOMORROW! SEE YOU THERE!!!!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

weight loss and vegetables

Many people share the commonality of not liking/seeking to put vegetables into their food choices. The reasons are pretty obvious...for most people, vegetables are not exactly the best tasting food choices. Face it, if we were made as human beings to be a weight losing specie, we would crave a good piece of carrot as opposed to great slice of chocolate cake. But unfortunately we do not...the carbs are what we crave and the carbs taste best to our palates.

Make it a challenge to proepare vegetables in a way that makes them taste better. For instance, many people love grilled vegetables on the grill....an added taste occurs especially if a small amount of flavoring is added as they cook. There are many creative ways of using vegetables as a staple of your dietary intake...Vegetables are your friends...consumption makes you healthier and happier...the carbs although tasting better ultimately will make you less healthy and less happy.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

weight loss and sabotage

Great comment yesterday....it was in response to my posting about getting attention when we lose weight. The comment was about the fact that some people will almost intentionally try to derail your weight loss efforts by bringing cookies and other high-caloric food sources to the person trying to lose weight. The word used was having to "please" others by succumbing to their gifts of food.

"Pleasing others" has no place in your quest for weight loss. YOU are choosing to become healthier and happier...it is a GREAT choice....Anyone who intentionally tries to derail your efforts has some psychological issues and you have NO obligation to "please" them by eating the cookies or cake that was made especially for you. Politely smile, take the gift, explain that you are trying to become healthier and happier, and you will give their gift to someone who does not have a weight problem. if they are offended, too bad.

Your choice to lose weight is a great one and people around you who attempt to derail these efforts are either not thinking or not caring. In the case of an elderly relative, they just do not understand the ramifications of weight issues and elderly use food to show love. In the case of "friends" it is more likely to be jealousy. In either case, please yourself by sticking to your mission.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

weight loss and attention

When you lose weight this will be noticed by many people....significant other, family members, friends and workplace colleagues/coworkers. Comments will be made and sometimes it is difficult for many to be the center of this "attention". Do you interpret the comments to be jealousy? Do you feel your attention to weight loss demeans the lack of effort of others you know who also have a weight control issue? Do you feel uncomfortable about being noticed?

Obviously some of us love the attention and cannot receive enough compliments about our new look. Others do not feel comfortable about constant comments coming their way,

Your weight loss will be noticed and I would propose that for those of you who do not feel entirely comfortable about this attention, try to think of yourself as an inspiration for others to follow suit. Your weight loss will lessen your chances of serious medical conditions and if your efforts motivate others to emulate you, then you may be saving lives other than your own.

Monday, June 14, 2010

weight loss and books

Good morning....Mondays are probably the least favorite day of the week for most people...coming off a weekend and getting back to work...less time to do things we like to do to relax...we get busy and less time to think about our weight loss efforts as well... That is why I suggest that you take some time on Sunday to plan your week ahead. If you know you have to travel, plan how you will approach the snacks/meals while you are away.. What will you do at the airport? How can you face the challenge of not giving in to the evening cocktails that accompany business dinners? What time can you wake up to use the hotel gym? If the children have a sports event, how will you plan a smart, healthy dinner?

Our book arrived!!! "The Serotonin Solution To Never Dieting Again"

Donna, Julia and I collaborated on this with contributions from the Medical Director of our expansion operations, Dr Laura Balda and also a prominent local GYN physician, Dr Joyce Hair and our Ft lauderdale partner, Dr Araba Sam.

The book discusses many aspects of weight control issues and it is based on reality...not some "hyped" book which professes to have some miracle solution to weight loss. Weight loss is not "dieting"..it is life style changing and behavior modification. Our book will not be a best seller (well, maybe in Burke) but I am very proud of this because it truly is reality based.

We are doing a book signing at our Fashion Show event on Saturday but will be arranging a book signing at the office in the fall. Stop by and pick up a copy if you would like before then.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

The Secret to weight loss

How many times do you see advertised a product, book or some other thing advertised that provides the "secret" to weight loss?

Here is the (not so ) secret: There is NO secret to weight loss!!! It is not rocket science math to figure out that we lose weight when we take in less calories than we burn off. That doesn't sound very secret. There are two ends of this equation and hopefully in your quest to lose weight you are working on both ends of that equation. The proverbial "eat less and exercise more."

Sounds easy but obviously not easy at all. And anything, and i repeat anything that promises to hold some "secret" to weight loss is full of (PG blog here so fill in the blank)

Keep diligent in your efforts to maximize protein and vegetables, minimize those carbs and fruits, keep alcohol to a bare minimum, do not allow snack foods such as peanuts and popcorn to get in and find time to exercise.

There is no secret to this...and beware of spending any money on anything that promises some "secret" shortcut to weight loss.

Friday, June 11, 2010

weight loss and clothes

A very nice byproduct of your weight loss is being able to wear clothes that were previously unable to be worn because they did not fit. Many stylish outfits may have been purchased at a previous weight that now sit in your closet unable to be used...until the weight loss occurs. Many of our patients have noted that this is one of their major motivations to lose weight.

Next week we have our Fashion Show and we are collecting the clothes that do not fit you anymore because of your weight loss. If you have clothes that do not fit you because you have gained weight, do NOT donate those!!! Work hard to get that weight back down and please call on us if you need our help.

Motivations to lose weight are many...health is most certainly the main focus but being able to wear those stylish clothes again is a wonderful psychological boost.

DO NOT FORGET TO MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US SATURDAY JUNE 19, 2010 AT 3 PM AT BOBBY MCKEYS PIANO BAR AT THE HARBOR!!!!!!!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

weight loss and time of year

It is very interesting that people's concentration on their weight loss efforts wax and wane depending on the season. Most certainly, after the Christmas New Years holidays, many people focus on their "New Years Resolution" to lose weight. During the holidays most people are thinking about the holiday events and not concentrating on their efforts.

The early and late spring are very wild months in our office becaiuse many people feel an urgency to lose weight prior to summer/weight loss season. June, with graduations, vacations starting etc is a month of lesser activity.

Take a step back and see whether YOU have a seasonal basis to your weight loss/weight gain cycles and figure out a way to NOT let this seasonal variation occur to you. We have discussed previously the "5 pound rule" meaning that every week, reord your weight and if you ever see 5 pounds cumulatively go back on from when you left our program, come back in for one visit as a "tune-up" Not very costly and will stop the cycle of the weight loss/weight gain. We are also offering a very unique maintenance program that includes free visits so contact us for more details.

Losing weight is very difficult and seasonal contributions can affect your progress. Be cognizant of them and act on them!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

weight loss and hearltand restaurants

Okay, so after I attend the open house at the Iowa clinic I stepped out to a restaurant near the office that the staff recommended....

First thing they piut on the table was a huge plate of buttered rolls, more butter, cole slaw and cottage cheeses..interesting array of food...

Menu of course was chock full of all time favorites...Yes, steaks, chicken and other high protein choices compatible with trying to lose weight but all accompanied by massive stuffed potatoes, mashed potatoes etc....

The choices provided to us in most restaurants are bountiful and tasty..but very challenging to our weight loss efforts. Try to choose restaurants that are more conducive to your efforts. Human nature prompts us to select the restaurants with the best deals...the most food for the money...try to avoid this temptation and choose the places known for their quality, not quantity.

Back to DC tonight....the sky in Iowa is beautiful at sunset...different than our area...there was something kind of magic about it...hmmmm..Posner moving to Iowa??? Laughing....about as much chance for that to happen as Posner retiring....zero to none

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

weight loss and regions

First check out the comments from yesterday..interesting stuff

Second check out the time of this blog...Posner off to the airport...Iowa....Field of Deams?

We are opening a clinic in Des Moines...The plastic surgeon there, Dr Cherny informs me that Iowa has a huge weight control problem. The indigenous foods/eating culture contributes to this in his opinion.

I think all regions of the country have problems but most notably the south which always (dubiously) posts the winners in the most overweight states. As we were all being brought up, many of our eating behaviors were sculpted by our parents and families,

Breaking "traditional" eating behaviors as taught to us growing up is difficult yet necessary of those behaviors lead us to overweight or obese status.

Take a step back and see how you are handling your own family dynamic and what you are imparting on your children and if there are healthier choices to be made, go for those changes.

Okay, O-Dark-Thirty time for the airport... I am hearing a voice ..."Build it and They Will Come"

Monday, June 7, 2010

weight loss and our occupations

A number of people have occupations that would be adversely impacted by weight control issues. For instance, flight attendants need to make their way down that narrow aisle with the service cart. Years ago, I think the airlines would only hire svelte people. I do believe that a number of them were sued for discriminating hiring policies and now it is quite common to see overweight people in this position. Clearly, it seems to be more difficult for the overweight attendants to perform their work. Professional sports players, most notably football players, will be called to task if their weight is higher than it should be. As a physician, especially one involved in a weight loss program, I feel pressure to be a "role model" to some extent and not be overweight. Obviously, other occupations such as modeling, personal trainers and many others would be adversely impacted by weight issues.

No matter what the occupation, I do believe we are all better perceived by our bosses, clients, co-workers when we present a healthier image. Promotions, hiring and other job-related issues although not directly mentioned, will in fact be influenced by some extent by our appearance. This may not be fair, but it is reality. Losing weight will also help us in our professional careers. Yet another bonus of losing weight.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

weight loss: Who are we doing this for?

Controversial subject for a Sunday morning: How much of our decision to lose weight is because of someone else in our lives? Do we sense that our significant other is dissasisfied with our appearnace? Do we feel less appealing to them? Are we afraid that others will capture their attention?

Most of us brazenly state that our reasons for weight loss are solely because we want to be healthier and look better for our own purposes..not to please others. But truly, deep down, most human beings do care about what others think about their looks/physique. We care about our "sex appeal", we care about how our colleagues at work perceive us in all manners, including our physical look and we care about how we look compared to others.

Losing weight does give us a much higher level of self=confidence and self-esteem....and we are perceived differently when we present a healthy look. Losing weight makes us healthier but there are many ancillary benefits!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

weight loss and driving

Many of my Eurpoean patients tell me that they are amazed wuth they come to the United States to see the number of overweight prople here. With French known for their pastires, Germans known for their beer, Italians for their pasta etc., then why is it the case that the obesity epidemic is much worse here in the states?

A few insights were offered: 1- Europeans tend to walk many more places as opposed to driving their cars. They lay out and mass transit ofntheir cities is such that people get much more time to walk places. 2- Portion control: Although, the above mentioned food sources are high-caloric, Europeans tend to very much limit the portion sizes of these items, so although they are being consummed, limitd sizes are the usual.

Perhaps we can all learn from these experiences to alter our approaches and certainly if we can walk somewere as opposed to driving, make that happen.

Friday, June 4, 2010

weight loss and maintenance

I know you have read this before, but I think the point is worthy of another go round: The concept of not perceiving a "finish line" when you are in a mode to lose weight and keep that weight off. As mentioned before, the word we do NOT like to use is the "D" word...DIET....A "diet" implies a start date and an END date...and when we finiish the diet we go back to old behavior patterns. Of course, the old patterns result in weight gain.

Continuing to lose weight past your program visits or the maintenance of your weight if you have achieved your goal weight requires constant vigilance and monitoring. You MUST write that weight down once a week and have a PLAN if you see that number go up. If we have no plan or do not monitor the weight, it is incredibly easy to put back on every pound you lost.

We are certainly here as a resource for you...if the weight goes up a small amount, come in for one visit...we will provide you with the medical jumpstart, refocus you and get you back on track. Many people come back to us having gained back many pounds...they come in embarrassed, which they should NOT be, because we do understand these issues and know how easy it is to slip back into old behaviors.

Keep the awareness and vigilance...and if things slip a bit, come back to us for a quick "tuneup"

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Weight Loss and teh Summer

Good morning....in answer to the question posted by "anonymous" yesterday, please call Jennifer Johns at: 703-866-4144 and she will fill you in on all the details concerning the logistics of the fashion show. We GREATLY appreciate your willingness to participate and you will receive a FREE visit to our program as well as a FREE autographed book that day! Anyone else interested? PLEASE CALL!!! This will be soooo much fun.

Summertime...more daylight, less time in the house, great opportunity to take advantage of this seasonal change by getting in lots more exercise. The warm, more daylight scenario provides the right environment to really kick up the caloric burnoff part of the equation. Always remember that to lose weight, there are two ends of this equation...calories coming in/calories burning off. Most people will also notice that during the warm/hot seasons, appetite is not as high.

In the winter after work, it is dark anmd cold outside. When you get home, the last thing you would think about after dinner is to exercise outside. The inside treadmill is not a fun event. However, going outside with the sun still shining and warm temps provide a great ambient environment and mental state to burn off some of those calories. Taks advantage of this time to enhance your weight loss efforts.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

weight loss and self-esteem

Last night I attended the organizational meeting for our Fashion Show scheduled for June 19, 3PM at Bobby McKeys piano bar at the National Harbor.

Over the past several months we have "talked up" the show/charity event to our patients imploring them to be a part of it. Certainly, this is incredibly outside everyone's box....getting up in front of other people and "being seen" on stage. Thoughts of giving a speech in front of a group terrorize many people even with a subject matter that the speaker is familiar with...getting up in front of people as a "model"? No one has experience at this.

When we do not feel that we look our best, probably the last thing we would want to do is get up in front of other people for fear of negative judgement. Additionally, we are also concerned that we do not "measure up" to others. Losing weight gives us renewed confidence and as a show of this, I really want to applaud the people who have agreed to be a part of our show. I see this as incredibly inspirational to others: "Look at me...even though I may not be at my ideal weight, I am still proud to be seen." Thank you once again to everyone who has agreed to be a part of our show and I want to encourage everyone to attend the show as the cause we are supporting is a great one. Also, perhaps your attendance will work to motivate you even further to keep on track with your efforts to lose weight, become healthier, happier and regain lots of self-esteem.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

I have never done this before but there is a first for everything...I saw a very insightful comment written yesterday and I thought the subject matter and the comment was so interesting, I just copied and pasted it for everyone to see. I want to thank "Anonymous" for taking the time tom write something so insightful..I look forward to hearing others' comments in response to this entry.....
Anonymous said...
Doctor Posner I have a suggestion for a topic: The connection between weight loss and emotional over eating. This is a real problem for losing weight and keeping it of after the weight is lost. Many overweight people have one common character trait – we do not know how to express our anger and frustration. Emotional overeaters are incapable of channeling those emotions toward the appropriate source of the problem. This is very common with women who are raised to be nice – not to get into fights. So we play nice and polite when inside we are raging. Many times I have come out of situations calm as a cucumber and congratulating myself on how cool I was but was I? I refuse to feel my anger and grab a bag of chips instead – and let me explain it is automatic and completely unconscious. I usually become conscious when I am at the bottom of the bag. And then the anger I felt towards that person or that situation now turns into anger and disappointment toward myself. That becomes another reason why I cannot express my anger at other people because in my mind now, what right do I have to be mad at others when I cannot even control what I put in my mouth. So it becomes a vicious circle. That was the first thing I noticed when I started reading your blog. You rage against the diet industry, evil TV shows, etc. etc. I thought to myself…wow tell us how you really feel doc. Some things you say sometimes make me really, really mad too. Like sometimes you seem to imply that all people have to do is say no and control themselves. But you know something lately I have been able to catch myself. That is because I have been reading and doing a lot of research about this problem. And one day when I was particularly mad about some comment you made implying that it was as simple as choosing what you wear in the morning…I realized that I haven’t eaten anything in response to how I was feeling in sometime because I had decided that I was not going to do that anymore. (I decided) As a matter of fact, I had let myself feel pain, sadness, hurt, anger and rage and the world had not come tumbling down. So what was I really defending? The belief that I had no control over eating when I was in emotional upheaval or that there is a possibility that I can develop new skills on how to cope with uncomfortable emotions? That has opened a brand new world of possibility for me. So thank you for challenging and not enabling.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Weight Loss and childrens activities

Biggest health problem in America? Childhood obesity...

What do we bring or align our kids teams with ?? Donut companies and fast food places.

As parents when we are responsible for bringing snacks and drinks are we thinking at all about these childhood obesity epidemic? The answer is that we should.

If you have children at the ages that make us responsible for their eating activities we really do need to show lots of responsibility.

Please do not forget to put June 19, Saturday, 3PM on your calender for our Patient Appreciation Day/Fashion show/Book signing...really fun event scheduled!!!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

weight loss and choices

I just looked at the comment posted to my entry yesterday and this motivated me to talk again about "choices"...everyday we make choices....from what we wear to what we accomplish forst at work to what we are going to do after dinner. Some of these choices are made for us...for instance, a supervisor at work may tell us exactly what needs to be done first. However, most of the choices of our nday are dictated by ourselves.

What we eat and how we decide to exercised are our choices. By initiating a weight loss effort your are choosing to be healthier, look younger, feel better in your clothes, etc. However to get there you need to make choices that involve the forfeiture of high caloric foods, alcohol and old habits. Sometimes choices in life are in fact mutually exclusive...you cannot choose to be at that ideal weight and still choose to have 2 cocktails at night. Something gotta give.

When your choices buck normal human behavior it becomes more difficult Giving up high caloric food sources is not normal human behavior.

Still to the choices that make you feel better about yourself...these are much better long-term choices.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

weight loss and miracle fat removal

Well, here we go again....I was watching a Fox News segment on some "miracle" machine that targets fat and through a cold laser technology emulsifies fat. Any non-medical person would have looked at this segment and come away with the belief that this is a breakthrough technology for fat reduction and weight loss.

We must separate body contouring from weight loss. Liposuction, laser fat emulsification and other similar procedures can perhaps make SOME of the fat appear to be less, but these are NOT weight loss procedures. As a matter of fact, ethically, if a patient is above a certain body weight, liposuction should not be offered to the patient.

Let me reassure everyone that there is NO miracle weight loss fat removal procedure. To lose weight and keep that weight off requires life-style changes and behavior modification. There is no easy way around this.

Shame on Fox News for doing these segments and not having some counter opinion offered to present the reality of the situation.

Friday, May 28, 2010

weight loss and holidays

Memorial Day weekend is here....doesnt it just seem that we were digging out of huge snows???

Okay, the challenge: how to approach a holiday weekend full of barbeques, gatherings, high caloric foods, alcohol abounding etc....

FOCUS on the reasons why you want to lose the weight...those reasons are very important to you...health, clothes, looking younger, self confidence, energy etc....these reasons are very dear to you. Are these reasons more important than the temporary satisfaction we feel eating unhealthy choices? Heck yeah!

Separate the fun of being around your friends and loved ones from the ingestion of high caloric food sources. You can do one without the other.

You are choosing to be healthier, happier, look younger etc...a GREAT choice...do not let old holiday habits derail your efforts.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

weight loss and focus

First, please do not forget to put Saturday, June 19 2010 3PM on your calender....we will have a really fun time at our Charity Fashion Show/Patient Appreciation Day. We are asking people to donate clothes that do not fit anymore. From professional to leisure clothes, your donations will be greatly appreciated. We will provide free snacks, great music, entertainment and of course our Fashion Show. Bobby McJeys at the National Harbor right over the Wilson Bridge near the Gaylord. YOU ALSO GET A FREE VISIT FOR SHOWING UP AND MAKING A CLOTHES DONATION!!!

I want to discuss the word "focus" as this applies to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. The gaining of weight requires no effort or focus whatsoever....basically pay attention to everything/everyone else in your life and you will find the weight going on. To lose weight requires focus...focus on your meal planning, focus on the avoidance of the derailing food sources, focus on scheduling exercise time, etc.

How do we maintain and NOT lose focus? Writing your weight down once a week next to your scale at home will allow you to see the reality of the weight situation...either good or bad. Try to think several times a day about how much better your life would be if you lost the weight you desire. Team up with someone/others who are on a similar mission to become healthier and happier by achieving weight loss. Buy a really great outfit that would look great on you at your desired weight and ha it prominently visible in your closet.

Focus on "you". Do not allow outside forces to make you lose this focus.

Weight loss requires focus

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

weight loss and phentermine

Okay, Posner goes off again. This time it is against the state of Florida. We have a patient visiting there for awhile and we did a virtual phone visit with her and then tried to call a prescription for phentermine into a Florida pharmacy. No go...they wont take it down there. Highly controlled.

Okay, here is the point: Yes, phentermine is an amphetamine...a controlled substance. If abused, it can cause many problems. We are doliong out seven pills at a time...not seventy or seven hundrerd. We are using this medication in an incredibly responsible manner to help people in their efforts to lose weight. What is the nations largest bhealth concern? Amphetamine abuse or obesity? What is the cost to society of people abusing 7 pills of phentermine vs the cost to society of diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, strokes etc?

States, the givernment and insurance companies just dont get it...People need HELP in losing weight and one of the tools that can help jumpstart a persons weight loss efforts is the RESPONSIBLE usage of a prescription anorectic.

Allowing people to jumpstart their efforts motivates the person psychologically. Phentermine is just a part of a program....the other components are just as essential.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Book Signing--Fashion Show-Charity Event

Just a reminder that we have a very special day planned for Saturday, June 19 2010. We are having our Fashion Show for Charity and a book sigining of our new book The Serotonin Solution for Never Dieting Again.

This event will be held at Bobby McKeys Piano bar at the National Harbor and will start at 3PM. We ask that you bring clothes to donate if you have any that do not fit anymore or others that you want to donate. Our Fashion Show part will include patients of ours who have lost a considerabble amount of weight in the program and can now confidently wear something in front of others they never would have worn before.

Great music, free refreshments, and a FREE VISIT if you attend. Mark this date on your calender!!! Call us at 703-866-4144 if you have any questions!

Monday, May 24, 2010

weight loss and the different days of the week

Clearly there are differences in the ability to be resolve in your efforts to reach a happier and healthier weight. Mondays are probably one of the easiest because there are not that many temptations...parties, evening events, happy hours etc.

Obviously the reverse would be the case for the weekends...lots of opportunity to become involved with activities that will derail your weight loss efforts.

Try to identify the different days that do present the most challenge and crafy some strategies to negate the factors from that particular day(s) that will adversely impact on your efforts.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

doctors and weight loss

Flying home now from a convention of aesthetics physicians that was held in Vegas.

So many phyicians in the field of making people look prettier and younger do not do "weight loss" as part of their practices. However, of all the things for doctors to do to help their patients look younger, getting involved with true weight loss is 'A-Number-One". What I mean by "true" weight loss is NOT subjecting people to 500 calorie a day meal plans and injections of chemicals of dubious merit. Shakes, bars and prepackaged foods are not a long-term weight loss solution.

At the convention we met a number of primary care physicians who are doing some aesthetic procedures in their offices. These physicians are coming out of the box from just treating disease states and starting to focus on prevention. Unfortunately insurance companies do not foster this type of attention because they do not pay for it and physicians, in order to stay in business cannot spend time on unreimbursed services....

All physicians should be ionvolved with helping patients lose weight. If we, as a profession , became more involved, some great strides could be made in this national epidemic.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

weight loss and self esteem

There seems to be a direct correlation between weight control and self-esteem. We see this all of the time at our clinic...when someone makes substantial progress on his/her weight loss efforts, there is an astronomical rise on the self-esteem meter.

Of course we all want to lose weight for ourselves. It is usual to hear people say that "I want to lose weight for myself" but in reality, pretty much everyone does care about what other people think about them. When we are not at a weight we feel good at, we tend to also be concerned that others around us do not find us attractive or otherwise look at us with diapproval. The result of this negative cycle is a declining self-esteem.

Losing weight makes us healthier, gets us off of medications for co-morbidities, but there is a very positive effect on self-esteem that makes the weight loss even more rewarding

Friday, May 21, 2010

The Serotonin Solution to Never Dieting Again

Yesterday I saw for the first time the book that we wrote about weight loss. It is entitled: The Serotonin Solution to Never Dieting Again

This book was written by yours truly, Donna Eckenrode and Julia Yescavage. Contributing authors are Laura Balda, M.D., our national expansion Medical Director, Joyce Hair, M.D., a prominent GYN physician in Vienna, VA and Araba Sam, M.D., a prominent OB/GYN physician in our satellite center in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

I had a chance to read the entire book as well yesterday (I am in Las Vegas at a trade show and the choice was to either read our or donate some $$$ to the Las Vegas economy and I chose the former...although I still did some of the latter as well!)

The book is a reality-based book about weight loss. No shenanigans, scams or false hopes. So many books in the weight loss genre are all about the hype...including some cutsy name that always includes the word: DIET

As you have heard from me ad nauseum (thats a great word..makes it sound that you want to puke if you hear it again) weight loss is about life-style changing NOT dieting. The book includes chapters about childhood obesity, african americans and weight issues, exercise, chemical contributions to weight control issues and a number of other topics very pertinent to weight control issues.

We will have a formal book signing event in the near future and will announce this. Until then, feel free to stop by and pick one up....I am of course prejudiced beyond belief about this, but I think it is a really good read. I dont think Oprah will put it on her book club list, but perhaps we can make it to the top ten best sellers in Burke, VA!!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

weight loss and alcohol

I know I deliver this message often but it is such an important ppart of the life style change needed for long term weight loss, I had to bring it up again: Alcohol.

For many people, it is almost ritualistic to have a glass or several glasses of wine before dinner. At the weekend social event, golf course, etc., alcohol almost always seems to accompany the event taking place.

Alcohol derails weight loss efforts. No ifs, ands or buts about it. There is something aside from the caloric content of alcohol that slows down metabolism and adveseely affects weight loss efforts. When patients come in for followup visits and there is no apparant reason why weight was not lost my first question always is about alcohol usage.

We tend to use alcohol as a relaxing agent....it is a legal substance that is relaxing and calming. However, the usa of this will slow down your efforts to lose the weight to become healthier and happier.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

weight loss and protein bars

Recently I have been asked a number of times about the use of protein bars as meal replacements.

First, there are a number of protein bars that are high in carbs and fats..especially the ones touted to be for "energy". These will not be conducive for your weight loss efforts.

Second, we have found that the most successful weight loss efforts occur when people up the amount of "real" protein that is consummed. Obviously, it is much easier to open a wrapper on a bar than cook a hard boiled egg but it is apparent that protein consummed in the form of chicken, turkey, fish, lean red meat etc seems to help weight loss efforts more than the use of "protein bars and shakes".

The loss of weight requires lots of work and planning the real protein intake adds yet another task to your day but the results are worth it!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

weight loss and hope

We hope for many things....health, happiness, financial success, our favorite team to win a championship, a great relationship, etc. Some of the things we hope for are completely out of our hands, some have a partial impact by our actions and others a much more direct relationship to our involvement.

As you are watching your favorite football team, you can wear your lucky jersey, perform your pregame ritual behaviors, which TV you will watch it on, etc, but sorry to say, what you do will not impact the very least on the results of the game.

Turning to health, happiness, personal relationships, there are many things we can do to impact on these. Certainly, maintaining a weight that makes us healthy and happy goes a long way in helping us achieve the things we hope for. When a food source appears that derails your ability to be healthier and happier, think of the concept of your hopes and dreams, and how the healthy weight will help you achieve the things you hope for...is that food source really worth it?

Monday, May 17, 2010

Weight loss and support

From family to friends to work colleagues there are are a number of people in your lives who are in a similar situation of trying to lose weight. Having support of people is incredibly important. From strategizing non-boring menus to organizing morning exercise groups, having support along the way of your journey to health and happiness can be very helpful to achieve your goals.

Do not be afraid to be aggessive in organizing this or apporaching other people who you feel comfortable broaching this subject. Others will have helpful hints for you as you will for them. At times, it is a senstive issue, but something simple as posting a sign or having a segment in a monthly newsletter that goes out to your company...feel free to be aggressive to reach out to others. Not only weill you help yourself, but your friends and colleagues will be helped as well.

Yesterday I was at the beach and saw a group of people exercising together. They seemed to be having great fun. Making exercise time fun or reducing the boredom of sticking to a high protein high vegetable dietary plan can be helped incredibly by having company/support along the way.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

weight loss and empathy

In order to have empathy or understand another's medical issue, do you need to have experienced that problem yourself? If you have never suffered from the pain of a kidney stone, can you understand what that must feel like to have this type of pain? If you have never experienced the loss of a loved one prematurely, is it not possible to understand the grief and depression that accompanies this loss?

When it comes to weight control issues, I am certain that everyone of you have friends who seem to have no difficulty managing their weight. They can drink alcohol, snack on high-caloric foods and otherwise pay little-no attention to their food intake. Can these people understand the struggles that most people have achieving and maintaining a healthy weight? Do you find yourself feeling a bit jealous or upset with them?

As physicians, I do believe we have a better sense of what people go through even if we do not experience these issues ourselves. Treating patients everyday, you get a great feel for the frustrations, control issues, mood contributions and all of the other factors that are involved with weight control.

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most difficult goals for many people. If it wasnt' 68% of America would not be overweight.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

weight loss and relative start of happiness

When we attend parties gatherings of friends/family/events, we tend to eat high-caloric food sources. When we feel sadness we often will reach for high-caloric food sources as some sort of consolation. Why is it that during extreme moods of either direction we still tend to reach for food as a source of treatment?

There is an immediate gratification from the ingestion of a high caloric source. The immediate sugar rise produces a bit of a euphoric feel for some. This of course is quickly followed by the self-loathing sensation thats comes from having given in to the temptation and waylaying your weight loss efforts.

On the happiness side, we tend to celebrate around food sources. This is tradtional...whether it be raing the glass of alcohol to toast someone or eating a celebratory cake, we tend to go high-caloric when we are having fun.

Recognizing the situations and adjusting to these in a smart way will allow you to reach your weight loss goals allowing you to become happier and healthier.

Friday, May 14, 2010

weight loss and control

Check out the comment to yesterdays blog entry....the entry is about "control"...how it seems to be the case that the compulsion to eat or the food itself seems to control us as opposed to us controlling the food intake. Why/how does this happen?

There are many things that occur during the day that are not under our control..from the inclement weather to a traffic jam on our commute to a foul mood of a supervisor..often our entire day is full of things/events that are beyond our control.

One of the few things that really is under our control is the food and liquids we ingest. However, at times, it seems that we lose control of this as well. Due to chemical cravings, psychological issues, etc., we often lose control of the ability to make the right choices to be happier and healthier.

Try as best you can to always remember that YOU are the "boss" when it comes to food sources you ingest. YOU decide to bypass the high-caloric derailing food sources (notice I didnt use the words "sweets, treats or goodies") in favor of something that will be much healthier and allow you to look so much younger and feel so miuch better. YOU can exert control and you will be rewarded for this!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

weight loss and a mission

Good groggy morning...got in from the west coast late last night and I am shaling the cobwebs out to get to that office and start seeing patients.

Thanks to you, our wonderful patients, we have an incredible practice. Daily, we get the chance to help so many great people who are striving to become healthier and happier. Yes, it is a business and we have to be profitable, but the mental "profit" of seeing so many people put smiles back on their faces because of a heightened self-esteem and confidence is amazing.

To be able to expand our program to people outside the DC area is really fun. Weight problems in America are epidemic. Yesterday, I had lots of downtime in the airport and had a great chance to "people watch". First, it is incredible how many obese/overweight people you see walking around. Many have children with them who are also overweight at an incredibly young age. Then you see the eating patterns in the airport. The aforementioned people seem to gravitate to the least healthy eateries in the terminal.

Losing weight is very difficult yet necessary to prolong life and kkeepm us healthy. Somehow in America we have allowed our instinctual part of the brain to override the intelligent part that tells us to be healthy and live longer.

I LOVE being back home and LOVE being in that office seeing you, my patients. As much as it is fun to open up centers elsewhere, my heart resides here in Burke and I just wanted to thank you all once again for allowing me to be a part of your quest for health and happiness.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

weight loss and food combinations

Sorry for the late posting...did i freak everyone out by NOT having something written by 6am??? Laughing...I guess I am an early morning person.....coming back from California now so pardon the late start.,,,

I am at the airport eating and i am noticing that so many food choices appear in combination almost like you MUST have the combo...meaning..cheesze burger AND fries....steak AND mased potatoes...peant butter AND jelly.....macaroni AND cheese...

The point here is that you do NOT have to always do the associated combination food source. Restaurants will be happy to switch the side dish to something else....pick some vegetables with the steak.....do not always feel the need to eat cheese as part of the meal...break up the combination things that make that meak a derailing weight loss ecperience.

Please check out the comment posted to yesterday's entry,..a very well written peice about exersize and weight loss.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

weight loss and "dieting"

I saw the cover design for our new book coming out..The name of the book is "The Serotonin Solution to Never Dieting Again" As you all know from my previous rants, losing weight and keeping that weight off is NOT a matter of "dieting". Every book about weight loss that comes out includes the word "Diet" at the end. When we use the word "Diet" we envision a limited period of time in which we will change our eating behaviors. Often there is a "fad" associated with it...from The Grapfruit Diet to The Cookie Diet....fads mean a radical departure from a normalized dietary intake to something that is not realistic or sustainable.

To lose weight and keep that weight off requires a life style change, NOT a "diet". We all intuitively know this yet we are all searching for the magic "diet" that is easy , allows us to go back to old behaviors when "over, etc. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but no such thing exists. Losing weight and keeping that weight off requires lots of work and behavior modification/life-style changes. We must get rid of the word "Dieting".

Monday, May 10, 2010

weight loss and planning

We plan our days often like a script of a movie...what time we need to awaken, what time we leave for work, what will we will wear, when we will take vacation time, when do we need to visit a family member..etc....we plan lots of things.

Sometimes we do not find ourselves planning our food intake...we make that decision on the fly. It may be a matter of wandering down to the work cafeteria, deciding after our chil'd baseball game what fast food place to drive thru, etc.

One of the elements that is vitally important to long term weight loss is planning what you are going to eat. If you will be in an airport over lunchtime, what places in the terminal will provide you with healthier choices? If you will be home late from attending a child's sports event, what will you provide to you and your family for dinner?

All this requires "planning" and I suggest that on Sunday, take out a piece of paper and plot out your week in advance so you may identify the "challenges" of the week and make your plans to NOT allow these challenges to derail your efforts.

Long tyerm weight loss does require planning and mentating though all the issues, including the busy schedule of yours that would tend to put you back into old eating behaviors.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Weight Loss and Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day! I certainly wish you all a great day. When holidays and recognition days arrive , usually food is part of the occasion. Whether it be the restaurant out or making the meal in the house, a central piece of any holiday is the food part. Well, here comes Posner again trying to "spoil" the day, but I am really not. I just want to point out that if Mom (or if you are "mom" then 'You") have a weight control issues, do NOT make this day about high-caloric food sources. Showing mother love and affection does not require yoo to bring or feed her high caloric food sources. Plenty of hugs, time together and gifts of pictures, or other non-caloric gifts are BETTER than bringing cakes, cookies and other food sources that would harm Mom's weight loss efforts. Do you really want to contribute to elevating the risk factors for heart disease? Think about it: when you bring high-caloric foods to a person who has weight control issues you are hurting them. When you love someone, that is the very last thing you would want to do.

Pleas try to separate a fun family gathering from the need to have everyone eating high-caloric foods. With America being 68% overweight, the effort to become healthier and happier starts with the family unit.

Once again, Happy Mothers Day!

There was a question about clothes donations for our event. Please call Jennifer Johns at: 703-866-4144

Saturday, May 8, 2010

The Serotonin-Plus Fashion Show..FREE VISIT!

Just a reminder that on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 3PM at Bobby McKeys at the National Harbor, Serotonin-Plus is sponsoring a Fashion Show for charity....we are collecting clothes that will help many people who cannot afford them...a motivational day as well for our patients who can now wear something they are proud to be seen in...attesting to the confidence that weight loss can help a person achievc.

We want all of our patients. friends and family to attend and we are offering a FREE visit to any of our patients who show up for the event! A hundred dollar value!!! Please mark this day on the calender. It will be sooo much fun!!!

Friday, May 7, 2010

weight loss and pleasing others

Thanks agian Brown Sugar 722 for the very insightful comments...one of the points was about "pleasing others" when it comes to food intake.

We have all been in the situation of feeling that we want to please, or even not offend a person offering up some high-caloric food sources to us. Whether it be a dinner gathering at a friends or some function involving realtives, we will often have offered up to us some high caloric food source and to say "no" is akin to insulting our relative or guest.

This is something we have to readjust our mindset about.....it is not "selfish" for us to follow a path to health and happiness, and derailing food sources will get in our way as a barrier. Not that you have to get angry at the person, but quite frankly, it is relatively insensitive for the friend or relative to proffer up a hjigh-caloric food source if it is pretty easy to see that weight control may be a problem for us.

Do not feel that you "owe" anyone the need to eat foods that will harm you. Politely say "no thank you".

Thursday, May 6, 2010

weight loss and inspiration

I lovede the comments posted yesterday and would encourage everyone to read these...it was a different viewpoint about reality ashows such as the Biggest Loser....the concept was that the show serves as an inspiration to others.

Being inspired to lose weight and keep that weight off is a great thing. The "inspiration" has potential from coming from without and within. Family members, friends, business colleagues can serve as an inspiration by finding the fortitude to dig down deeply inside and change lifestyle and beahvior patterns to become happier and healthier. Often, the inspiration needs to come from within, meaning that you have to find ways of inspiring yourself, and perhaps watching others who you do not know on a tv show can help this along.

Stay inspired, stay committed and achieve your goals to become happier and healthier. There is no food source that will taste as good as your weight loss will feel.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

weight loss and reality shows

Sorry..I must rant this mornign a bit about "reality" shows that involve people trying to lose weight. What is at all "reality" about someone being filmed and PAID to lose weight?

Here is reality: we all have jobs, families, stress issues, etc...if we find ourselves in a weight control problem, no one is paying us or putting us in front of a camera to lose weight. Reality is that after a long stressful day at work you may have to come home and bring your child to a practice that finishes at 730 pm and you have had no time to even think of preparing dinner. Reality is that you may travel for your work and find yourself at meetings where the only available food choices are sandwiches and chips.

Reality is that to lose weight and keep that weight off a life-style change and behavior modification is required...and reality is that this is difficult to achieve. BUT..if you can do this, you will in fact become healthier and happier.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

weight loss and vacations

I have covered this topic before but feeel that I need to address this again as recently I have seen a number of patients who took vacations that challenged their weight loss efforts.

Clearly "vacation" means relaxing, enjoying yourself and having a good time. Counting every calroie coming is NOT a "fun" activity. Part of the fun of every vacation is partaking of food sources that are different than the "norm".

However, certain vacation choices will derail your weight loss efforts more than others: the "all inclusive" resort which provides as much alcohol as you want for no added charges....a cruise ship where the food is bountiful and you pay nothing extra to attend that glorious midnite buffet....honkey tonk beach trips which place you right on the boardwalk with the wonderful choice for lunch of either a large pizza or cheese fries.

There are so many wonderful places to vacation that would be more compatible with your quest to lose weight or at least maintain while you are gone. Always choose places where you are paying per meal or per drink, NOT included with your price. Choose places where it is less known for its food but more known for the qulaity of the hotel/beach etc.

When you are in a weight losing mode, you can still choose great vacation spots, but not set yourself up for failure on the scale.

Monday, May 3, 2010

weight loss and happiness

Do we feel happier when we lose weight? I think the answer is that when we intentionally lose weight and see the results, a much higher level of happiness occurs...we feel more energy...feel more youthful...feel more attractive to ourselves and others. We come off of medications, less back pains, exercise is easier, compliments from friends and family...all of these make us happier.

Compare that happiness to the happiness that ingestion of a high-caloric food source gives us...the immediate gratification of the food source quickly wears off leaving us self-loathing at times and not happy with ourselves at all.

You know what will make you happier...so pursue that goal of weight loss realizing that there is no doubt at all that the weight loss will make you ultimately much happier than any food source can bring you.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

weight loss and swimsuit season

May is here and Memorial Day will signify the start of the summer season. The country club and community pools open and then we have about 3 months of usage.

For a number of people who are experiencing weight control issues this is somewhat of a traumatic time because of the concern/self-consciousness about being seen in a bathing suit. Weight control problems can be hidden somewhat by the choice of work clothes and evening wear, but when it comes to pool time, a bathing suit will be obviously more "revealing".

Weight loss, as much as we all say, is "for us" but there is a part of every one of us that does in fact have sensitivity to what others think about us...whether it be professioanl achievement or personal appearance, we do care.

For many reasons, it is important to lose weight, the least of which should be what we look like in a swimsuit. Reality? It is important to us.

Yet another motivation for losing weight.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

weight loss and being able to empathize

In your circle of family and friends inevitably there may be one or several people who do NOT struggle with weight control issues. You have seen these people drink alcohol, eat high-caloric food sources and perhaps not exercise. The nature of their metabolism is such that weight control is not an issue.

How do you feel about these people? Do you feel resentment? Jealousy? When you are with them and they are imploring you to join in with the eating/drinking festivities, do you feel angry?

It is a normal human emotion to feel this way at times. "Why me?" with the slow metabolism?

As physicians I do feel we have a responsibility to act as somewhat of a "role model" for our patients..i.e. not smoking, trying to maintain a reasonable body weight etc.

Try to NOT feel resentment at people in your world who have no weight control issues but at the same time kindly reinforce to them that you are on a weight control mission and need their help...not their sabotage!

Friday, April 30, 2010

weight loss and challenging yourself

First, to my well-wishers thank you very very much for the very kind comments...especially Heather...a very wonderful thing for me to start the morning was reading your comment.

Challenging yourself...this is something that makes us attain better things in our lives...from challenging yourself to perform better in school to challenging yourself to read more to challenging yourself to work harder than others...all of these make us more fulfilled and probably more admirted both self and others...

Challenge yourself to become healthier....it is no challenge to succumb to eating high caloric food sources when others are as well...it is no challenge to drink cocktails when everyone around is imbibing...it is no challenge to remain in bed rather than getting up to exercise....

Challenge yourself to reach your weight loss goals to become happier and healthier

Thursday, April 29, 2010

weight loss and age

Okay...kind of a sensitive issue for me as I turned a year older yesterday, but a few words about the "aging process" as this relates to weight control.

Entering college at 17, i was 155 pounds and ate easily about three times the amount of calories I do now. I did not exercise everyday back then and now, age 54, I exercise daily, eat much less calories and weight 20 pounds more than I did in college.

As we get older we all notice that metabolism slowdown and in order to maintain weight control, we must adjust our eating to account for this. Women get especially hit with this issue, as their metabolism slowdown, in most cases, is much more pronounced then men.

Sometimes we have new patients who come in that state they want to get back to their college weight. This is not a realistic goal in most cases because of the aforementioned metabolism changes.

As time moves forward, to maintain weight control we actually need to be slightly more aggressive each year on our portion control to account for these metabolism issues.

And for those of you wondering, 54 is the new 53...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

weight loss and ability to exercise

First, thanks MM for the very nice note and the inspirational thought to everyone that one of the great by-products of weight loss is being able to move around better...from being able to get in and out of a sitting position, to fitting into an airline seat to manipulating thru a busy convention floor to being able to run 5K, 10K or even marathons: weight loss is incredibly effective in achieving these...

Being able to exercise more/longer further contributes to the positive cycle as being able to do more allows fofr more caloric burnoff which in turn causes more weight loss. Quite frankly, at a high weight, the thought of exercise is abhorrent in many cases because it is very difficult...but weight loss causes the exercise to become easier.

Schedule that exercise time...3-4 times a week...the more you do, the more weight loss you achieve and the happier and healthier you will become!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

weight loss and aesthetics

First a funny side note....yesterday i had horrible laryngitis...couldnt speak..had to whisper to everyone....the funny part is that people would whisper back at me....So yesterday I provided the sequel to Redford's Horse Whisperer..I was the Patient Whisperer....

We had a booth at an aesthetic convention here at the Gaylord hotel over the past several days. The conference was for plastic surgeons and other aesthetic physicians whose practices are focused on making people look younger, healthier and more appealing.

We were the only weight loss opportunity on the show floor....there were more liposuction machines, vaginoplasty tools, laser machines than you can count. Of all the things that make people look younger and healthier weight loss is A-Number 1, yet, Serotonin-Plus USA was the only company imploring physicians around the country to focus on helping patients lose weight.

Sucking out fat and lasering hair off does not make a patient lessen their risk of weight related co-morbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, pancreatic, breast , and colon cancer etc. Yes,, these procedures can make a person look better physically but does nothing for the internal organs.

Anyway, just an observation...the medical profession does need to get involved more with helping Americans lose weight and I am proud that Serotonin-Plus USA is getting the message out there.

Monday, April 26, 2010

weight loss and routines

Many people are very routinized in their daily activities....awake the same time, eat a certain type of breakfast, put on the same news show, drive the saame route, answer e-mails the same time, etc...The entire day is almost scripted out the same way to a large extent. Changing this routine is difficult from a practical standpoint, as there are only so many hours in the day and if things are added on, then time needs to be subtracted from other routinized activities.

Okay..you know where I am going with this: Exercise...if your routine does not include daily or every other day exercise, it is very difficult to incorporate this. Now, if you knew you could get a free massage 4 times a week for an hour, chances would be pretty good that you would figure out a way to alter your routine to allow for the one hour 4 times a week. Exercise? we will often find lots of reasons (well, more like excuses) as to why you cannot break the current routine to find the time for exercise.

Whether it be a routine of excluding exercise or a routine of snacking on some high-caloric food at nite, examine your routinized behaviors and see what you can do to change things up to allow for your pursuit and reach of your weight loss goals.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

weight loss and confidence

Over the past several months I have had several new patients enter the program and their major motivation was the fact that they were trying to get back into the workforce after having been previously laid off and they felt they would be seen more favorably at a healthier weight.

When we look our best, we all tend to have a heightened confidence level that translates into carrying ourselves more confidently. Whether it be interviewing for a job, trying to get a promotion at work or even on the personal front of seeking a relationship, when we are able to reach and maintain a healthy/confident weight, many apsects of our lives will improve.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

weight loss and clothes

Certainly one of the fun byproducts of your weight loss is being able to go into that closet and start wearing outfits again that did not fit previously. When I query patients as to why weight loss is important to hem, aside from the health benefits and reduction of comorbidities, women more frequently than mn will identify clothes concerns as a major reason.

Confidence and self esteem rise as we lose weight, and this transforms into the ability to wear clothes that "show us off" as opposed to clothes that "hide". We all have favorite clothing items that just look better when we are able to wear them at a healthier weight.

Looking younger and being able to wear the more fashionable form fitting clothes is another positive byproduct of your weight loss efforts.

And....do not forget...JUNE 19, SATURDAY 3PM is our Serotonin-Plus Fashion Show..brng those clothes that do not fit you anymore because of that great weight lossand donate them to a great cause.

Friday, April 23, 2010

weight loss and decisions

We make many decisions daily..from the clothes we will wear to the rote we will take to our destination....we make many many decisions everyday....some of those decisions will impact our health and we tend to usually make decisions that will not place us in harm's way....for instance, we would not stand too close to the edge of a cliff....we would not put ourselves in front of ongoing traffic.....then why do we make decisions that put us in harms way as this relates to eating decisions? The answer can be found I believe in the instinctual nature of humans...we are geared to eat high calories and to not do so requires the intellectual part of our brain to rise above the instinctual part.....

Take a step back and try to allow your decision making as this relates to food intake be in lign with all of your other decisions you make to keep you healthier.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

weight loss and the medical profession

Okay, today I need to vent a bit about a subject that really annoys me sometimes...and that is the approach that some of my collegaues have to helping their patients lose weight. Yesterday I saw in followup a patient who entered our program last week and she had an abnormal EKG. I did not prescribe phentermine, recommended that she have further cardiac workup but I did start the serotonin and Phase 1 of our dietary plan, neither of which would adversely affect any potential heart issue.

The patient went to her primary care physician to initiate the work up and right off the bat, the guy tells her the serotonin is not safe and she should stop the program entirely. The patient of course was perplexed and confused because she has one physician (me) telling her its okay to sytart the supplement and Phase 1 and her own doctor tells her it is dangerous.

This is not an isolated case....all along the way over these past 8 years, when I do a consultation about our program and the patient tells me that he/she needs to go back to their own doctor to get their opinion, I laugh to myself because I know there is no way that patient ever comes back. Why? Because upon hearing about the elements of our program, most (not all, as we do ahve a number of referring doctors who "get it") doctors will tell their patients 'Phentermine is not safe and neither is that serotonin". These same physicians do NOTHING to help their own patients lose weight, and if they did, then we wouldnt have their patients coming through our doors to either sytart our program or find out more about it. A doctor handing out a 1200 calories diet sheet and telling their patients to "eat less and exercise more" is not obviously a time-tested effective measure.

I guess like any other profession, physicians will be "territorial" about their patients and not want them going to any other doctor for "help" unless they do the referring themselves. I guess it is a bit of a slap in the face when a patient has to look elsewhere for help that could be provided by their own physician. The same physicians who are prescribing boat loads of blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetic pills etc. to their overweight patients are fearful about a supervised weight loss program where patients are being monitored weekly? Give me a break.

I strongly believe that we, as physicians, need to play a more active role in weight loss efforts for our patients rather than nay-saying others efforts.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

weight loss and fod availability

I know we have covered this topic before but yesterday I saw several patients who voiced similar complaints and I felt this was worthy of discussion again: The concept of having food sources around the house that would be tempting and would most certainly derail weight loss efforts. The patients themselves were not purchasing and placing these challenging items in the house...rather, the spouses were doing this.

I recommend that when you are in a weight loss mode, talk to everyone around the household and ask for their support. Part of this support is NOT having challenging food/snack items out in the usual, open places. You are not asking them to not partake of these food sources themsselves, but rather that they not be in eye's view for you. When it comes to freezer items such as ice cream it is difficult to not have this visible. However, if it is the case that other members of the household have weight control issues, it is not unreasonable to just keep those food sources out of the house completely.

Working with the entire family unit and asking for their support to allow you to become healthier and happier can be very helpful with achieving these long term goals.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

weight loss and old behaviors

I had a medical patient come in last night who was "fired" by his endocrinologist because the doctor was really upset at the patient for not doing self-home glucose monitoring. The patient has pretty poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and is morbidly obese. Previous attempts at weight loss, including our program, failed to achieve significant weight loss for him.

I had not seen him in awhile, as his diabetic care was being taken care of by the endocrinologist. We started discussing some of the issues involved with his poor compliance with self monitoring and it became apparent that he has a pattern of behaviors that are "routine"...skipping of breakfast..snacking on carbs...not focusing on a high proterin high vegetable/low carb low fruit intake...no exercise etc. Clearly the behavior patterns are fixed and unwavering. Obviously I tried to convince him that this behavior pattern, as comfortable as this is for him, will most certainly either prematurely kill or maim him.

If you are in a weight losing mode, I would ask you to examine your own "routine behavior" patterns and take a step back and explore which of these behaviors may hurt you, and then make a conscience effort to change that behavior permanently. This is not an easy task, but a neccesary one to become happier and healthier.

Monday, April 19, 2010

weight loss and resolve

When it comes down to it, being able to lose weight and maintain that weight loss requires lots of resolve on your part. The path between your current weight and the weight that would make you the most healthy and happy is a treacherous path. The example I give is like walking a tightrope on your journey. At almost every step of the way, there will be external forces and internal forces trying to knock you off the tightrope. Externally: well-intentioned friends or family members who implore you to eat food sources that will derail your efforts .."Oh come on, you look great,....you are getting too skinny....a little bit cant hurt you..." Internally: old instinctual and learned behavior patterns that make us want to reward ourselves with food sources.

You must have the resolve to "stay the course" and keep walking along that tightrope..do not allow the external and internal forces to sabotage your efforts. The pot at the end of that rainbow is a great one...being healthier, looking younger, having more energy, wearing those clothes you want to wear etc.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

weight loss...men vs. women

We often have husband/wife teams come into our program at the same time and there is often much frustration on the woman's part as to how fast the man loses weight compared to the female. Clearly there is a marked metabolism difference (in most cases) in men vs women in that the male seems to be able to consume many more calories and still exhibit heightened weight loss.

Men have more muscle mass and as muscle burns more calories than fat, this plays a large role in the differences noted. The androgen vs estrogen difference also results in a different metabolic rate, with androgens (testosterone) producing a heightened muscle development and inherent metabolism difference.

I try hard to alleviate the frustration (sometimes it is downright anger!) by explaining these differences to the couple and reassuring the female partner that weight loss is not a "race'....we all will lose weight at different rates, even eating the same exact amount of calories/portions. Adhering to a high protein/high vegetable-low carb/low fat strategy will allow the weight to come off briskly even for females. No competition!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

weight loss and ease of movement.

From the bending down to put on shoes and socks to the movement onto a exam table to walking down an airplane aisle, moving is most definitiely impacted by the weight status. I have many patients tell me that when subtsnatial weight loss occurs, one of the better by-products of this weight loss has been their ability to move around much more easily and gracefully.

When the weight loss occurs in our program, we notice the weight coming off all areas, including the hips,butt and legas which make it easier to ambulate and to deftly move through tighter areas.

Yet another wonderful aspect of weight loss!

Friday, April 16, 2010

weight loss and soft drinks

Yesterday I saw a fullpage ad in the Washington Post showing the major soft drink companies moving sugar-free drinks into the schools replacing the current selection of sugar-containing beverages. This was a joint ad by the Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Dr Pepper companies. They were showing their responsibility as this relates to making decisions for school age people as opposed to allowing them the choice of the sugar-filled drinks.

As parents or spouses, sonsider the same repsonsibility: If you are doing the shopping for the household, do not allow those sugar filled drinks into your residence if you have any people with weight control issues living with you. Childhood obesity and adult obesity are the two most major health concerns in this country. Eliminating sugar containing drinks is a relatively easy way of ridding pounds without much effort. Personally, I lost 19 pounds 17 years ago by just getting rid of those cokes.

At the store, make your selections for your family healthy and responsible ones.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

weight loss and happiness

First: to the issue of white wine and cooking.....once a week does not sound like a derailing event...sipping out of the glass nightly will!

Okay...to the subject this morning...does your weight loss bring a heightened level of happiness?

I suppose I do not see the entire cross section of overweight Amerifcans because by definition, people coming to our clinic are not happy with their weight and that is why they are taking time, effort and spending $$$ to have us help them in their quest. One great outcome of watching people lose weight over a three month period is observing just how much energy and happiness they exude over the course of the program.

For many, being overweight carries along with it medical co-morbiditiess requiring meds and doctor visits, unhappiness with the appearance, lower energy levels, low self-esteem and confidence etc. As the weight comes down, all of these issues improve and all told, the general level of "happiness" improves greatly.

So I do suppose for many weight loss increases levels of happiness. Short term a high-caloric food source may bring a brief moment of elation, but for the long term, weight loss kicks ass on a piece of chocolate!