I recently saw a patient who weighed about 280 pounds, at least 100 pounds overweight who was on chronic renal dialysis. When I asked why he had end stage kidney failure requiring dialysis I expected to hear about obesity related diabetes having destroyed his kidneys. But I was surprised to learn that it was because of hypertension. I was surprised because most hypertension can be controlled and managed with effective blood pressure medication. I asked why his condition, whic

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a popular and trendy program now in fashion for weight loss. A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported on the benefits and risks from using IF for weight loss and as a help for managing type 2 diabetes. IF is defined as “ time restricted feeding” or fasting on alternative days or during 1-4 days of the week, with only water, juice, or bone broth and no more than 700 calories on fasting days”. But to date, IF, e

There is some new clinical research on the long-term effects of COVID infection. Some of the ‘long haul’ post infection complications have been documented as brain function complications such as ‘brain fog’ decreased memory, decreased cognitive ability and long-lasting fatigue and muscle weakness. Now some new clinical research, as was presented in the medical journal The Lancet, reports that a new post COVID infection complication is an increased association with new cases o

To lose weight most individuals know what to do, but don’t do it. Clinical studies show that the person’s lifestyle eating behavior is just as important, if not more so, than the type and amount of food eaten. Fat, protein. carbohydrate, and alcohol calories all matter and all count, a diet of one type is, in the long run, no better than a diet emphasizing another type. Research clinical studies repeatedly show that all diets work when you stay on them and all diets fail when

A patient recently asked me about a supplement currently being advertised on TV that is supposed to reduce insulin resistance by reducing superficial fat, the fat just under the abdominal skin. Unfortunately, like so many health and wellness products advertised on TV, this information is incorrect, misleading, confusing and intended to profit themselves rather than help you. The reality is that there is a deeper layer of fat beneath this superficial fat, known as visceral fat

Recently I was discussing with an oncologist the prognosis of an overweight patient whose cancer had returned. Our discussion concerned the role excess fat has on cancer cells and their growth. While it has been known for some time that the overweight condition predisposes to an increased risk for several forms of cancer, the exact mechanism is unknown. However, the oncologist whose research is studying cancer cell growth found that cancer cells need glucose for their metabol

Recent news reports suggest weight loss through dieting by calorie restriction is a not a productive way for individuals to lose weight and keep it off. I don’t think this anti-dieting idea helps individuals who want to understand how to lose weight. Calories, be they fat, protein, carbohydrate, or alcohol all matter and all count. This concept suggests that because the emphasis of many diets is mainly on calories and not on various underlying emotional and/or psychological f

A patient who wanted to start the New Year off with a new weight loss program but was confused about the types of carbohydrates to avoid asked the following questions: 1) What types of carbohydrates should I avoid? - avoid refined simple sugar carbohydrates which are heavily concentrated in foods such as cakes, cookies, candies, baked goods, breads, pasta, ice cream, potatoes, regular sodas and fruit and coffee drinks that are heavily sweetened with regular sugar, and alcohol

If sugar isn’t addicting then why do so many individuals want it, like it, use it and even crave it? Is it a physiological need or a psychological drive that promotes its use? It is well known that when individuals are under stress, especially chronic stress, they have an increased desire for and the consumption of palatable comfort foods that are high in refined sugars. This response, of coping with distressing emotional upsets with increased refined sugar consumption is a m

While everyone is tired, worn and frustrated with hearing about COVID, with the appearance of the new Omicron variant my earlier blog is...

The research on this question is still being debated but without a clear answer, yet it continues with a lot of emotion and frustration....

While more than 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese, many individuals are just as concerned about maintaining a healthy...

Sometimes the sensation of hunger is not the same as the desire for food because thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Many individuals...

Mirror, mirror on the wall how can I become so small and be seen as thin and tall. What’s the best diet for me so I’m thinner for all to...

To lose weight most individuals know what to do, but do not do it. Clinical studies show that the person’s lifestyle eating behavior is...

As the holiday season approaches many individuals look towards a hopeful future, while also reflecting and remembering the happiness of...

New research studies point out that weight loss presents a different set of biologic difficulties than that for achieving long term...

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, rather than a time for taking without giving thanks. Sharing a meal with family and friends...

The rates of obesity are continuing to increase at an alarming rate. Recent public health studies report a rate approaching 40% of adults...

It is reported that by 2030 in the United States nearly 50% of adults are projected to be obese, and about 25% of those individuals will...