The Problem With Weight Loss

Why is it so hard to lose weight? Actually, the better question is: why is it so hard to keep the weight off?  For most people, this is the true challenge. Chances are that if you have struggled with weight issues for a long time, you have tried multiple diets. Some of them are reasonable, but some are so unconventional you may question how the idea came about in the first place. 

The fact is, most “diets” work because they cause you to be intentional about what and how you eat. You are changing your behavior. However, after a period of time, the weight usually comes back despite your best intentions, and this can be extremely frustrating. 

As an internal medicine doctor, I have seen over and over the struggle that patients have while trying to improve their health. I wanted to understand what was happening in our bodies, and what we can do to help people overcome these barriers. I wanted to be able to give concrete advice backed by science about what is effective and what is not.  

I researched, studied the evidence, and talked to experts in this field. In doing so, I discovered that it is a complex issue with many factors, including our nutrition, sleep, biology of weight regulation, gut bacteria, metabolism, medications, highly addictive food, and so much more. It is not just a matter of “eat less and exercise more.” That is much too simplistic, and does a disservice to those who are doing just that without seeing results.

There have been incredible advances in the medical field and state-of-the-art treatments, but the obesity problem only seems to be getting worse. We need to treat it, but we also need to prevent it so our children don’t suffer in the same way. I have learned a lot and have applied my knowledge in my own life. After seeing the benefits, I want to empower people with the know-how to help them to make lasting, healthy changes.