So, you’re finally getting the hang of this “college student” thing. You’ve grown quite used to scrambling out of bed for your 8 a.m. Econ lecture, scoping out the quiet spots in the library and regrettably, taking your mom’s healthy home-cooked meals for granted. Amidst the overwhelming array of all-you-can-eat options and aroma of freshly … Continue reading 15 ways to fend off the “Freshman 15”
As a primary care physician, I get asked at least twice each week what I think about the ketogenic diet — does it really work? The short answer is yes, it works for some. The long answer is more complicated. Keep in mind, if you have any medical problems, especially chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high … Continue reading How to know if the keto diet is right for you
Weight loss is challenging. While we all want to find that magic fat-burning strategy that allows weight loss with unlimited calorie intake, that is just not realistic. To achieve a healthy weight, the secret is fueling for performance and getting better mileage out of each calorie we consume. Why do we eat? The answer should … Continue reading Weight loss: How to get better mileage from your meals
With spring here and summer just around the corner, it’s the time of year when many start thinking about shedding those holiday pounds. But when it comes to losing weight, there are quite a few myths and misconceptions. As a physician, I believe the most important thing about losing weight is making sure you’re doing … Continue reading Demystifying weight loss myths and misconceptions
Joint pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain. Many people experience aching joints, especially in the knees or hips, and assume it’s a natural part of aging. But there may be an underlying cause — your weight. Think of your body like a car. Over time, the tires on your car … Continue reading Why your weight matters when it comes to hip and knee pain
As most of us know, obesity is linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. But that’s not all. Studies have found that excess weight can be linked to many other harmful health issues, as well. Here are the four leading health issues that can develop as a result of obesity and how they … Continue reading Obesity and its harmful side effects
The holidays are over and you’re left with some presents, a lot of dishes and most likely a few extra pounds. So, how can you lose those holiday pounds? One solution is more exercise. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health looked at how many calories the average American woman burns … Continue reading How to shed the holiday weight
For many people, weight loss can be a challenge. But the even greater struggle can be keeping off the weight you lose. A recent story in the New York Times profiled former reality TV contestants from ‘The Biggest Loser,’ describing how despite their intensive weight loss during the season, most have struggled to maintain a … Continue reading After weight loss on ‘Biggest Loser’, war with metabolism rages on
For a 57-year-old Ovilla man, playing the role of Saint Nick every winter was once his license to be rotund year-round. It was OK to be obese, “because I was Santa and Santa is supposed to be fat,” said “Santa” Chuck Lee, as he prefers to be known. But at 5-feet-8-inches tall, 290 pounds and … Continue reading No more fat Santa, says Claus with surprising message
Complications secondary to diabetes can be devastating. The good news is that you can make a big impact on preventing those complications by doing three things: reduce your hemoglobin A1c (Hgb A1c) level, reduce body weight and increase exercise. Long-term diabetes complications are directly correlated to elevated blood glucose levels. Ideally, your diabetes managing physician … Continue reading Diabetes complications and how to reduce them
