Ask The Experts

How Important Your Metabolism is in Weight Loss

A recent New York Times article titled After ‘The Biggest Loser,’ Their Bodies Fought to Regain Weight explained why many struggle to keep off weight lost.1 The article explains that someone who deliberately loses weight will have a slower metabolism once they stop dieting. Therefore, researchers were not surprised to see that contestants from ‘The Biggest Loser’ had slow metabolisms once the show ended and had a difficult time keeping weight off. Weight loss is accompanied by a slowing of one’s resting metabolic rate (RMR). This phenomenon is called ‘metabolic adaptation” or ‘adaptive thermogenesis’ and it acts to counter weight loss and contributes to weight regain.2

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Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents: What you want to know.

Adolescents have unique physical and psychosocial issues related to obesity and require special care. It is often difficult for these adolescents to manage their nutritional needs, exercise, school and their mental health. Recently there have more opportunities for adolescents with severe obesity (over 300lbs) that meet specific criteria, and continuously struggle with their weight to have special weight loss surgery( Read the latest review).

The first approach is the holistic method, which is what we are LLLR strive to give our youth, but if we find they are really struggling and are committed to their weight loss, we are evaluating them to see if weight loss surgery is a safe option for them. It is not a quick fix but if adequately prepared with family support the adolescent can lose a significant amount of weight over a period of one to two years with improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep apnea and diabetes.

Our LLLR team can evaluate, prepare and refer adolescents with severe obesity that may require weight loss surgery. Columbia Presbyterian and Brookdale offer informational sessions that can be arranged for adolescents meeting the criteria and the surgery is covered by insurance. Live Light Live Right will be offering group sessions with peer support from patients that have had the surgery with great success.

These adolescents can share their experience of what to expert during the total process. If you would like to find out more please contact Dr. Dhuper’s office at 718-240-5857 to set up an appointment for further evaluation.

What is Insulin resistance and how does it contribute to obesity?

Sarita Dhuper, MD, FACC, Founder and Executive Director, Live Light Live Right

Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas by a group of cells called Beta cells. When we eat carbohydrates—sugars and starches found in many foods they finally convert into glucose that enters the bloodstream. With the help of insulin, cells throughout the body absorb glucose and use it for energy. Insulin helps muscle, fat, and liver cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, lowering blood glucose levels and when there is excess it stores it in the form of glycogen in the liver.

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Ask The Experts: What do you know about weight bias?

Dr. Barry Panzer, Ph.D, ACSW, BCD
Mental Health Consultant, Live Light Live Right

Overweight and obesity in childhood can be the first step in the development of diabetes, heart disease and other serious adult health problems. However, weight bias – the emotional and sometimes physical mistreatment due to excess weight – can begin early and last a lifetime. Teasing, name calling, exclusion form athletic and social activities by peers and physical bullying have been regarded as the main cause of psychological and social problems in children with obesity. Continue reading →