Several options for weight loss

Obesity is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide.

"Obesity is a multifaceted problem with physical, psychological, and societal dimensions," says Dr. Jacob Mirman. "In recent years, discussions around obesity have intersected with the concept of political correctness. Some argue that addressing obesity as a health concern is stigmatizing and perpetuates harmful stereotypes."

"I believe it is essential to recognize that obesity has severe health implications, including chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy. In this article, we will explore the relationship between obesity, the related health aspects and the behavioral/historic reasons behind it."

The health impact of obesity

Obesity is associated with several chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, orthopedic problems (back and knee pain and several others), liver failure and certain cancers. Research consistently shows that excess weight dramatically shortens life expectancy.

Metabolic syndrome: understanding the link

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that often occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer. These conditions include:

• Increased Blood Pressure: Hypertension is a common feature of metabolic syndrome.
• Insulin resistance causing high blood sugar: Elevated blood glucose levels contribute to insulin resistance.
• Excess body fat around the waist: Abdominal obesity is a key component.
• Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels: Dyslipidemia is prevalent in metabolic syndrome.

Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications. It is crucial to address these risk factors through lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and weight management.

Political correctness is now a much talked about issue associated with obesity

Why do we get fat? If we look way back in history the explanation is fairly simple. Ability to eat more than one needs at the moment carried significant evolutionary advantage. Think of our forbearers a few thousand years ago. They would kill something big, then gorge on it until they couldn’t eat any more.

A kill like this would not happen every day, and those who could eat more and store it in their fat cells had a much higher probability of surviving until the next kill than those without such capability. We are, in effect, offspring of these historic survivors, and so carry their ability to eat a lot in our genes.

This little mistake of nature didn’t matter until just a few decades ago. Nature (evolution) does not really care about what happens to us after we’ve procreated; it does not care if we die early after that. The fat genes are passed on unencumbered. So we eat!

We eat more now because calories are getting cheaper and cheaper, especially in this country which is cursed with the abundance of cheap calories. Most new immigrants to the US gain 20-30lb in the first year or two of coming here? Why? It’s cheap!!!

Coming from most anywhere outside North America, it is very hard to stop eating in an all-you-can-eat buffet! You don’t find this sort of excessive eating anywhere else in the world. Of course, abundance of cheap processed food in the supermarket does not help matters.

Luckily there are several ways to reverse this little mistake of nature that we now call obesity. It is very clear that weight loss stops and reverses many of the problems associated with metabolic syndrome. For a significant number of people their cholesterol and triglyceride levels come down along with blood pressure and blood sugar. Changing eating behavior is an important factor in losing weight.

Weight loss methods: a comprehensive approach

"As a dedicated healthcare professional, I am committed to helping my overweight patients in their weight loss journey," says Dr. Mirman. "Several methods are available towards this goal."

1. Assisted dieting (e.g., Weight Watchers): Structured diet programs provide guidance, accountability, and community support. They emphasize portion control, balanced nutrition, and behavioral changes.
2. Medications (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy and others): Originally approved for managing blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes, these drugs have been found to promote weight loss. They work by suppressing appetite and improving insulin sensitivity 2 They lead to an average 15% weight loss in adults and a 16.1% decrease in body mass index (BMI) in children 3.
3. Neuro Research Protocol: NRP involves natural, drug-free supplements that act as potent appetite suppressants. It works well, has less side effects than the drugs and is cheaper, unless the drugs are covered by health insurance. I have used this method myself and have controlled my weight for many years. I have also had patients that have raved about its efficacy. Click to learn more: NeuroResearch Protocol,
4. Bariatric Surgery: For severe obesity, surgical interventions like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy may be considered. These procedures alter the digestive system to limit food intake and promote weight loss. This approach should be used only if all else fails.

CONCLUSION

Balancing discussions about obesity with history and behavior is essential. While it is not effective or kind to “body shame” people who suffer from obesity, it is still very important to keep addressing the negative health implications.