Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

Turning to food for comfort is a common habit, but emotional eating often leaves us feeling emptier than before. In this episode, I discuss emotional eating, where stress and other emotions drive us to food for comfort rather than actual hunger. Emotional eating is reinforced by biological responses like the release of cortisol and dopamine, creating a cycle of eating to soothe emotions. To manage...

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health—and often, the two are more connected than we realize. In this episode I emphasize the link between mental health and weight loss. I explain how stress, anxiety, and burnout can raise cortisol levels, leading to weight gain and emotional eating. Also, I offer practical tips for busy individuals, like setting small goals, practicing se...

Did you know that the hormone responsible for regulating your reproductive system also plays a major role in how your body manages weight? In this episode, I discuss the role of estrogen in weight management. I explain how estrogen, a hormone essential for regulating reproductive functions, also influences fat storage, metabolism, appetite, and muscle maintenance. I also cover how estrogen fluctua...

Ever wonder why you feel hungry or full? Two key hormones—leptin and ghrelin—might be the reason. In this episode, I discuss the roles of leptin and ghrelin in controlling hunger and weight. Leptin signals when you're full, while ghrelin triggers hunger. Also, factors like stress, sleep, and diet can disrupt these hormones, leading to overeating and weight gain. Although there's no direct treatmen...

Are you finding it hard to lose weight, no matter what you do? It could be your thyroid! In this episode, we're going to talk about how this small gland in your neck can affect your weight and make it harder to lose. I'll break down how thyroid hormones work, and how they impact your metabolism, energy, and even your mood. You'll learn about common thyroid issues like hypothyroidism and hyperthyro...

Could stress be the hidden culprit behind your weight loss struggles? In this episode, I discussed the role of cortisol, the stress hormone, and its impact on weight loss. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for managing stress but can hinder weight loss when chronically elevated. When stressed, cortisol triggers an increase in blood sugar, fuels muscles for action, and plays a...

Insulin is the key to unlocking your body's energy storage. Understanding its role is crucial for managing weight and overall health. In this episode, I discussed insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels and energy storage in the body and how hormones influence weight gain and loss, emphasizing insulin's five primary functions, includi...

Sometimes, the toughest challenges can become our biggest opportunities for growth. In this episode of "Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss," I talk about how Paralympians, who face huge obstacles, have learned to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can't. I also share the story of a paraplegic patient who was told he'd never walk again, but he proved everyone wrong. These st...

Did you know that two people with the same weight can have vastly different health risks depending on their body composition? Understanding what's beneath the number on the scale is crucial to unlocking the full picture of your health. In this episode, I discuss how to decode a body composition report, which is essential for understanding the percentage of fat, bone, and muscle in the body. I expl...

Weight loss is not just about what you lose; it's about what you gain in the process—better health, strength, and a renewed mindset. In this episode, I discuss the importance of combining medications with lifestyle changes for effective and sustainable weight loss. I emphasize that while medications like Wegovy and Ozempic can aid in weight loss, they should be paired with healthy habits such as b...

Getting insurance to cover weight loss medications can be a real headache. It's something so many of my patients struggle with—fighting against the system just to get access to the medications that could literally change their lives. These aren't just any meds; Wegovy and Zepbound can help you not only lose weight but also reduce serious health risks like heart disease and diabetes. But the realit...

Did you know that nearly 20% of the global workforce engages in shift work, putting them at greater risk of disrupted circadian rhythms and its effects on sleep and health? In this episode, Sarah Morgan, a seasoned product innovator, founder, author, inventor, and thought leader in the health and wellness field, shares her insights and discusses the critical role of circadian health in regulating...

Ever wonder if those flashy weight loss ads are too good to be true? With the rise of misleading products like the so-called GLP-1 Metabolic Boost Drops, it's crucial to stay vigilant. Recently, a patient showed me a Facebook ad boasting FDA approval and American-made claims, but a closer look revealed inconsistencies that screamed scam. In this episode, I dive into the deceptive world of weight l...

Did you know that the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act aims to expand Medicare coverage to include critical obesity treatments and medications, recognizing obesity as a chronic disease? In this episode, Dr. Sherika Newman, a board-certified family medicine physician and palliative care physician, shares her expertise on patient advocacy. She discusses its importance and how patients can advocate for t...

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill In this episode, I share inspiring stories of resilience from three remarkable athletes: Simone Biles, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Anna Hall. I discuss how Simone Biles overcame the "twisties" during the Tokyo Olympics, took time for her mental health, and returned to win multiple gold medals...

Medications should not be mistaken for magic pills, as they are only meant to aid in meeting our health needs. In this episode, we celebrate the third anniversary of our show and discuss five common myths about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovi, and Zepbound. I emphasize that these medications are not a magic bullet for weight loss, as lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regu...

Many people want to stay active, but chronic pain prevents them from doing so. In this episode, Vinny Crispino, CEO of Pain Academy, shares his personal journey from being a collegiate athlete to experiencing chronic pain after breaking his back while surfing. This injury led him to explore various medical and therapeutic interventions, but he ultimately found that daily, gentle movement was key t...

Feeling burnt out can be a major roadblock to weight loss. But with the right tools and support, you can overcome it and reach your goals. In this episode, Dr. Nora Vasquez is an Internist, triple Certified High-Performance Coach, and CEO of the Renewed Leaders in Medicine CME Coaching Program. We explore the connection between burnout and weight gain, and offer powerful strategies to help you ove...

Exercise is beneficial to our health; however, most people don't have the time and consistency for it. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ionescu, a family medicine physician and exercise enthusiast, shared her journey from being a competitive athlete to coping with the challenges of maintaining an exercise routine post-medical school and during family life. She emphasized the importance of exercise for p...

The usual working hours for some people are in the morning shift. After that, they are able to do their gym and healthy practices. But what about night shift workers? In this episode, Dr. Kim Tranquada, an emergency physician with 25 years of experience, shares her background with us. She focuses on the challenges faced by shift workers, particularly in the fields of emergency medicine and telehea...

Did you know that stress can significantly impact weight loss and overall health? In this episode, Dr. Makda Majette, a dedicated family medicine physician, discusses the importance of self-care in reducing stress. With a focus on working moms who face heightened levels of depression and anxiety, Dr. Majette shares practical strategies for incorporating self-care into daily life. She explains the...

Did you know that Pilates can have many health benefits and will definitely change your body? In this episode, Lesley Logan, a leading expert on Pilates and co-founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, discusses how Pilates can transform lives, especially for those unable to perform high-impact exercises. She shares her journey from skepticism to becoming a passionate instructor after experiencing the...

Pregnancy is not an easy journey, and it can cause a drastic change in a woman's life and health. In this episode, Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson, a wife, mother, board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Coach, shares with us her background and profession. She discusses postpartum challenges and solutions, emphasizing mental health, physical healing, and self-care for new mothers. Dr. Toya al...

Did you know that obesity is linked to a higher prevalence of pelvic disorders, increasing the risk for various pelvic health issues? In this episode, Dr. Nabila Noor, a board-certified and fellowship-trained Urogynecologist and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgeon, shares her expertise with us. She dives into pelvic floor disorders and their link to obesity. Dr. Nabila discusses weakened pelvic muscles...

Do you believe that a person can have obesity and malnutrition at the same time?   In this episode, I will discuss obesity and malnutrition. According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy or nutrients. Over half of obese individuals experience nutritional deficiencies, notably micronutrient deficiencies. This...