Weight Gain

There are basically 4 reasons/associations for why patients gain weight (fat gain) which are diagnose-able by a physician

1. Diabetes mellitus

2. Cortisol producing tumors

3. Severe thyroid disease: hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

4. Medication induced: (steroids of any type, antihistamines, beta blockers, SSRI/mood medications)

Our physicians can help you evaluate for these 4 concepts. Beyond these causes, there are numerous genetic causes for weight gain for which there are usually not tests available, nor are there any specific treatments for those gene disorders. We cannot test for genetic causes in our clinic and nor can we treat for those. We cannot test for or measure environmental endocrine-obesogens. 

Even if you have all 4 above issues you can still maintain a normal weight with or without medications.  Out of our scope are other causes of weight gain that are related to fluid fluctuations (unrelated to fat gain).  Also we cannot measure environmental endocrine-obesogens (flame retardarants, pesticides, disinfectants, thermal paper, lipsticks, drugs)

There are 4 ways you can try to lose weight (with the assistance of your physician) but all four of which don't work well

1. Calorie restriction. Works very poorly and is not long lasting. Chronic consistent restriction in an already overweight individual can later slow your metabolism and reduce your basal metabolic rate.  In general don't drink your calories  (just drink water if you are thirsty) and eat lots of plants. Eating healthy is recommended and a good source of information is the book and movie "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollan. 

2. Exercise - there are two types. muscle building and aerobic. It takes A LOT of exercise to lose weight and many studies show that exercise is  generally NOT effective for weight loss so there is controversy. There are many other benefits to physical activity however including cardiac and cancer benefits

3. Weight loss medications - generally these are NOT a long term solution to weight loss, COST quite a bit/usually not covered by insurance (Qsymia and Saxenda) and have MANY side effects. Best case scenario in the published studies for these medication is 5-15 pound weight loss after 1 year of use. The medications are meant to be used for years. ** See list of side effects at the bottom of this page

4. Gastric surgery - in some cases this may be indicated a patient has obesity co-morbidities and your physician can help your decide if this is worthwhile.