New Year's Resolution

Happy new year! Many of us make resolutions this time of year, hoping to change something in our lives. If you made a resolution to lose weight, you’re in good company. Tens of millions of Americans resolve that they will lose weight or get more fit starting January 1. Although making a resolution can be a good way to kick off new behaviors, the goal of losing a substantial amount of weight – and keeping it off – is incredibly difficult.

At CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care, Dr. Ponce and his team have been working with patients to help them lose weight for decades. They understand the complexities involved in weight gain, weight loss, and weight loss maintenance. The often mentioned “lack of willpower” is not the answer to why so many people are overweight or obese. Substantial factors include the environment, social and biological influences, and medical conditions. One particularly important component is genetics. According to a work group created by the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, and other groups, “studies have identified 150 genetic variants tied to body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences or obesity risk.” With scientists still working to understand all the factors of obesity, treating it is the goal of CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care. Although there is no single answer to helping people lose a significant amount of weight, bariatric procedures are the safest and only proven-effective methods available for most people. 

According to the NIH work group, “researchers have made tremendous strides in our understanding of what drives eating behavior, how fat cells are formed and how metabolism is altered prior to and after the onset of obesity.”  With new research available every year, we will make the process of preventing and treating obesity even more successful.  

If you would like to speak with us about losing weight in the new year, call CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care at (423) 899-1000.