Episode Summary
In this episode, Dr. Wickham Simonds and Michelle Kennedy, NP-C, answer questions about how metabolism and hormones related to weight loss. They also describe the role of medication in influencing these factors, with possible side effects and benefits.
Top Takeaways
- “Having a high metabolism doesn’t mean you can’t gain weight, and having a low metabolism doesn’t mean you can’t lose weight.”
– [Dr. Wickham Simonds] - “We know that if we can increase or at least keep our lean body mass, especially our muscle mass, that’s going to help us in the long run.”
– [Michelle Kennedy, NP-C] - “Your body is going to interact with food a certain way, and you want it to interact with food the right way.”
– [Dr. Wickham Simonds] - “Your next step is your first step.”
– [Michelle Kennedy, NP-C] - “You can’t get a positive result with a negative thought.”
– [Dr. Wickham Simonds] - “Obesity is what takes you to the grave first, not phentermine.”
– [Dr. Wickham Simonds]
Episode Highlights
- [02:22] At what age does metabolism slow significantly, and what can help?
- [05:44] Since menopause, I have had more trouble losing weight or keeping weight off; what can I do?
- [09:50] I have lost a lot of weight, but my skin seems loose and flabby; what can I do to fix this?
- [13:00] “I gained some weight back during the holidays, and I’m embarrassed by it. I’m not sure how to start back up. I need tips.”
- [18:13] “Can I still enjoy foods I love and still lose weight?”
- [20:41] Is it a good idea to do intermittent fasting coupled with keto, or should I focus on limiting the carbs right now?
- [23:48] What side effects are there to taking medication for weight loss?
- [30:50] Can the inflammation of arteries be corrected through the Keto diet?
Episode Notes
At what age does metabolism begin to slow significantly, and what can be done to help?
The impact of metabolism on weight is overemphasized. It does not necessarily prevent a person from gaining or losing weight.
In the end, what you eat matters. As people get older, the habits they could get away with in their youth will start to catch up with them. So it would help if you formed a new plan that works for you now.
As we get older, it’s not the drop in metabolism that makes us intolerant to ultra-processed high-carb foods. It’s that they are wreaking havoc because they are toxic.
Reach out to our office for help with healthy diet options.
Since menopause, I seem to have more trouble losing weight or keeping weight off. What can I do?
Here, we recommend scheduling an appointment with health practitioners like our providers.
Hormonal changes will make weight loss harder, despite using the same methods that have worked in the past. For example, calorie restriction is essential, but it still comes down to the type of food and how the body interacts with it.
Medication plays a crucial role alongside other treatment modalities. Some of them, like Metformin and Phentermine, help with the hormones that affect weight gain.
In addition, medication may involve adding, replacing, or removing drugs to help you achieve your goals.
I have lost a lot of weight, but my skin seems loose and flabby. What can I do to fix this?
First, ensure enough exercise, and be patient as the body will continue to change.
We also have a body contouring center where nonsurgical techniques are applied to tighten the skin. It comes with a free body contouring assessment. This assessment also helps determine if the body contouring system suits you.
During the holidays, I gained some weight back, and I’m embarrassed by it. I’m not sure how to start back up. I need tips.
Weight gain is prevalent, and our team is here to help once you reach out. Please don’t blame yourself. It is only natural to want to eat all the food pushed around as a seasonal norm during the holidays.
Decide to take that next step to either reach out or not eat those foods you should avoid; that will be your first step.
Part of the work is changing negative, discouraging thoughts to positive ones so you can take action.
Can I still enjoy the foods I love and still lose weight?
Yes, however, not in the typical sense of unhealthy eating. You will learn how to choose the foods that make you feel so good that you will love them.
Eating healthy does not mean eating bland food. You do not have to fast or skip meals if you don’t want to.
Is it a good idea to do intermittent fasting coupled with keto, or should I focus on limiting the carbs right now?
What you choose ultimately depends on you. Once you feel ready, you can combine both.
Fasting helps to lose weight, but there is no guarantee that you will lose a lot of weight quickly. The minimum standard for fasting is 12 hours without food and 12 hours with food. The eating window can shrink to 6-8 hours or even every 24 hours.
What kind of side effects are there to taking medication for weight loss?
With all medical interventions, there are benefits and side effects. However, most people experience very few side effects with weight loss drugs.
Phentermine is an approved drug that increases your energy and focus. Side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, and in some cases, poor sleep, which gets better with time and proper timing of drug use. However, some other people feel more active while using it.
Phentermine is not an addictive drug. There has not been one case of removal of phentermine from the list of approved drugs because of any cardiac issue in 64 years.
Can arteries get corrected through keto?
Keto corrects the inflammation of plaque in the arteries. It is normal to have plaque, but it becomes a problem when inflamed.
