Win the Weight Game at the Flat Rock Community Center

Flat rock, MI – Confused by all the weight loss information out there? If so, the Flat Rock Community Center will show you how you can give up dieting, lose weight and keep it off.  “Win the Weight Game” will be presented by Lorraine Stefano, A.C.S.W., on Wednesday, February 24th from 7 to 9 p.m.

“Over 95% of people who go on diets, regain their weight” states Stefano, a corporate wellness consultant.  “Instead of focusing on restriction and deprivation, we help people to change their thinking about food and develop a healthy eating style that is right for them.  We also look at creative ways to squeeze exercise into our daily routine.” Through this class participants learn how to permanently win the weight game, get trim and stay trim.

The Center is located at One Maguire Street and the fee for the class is $22.00.  To register or for more information: 734-379-1450 or www.flatrockrec.org or contact Lorraine Stefano at 248-828-7333

SJMO to Host Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Classes

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) will hold a Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management classes at 7:15 p.m. on the first and third Mondays in March 2010 in the hospital’s Franco Communications Center, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.  Hosted by the SJMO Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Program, the classes will be held March 1 and 15.

Class topics include:

• · “The Facts About Fats: ‘Mediterranean Style,’” March 1
• · “Protein Power…and Risks,” March 15.

Tom Rifai, MD, Medical Director of the Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Program at SJMO, will conduct the classes.  Dr. Rifai is Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and chief medical advisor to the Pritikin Longevity Center in Avenutra, Fla.

He is board certified by the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, which recently named him to a three-year, at-large position on its board of directors, and the American Board of Internal Medicine.  His specialties are nutrition, prevention of chronic disease, weight management, nutritional and medical management of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity.

“With the increase in obesity in our country and community, it is extremely important that we educate individuals how to take better care of their health,” said Jack Weiner, SJMO President and CEO.  “These classes will guide people toward that end by telling them how to eat healthier and manage their weight.”

The fee is $50 per class.  Each registered person may bring a guest at no charge.  Free parking is available on the north side of the hospital, adjacent to the Franco Center and Medical Office Building. The classes are open to the public.  A new series will begin in April.

To register or for more information, call the SJMO Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Program, 248-858-2475.

The Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Program at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is an integrated, educational medical program for those looking to control their metabolic issues related to insulin resistance and obesity through dedication to nutrition, physical activity and overall lifestyle change.

Genesys Announces Free Mini-Medical School Classes

Grand Blanc, MI – Back by popular demand, Genesys Learning Institute announces a new semester of free mini-medical school classes for the public – an opportunity to learn more about your health from Genesys medical experts.

Classes are designed to help you become a more educated health care consumer, and also help alleviate concerns you may have about medical conditions that affect you or your family.

Classes begin Monday, March 1, and are held at the Genesys Conference and Banquet Center (on the Genesys Regional Medical Center – Health Park campus in Grand Blanc Township) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., every Monday evening through April 5.

Here is the mini-medical school schedule. You can sign up for as many classes as you would like. All are free.

March 1
Diabetes and obesity
Jamal Hammoud, MD, endocrinologist at Genesys

Kidney disease and diabetes
Manjit Grewal, MD, nephrologist at Genesys

March 8
Nutrition for diabetic patients
Ann Batchelor, Genesys registered dietitian; and Jamie Karn, RN, Genesys diabetes educator

Exercise for diabetic patients
Ruth Anne Harmes, certified exercise instructor, Genesys Diabetes and Nutrition Learning Center

March 15
Stress management and depression
Heather Kirkpatrick, PhD, psychologist, Genesys Behavioral Science

Peripheral artery disease/varicose and spider veins/aneurysms
Thomas Shuster, DO, peripheral vascular surgeon at Genesys

March 22
Alzheimer’s Disease warning signs
Gerry Lincoln, program director, Michigan Regional Alzheimer’s Association

Heart bypass surgery
Marc Silver, MD, Genesys cardiothoracic surgeon

March 29
Sleep apnea
Clark Headrick, DO, pulmonologist and medical director of Genesys Home and Hospice Care

Crohn’s disease
Justin Miller, DO, gastroenterologist at Genesys

April 5
Hip and knee replacement
Frederick Schreiber, DO, orthopedic surgeon at Genesys

Minimally invasive spine surgery
Avery Jackson, MD, neurosurgeon at Genesys

To register for these classes, call the Genesys Learning Institute at 810-606-7725.

University of Michigan-Flint graduate students will receive one graduate credit for attending the entire winter semester of classes (paying usual graduate education fees). For details, call 810-606-7725 or check with the university.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland to Hold Free Educational Seminar

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO), in partnership with the Michigan Bariatric Institute (MBI), will host a free educational seminar focusing on bariatric surgery options at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, in the SJMO Franco Communications Center Auditorium, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

 Entitled, “A Minimal Surgical Approach to Treating Obesity,” the seminar will feature an overview of the bariatric surgery program and the types of procedures it offers, as well as a question and answer session.

 Speakers include Tallal Zeni, MD; Jacob Roberts, DO; and Paula Magid, MBI program director and former bariatric patient. 

Surgeons at MBI are experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.  Laparoscopic bariatric surgery results in minimal pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay and recovery time.  Weight loss of about 70 percent of excess body weight can be anticipated within the first year and maintained.

Dr. Roberts recently joined the St. Joseph Mercy Oakland medical staff as a general and minimally invasive bariatric surgeon.  He will perform surgeries at SJMO and at St. Mary Mercy Livonia, both Saint Joseph Mercy Health System member hospitals. 

Dr. Roberts received his medical degree at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and was chief resident at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Oakland Center in Madison Heights, Mich.  He completed his fellowship training at the Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill.  Dr. Roberts also is board certified in General Surgery.

Dr. Zeni, director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia and MBI medical director, received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he completed his residency in General Surgery.  He completed his fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Ill.  He is board certified in General Surgery.

Since the program’s inception in 2005 at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, MBI has performed more than 500 bariatric surgeries to date. 

The MBI program provides a comprehensive approach to the bariatric surgery experience, including

• Medical director
• Program director
• Team of specially trained registered nurses, registered dieticians, behavioral specialists and exercise physiologists to assist the patient through the process
• Free educational seminars
• Comprehensive pre-surgical classes
• Post-surgical follow-up visits
• Monthly support group

 To register for the educational seminar or for more information, call 877-Why-Weight.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Holds Free Seminar on Bariatric Surgery

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO), in partnership with the Michigan Bariatric Institute (MBI), will host a free educational seminar focusing on bariatric surgery options at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, in the SJMO Franco Communications Center Auditorium, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

Entitled, “A Minimal Surgical Approach to Treating Obesity,” the seminar will feature an overview of the bariatric surgery program and the types of procedures it offers, as well as a question and answer session.

Speakers include Tallal Zeni, MD; Jacob Roberts, DO and Paula Magid, MBI program director and former bariatric patient. 

Surgeons at MBI are experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.  Laparoscopic bariatric surgery results in minimal pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay and recovery time.  Weight loss of about 70 percent of excess body weight can be anticipated within the first year and maintained.

 Dr. Roberts recently joined the SJMO medical staff as a general and minimally invasive bariatric surgeon.  He will perform surgeries at SJMO and at St. Mary Mercy Livonia, both Saint Joseph Mercy Health System member hospitals. 

Dr. Roberts received his medical degree at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and was chief resident at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Oakland Center in Madison Heights, Mich.  He completed his fellowship training at the Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill.  Dr. Roberts also is board certified in General Surgery.

Dr. Zeni, director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia and MBI medical director, received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he completed his residency in General Surgery.  He completed his fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Ill.  He is board certified in General Surgery.

 Since the program’s inception in 2005 at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, MBI has performed more than 500 bariatric surgeries to date. 

The MBI program provides a comprehensive approach to the bariatric surgery experience, including

• Medical director
• Program director
• Team of specially trained registered nurses, registered dieticians, behavioral specialists and exercise physiologists to assist the patient through the process
• Free educational seminars
• Comprehensive pre-surgical classes
• Post-surgical follow-up visits
• Monthly support group

 To register for the educational seminar or for more information, call 877-Why-Weight.

Diabetes’ Youth Ambassador Spreads His Message to Detroit

One look at Christian Stokes, 18 and he looks like any excited and energetic freshman heading off to college for the first time. But talk to this Minnesota native, and you quickly learn that his life has been anything but a cakewalk to the Halls of Ivy.  Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was just 15 months old, Christian has never experienced a day without syringes, insulin and blood-glucose meters.

But the daily requirements that accompany this disease did not deter Christian from the desire to live a life like any normal child. So rather than wallow in his condition, he chose to live a life just like his peers and thus began playing sports in school. But unlike them, playing Christian’s favorite sports like wrestling and football required that he had to constantly check his blood-sugar levels, administer insulin when necessary and ensure that during and after his workouts, he was properly nourished. If he didn’t keep close tabs on his health, he risked serious consequences. It is this real threat of severe hypoglycemia and other diabetic complications that deters many diabetic kids from engaging in sports. But not Christian.

During his teenaged years, he was very active in the local chapters of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), educating kids and parents about the disease and encouraging his peers to be active, eat well and stay healthy, in addition to being a devoted athlete. Just this past January, Christian was awarded the prestigious nomination by the ADA as the organization’s National Youth Advocate (NYA), a title coveted by many but given to just one.

As part of his year-long post, Christian has been traveling all over the country speaking to millions of Americans about diabetes in addition to urging government officials on the need for increased federal funds to support diabetes research.

According to the ADA, nearly 24 million adults and children in the U.S. – including more than 927,000 Michigan adults – have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 57 million have pre-diabetes. Both Type I and Type II diabetes are characterized by too much sugar in the blood, which over time can lead to heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and amputations, blindness and kidney disease. Type I diabetes develops when the body’s immune system destroys pancreatic cells that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood sugar. Type II diabetes, which in the past been a disease of overweight or obese middle-aged adults, has been striking U.S. children and adolescents with increasing frequency. Children who develop Type II diabetes are typically overweight or obese according to the Centers for Disease Control.

“I want to encourage all youth to become aware of how their actions and behaviors impact their health,” says Stokes. “It doesn’t matter if you have Type I or Type II diabetes, I want to encourage everyone to get out there and exercise. Even though it may be challenging, the rewards are great.”

And that is just what he is going to do in Detroit. In order to raise awareness among Michigan residents, Christian will speak at the American Diabetes Association’s 2009 Detroit Diabetes EXPO presented by Walmart on September 19 at the Michigan State Fairgrounds.

The Detroit Diabetes EXPO will feature: how-to product demonstrations; free health screenings; healthy cooking and exercise demonstrations; exciting workshops; an interactive Youth Zone for kids of all ages; a Senior Zone and a variety of guest speakers from the medical community, who will cover topics relevant to those with diabetes.

To avoid serious complications and related health issues, people with diabetes can take advantage of information and services like those provided at EXPO to lower the risk.  As early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is critical, access to important resources could mean the difference between struggling with diabetes and successfully managing the disease.

The event and parking at the State Fairgrounds is free and open to the public and will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on diabetes or the event, please visit www.diabetes.org/EXPO or call toll free at 1-800-DIABETES (1-888-342-2383).

You can read more about Christian on his blog at .

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland to Hold Free Seminar on Bariatric Surgery

Pontiac, MI—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO), in partnership with the Michigan Bariatric Institute (MBI), will host a free educational seminar focusing on bariatric surgery options at

6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at the SJMO Franco Communications Center Auditorium, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.

 Entitled, “A Minimal Surgical Approach to Treating Obesity,” the seminar will feature an overview of the bariatric surgery program and the types of procedures it offers, as well as a question and answer session.

 Speakers include Tallal Zeni, MD; Jacob Roberts, DO and Paula Magid, MBI program director and former bariatric patient. 

 Surgeons at MBI are experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.  Laparoscopic bariatric surgery results in minimal pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay and recovery time.  Weight loss of about 70 percent of excess body weight can be anticipated within the first year and maintained.

 Dr. Roberts recently joined the SJMO medical staff as a general and minimally invasive bariatric surgeon.  He will perform surgeries at SJMO and at St. Mary Mercy Livonia, both Saint Joseph Mercy Health System member hospitals. 

 Dr. Roberts received his medical degree at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and was chief resident at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Oakland Center in Madison Heights, Mich.  He completed his fellowship training at the Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill.  Dr. Roberts also is board certified in General Surgery.

 Dr. Zeni, director of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia and MBI medical director, received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he completed his residency in General Surgery.  He completed his fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Ill.  He is board certified in General Surgery.

 Since the program’s inception in 2005 at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, MBI has performed more than 500 bariatric surgeries to date. 

 The MBI program provides a comprehensive approach to the bariatric surgery experience, including

• Medical director
• Program director
• Team of specially trained registered nurses, registered dieticians, behavioral specialists and exercise physiologists to assist the patient through the process
• Free educational seminars
• Comprehensive pre-surgical classes
• Post-surgical follow-up visits
• Monthly support group

 To register for the educational seminar or for more information, call 877.Why.Weight.

Fighting the Battle of Childhood Obesity

by Heidi Press

When family challenges and overeating created health issues for 12-year-old Kylee Gallero of Waterford, her family decided it was time to take action. They signed up for Shapedown.

Phil (dad), 48, Lori (mom), 40, and Kylee joined the University of California-developed weight loss program through the Community Programs department of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) in Pontiac. Based on family involvement, Shapedown is aimed at ending childhood and adolescent obesity through a curriculum that emphasizes healthy eating, exercise and communication. By-products of the 10-week program include increased self-esteem, decreased depression, improved diet and exercise habits and weight management knowledge.

For the Galleros, enrollment in the program came in the nick of time. Phil had suffered failure of one kidney and a heart attack. Mom, Lori, who works midnights was “sleeping on everything I ate.” Daughter Kylee had developed high blood pressure and diabetes.

With Gallero’s illnesses already causing stress, the family also had experienced deaths of family members in recent months, including Lori’s father, with whom 12-year-old Kylee was particularly close. She was so broken up when he died, she started eating for comfort and “that’s when I started gaining weight.” “We were so stressed out with things that happened to us, we just started eating,” Lori explains. Thanks to Shapedown, the Galleros learned how to deal with death and other life challenges.

They learned about Shapedown at SJMO, when Phil was being treated for his heart attack. The hospital connected them with a nutritionist who directed them to Shapedown. The Galleros attend the program at the North Oakland YMCA in Auburn Hills.

Currently, five families are participating, but there’s room for eight in each session. The program costs $500 per family, and each member receives a workbook in which he/she can keep track of the foods intake, exercise and communications activities. And it is loaded with information.

The program doesn’t offer a diet, just a plan to make healthy choices when it comes to food. In one class, the Galleros learned how to make healthy sandwich wraps and season and prepare food. They also learned how to scale down proportions. Each used to eat a bowl of ice cream; now it’s just a cup.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 are overweight. In Michigan, 12 percent are overweight, and 15 percent are at risk for becoming overweight. This extra weight can lead to all kinds of health issues, the Michigan Department of Community Health reports, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer as well as social and emotional difficulties.

Since enrolling in the program, the Galleros say their communications skills have increased. “If anything is bothering us, we now talk to each other, rather than holding it in,” Lori says. “The program made us more aware of each other,” she adds. “We’re supporting each other.”

They also learned how to relax with breathing exercises accompanied by mellow music.

In the exercise track, the program provides the children and teens with Theraballs, Therabands and water bottles. Other recommended exercises include walking, swimming, Rollerblading, bike riding and ball exercises.

Each of the Galleros has experienced some results from the program after only a couple of sessions. Phil says it has helped with his recovery. Lori finds that it boosts her self-confidence in addition to motivating the family to get moving. And, their daughter Kylee says that her “pants are getting bigger, which I’m happy about.” She also likes the fun element, and that “you’re not going through this alone.”

Phil says he likes the program because it gives him the tools to help him eat right and “ideas for exercise that won’t put stress or strain on you.”

SJMO’s program is directed by Julie Esparsa, coordinator for weight management programs. Classes are taught by licensed professionals, including an exercise physiologist; nutritionist; and social worker.

According to Esparsa, Shapedown was started in response to the increase in childhood obesity, especially in Pontiac, which is served by SJMO. The program is supported by donors and SJMO’s Community Benefit mission. Scholarships are available.

The Galleros like the supportive nature of the program. “We interact with other families,” Lori says. Since joining the program, the Galleros have met other families with whom they are planning to stay in touch.

For Phil, Lori and Kylee, Shapedown was a great find. “This program is the best way to go,” says Gallero. “It works. If you follow the program and do the exercises, you actually lose the weight.”

Heidi Press is the public relations specialist for Trinity Health’s St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, MI. She holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Wayne State University in English and Journalism.  She has an extensive background in the communications field.

Ask the Doctor: August 2007

Question: My teenager has begun to ask me about plastic surgery. Is this too young of an age? – D.M., Royal Oak

Answer: Dear D.M. – Plastic surgery is much more prevalent in the adult population. Over the last 10 years, teenagers are slowly increasing their numbers in outpatient plastic surgery procedures. The reasons for this are multi-fold.

First, plastic surgery is much more acceptable not only in the adult population but also in the teenage years. It seems all of the young Hollywood stars have had some kind of plastic surgery, making patients feel it is safe, trendy and more importantly, acceptable. Second, complications are very low and recovery time much shorter and less painful. Third, plastic surgery is much more affordable than it used to be.

Teenagers in this day and age are under tremendous pressures to succeed. Those teenage years sometimes define the rest of their lives. Any edge – within reason – can help a teenager compete better, feel more confident, become more physically active and attractiveness can be an asset.

The two most common teenage surgeries are rhinoplasty and breast reductions. The nose stops growing at about the age of 16. Sometimes prominent, deviated or cosmetically unacceptable noses can be fixed at an age where the resultant outcome gives a teenager tremendous self esteem and confidence. So in this one case, a rhinoplasty is acceptable and many teenagers are eager to have the surgery.

Another example is large breasts in teenage girls. Once puberty hits, a young lady may become more self-conscious of her body as it transforms into a woman. With large breasts, they may feel more neck, back or shoulder pain. They may be athletic and now they tire more or are unable to participate in some physical activities. Then a breast reduction done in a minimally invasive way may be the answer. But patients are cautioned that the breast size will increase with weight gain or pregnancy and any surgeries may require revisions in the future.

Obesity has become a major epidemic in the teenage population. In fact a lot of parents try to use plastic surgery as a means of weight loss. This is not the answer.

Obesity brings about many problems for patients. A disproportionate body – whether it is larger breasts in males or females, redundant skin or increased fat in the body may make the patient’s self-esteem suffer. Also, being overweight may decrease physical activity levels which are needed for both weight loss and overall better health.

Unfortunately, plastic surgery is not the answer in these types of patients because the main problem (overweight) has not been treated and you are trying to fix the end results of obesity. In some cases, these patients might do better with bariatric surgeries and once the weight is controlled be eligible for reconstructive surgery.

Teenagers today are not given as much credit as they deserve. When it comes to plastic surgery education, patience and common sense, as well as listening to the complaints they have, are the best ways to deal with teenagers.

Many times, simply waiting until he or she is of legal age to consent to surgery allows the teenager time to mature, grow wiser and be more comfortable with all their decisions. However, some plastic surgery procedures are safely done in the teenage population, and balance should always be the goal.

Ayoub Sayeg, M.D. is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic and Breast Fellowship trained. He received his medical degree from the University of Toronto and served his general surgery residency at Washington Hospital Center, Washington D.C. Dr. Sayeg served his plastic surgery residency at Wayne State University in Detroit.

If you would like to submit a medical question to “Ask the Doctor”, please email your question to: askthedoc@healthandleisureonline.com

* Advice found within this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice or recommendations of your physician.

Weight Loss for Life

With Tom Rifai, MD

Statistics state that over 100 million adult Americans are overweight or obese. This may surprise you. After all, every day we read in the paper, see on television, or hear on the radio how obesity is a major risk factor for heart attacks, diabetes, cancer and more. So why is it that with all of this information so readily available to us through clinical studies and public awareness campaigns we are still seeing a rise in obesity in America?

Well, where do we begin to look for the answer? We hear experts say, “Carbs, no carbs; fats, no fats; count calories, cut portion sizes, eliminate sugars, exercise, do this, do that.” This jumble of information can be overwhelming to anyone just getting started on a weight loss plan.

According to Dr. Tom Rifai, a board certified nutrition specialist, for some people it is simply the lack of knowledge of how to start dieting. “The knowledge of what to eat is lacking for many people,” says Dr. Rifai.

The American lifestyle is set up for obesity to thrive, according to Dr. Rifai. Fast food restaurants, foods high in trans fatty acids, and a sedentary lifestyle has helped cultivate an obese society.

“It’s the environment, the environment, the environment,” repeats Dr Rifai. “It is at school, at work, at home. We can’t change the world, but we can change what foods are in our home.”

Many people try to diet, but still bring unhealthy foods into their home to satisfy other family members’ cravings. Dr. Rifai says this is dangerous for the person trying to lose weight because the temptation of the food is always there.

“Will power can only take you so far, and eventually you are going to give in,” says Dr. Rifai. “The key is to not bring any of the indulgences into the house and don’t use excuses like: ‘I have kids, and the kids like cookies.’ That is ridiculous. There is no rule that says kids MUST have cookies.”

Many times people set themselves up for failure to lose weight right from the start by setting their weight loss goal too high. According to the National Institute of Health’s guidelines on weight loss, as little as a 5% to 15% reduction in body weight for an overweight individual can have a dramatic impact on his/her overall health, lowering their risk of many diseases. For a 200 lb. person, this equals a loss of only 10 to 30 lbs. A person setting a higher weight loss goal may be focusing on an inappropriate and therefore unattainable weight.

“A good weight loss program involves a doctor, dietitian and a support group when necessary,” says Dr. Rifai, referring to those who are obese. Successful weight loss is a commitment. The patient must be committed to changing their eating habits, lifestyle and environment, according to Dr. Rifai.

One such success story is Joe L. of Michigan. At 295 pounds, this senior citizen decided he was tired of being overweight. He made a commitment in July 2006 that it was time to finally shed the pounds that had accumulated over the last 45 years.

Joe’s story may be very familiar to many: “I’ve been on every diet. You name it. I could lose weight for major events such as my daughter’s wedding. I’d lose 25 pounds for pictures and everything, then I would gain 30 pounds back after. I started this program and I’ve lost 90 pounds in about 8 1/2 months. I never realized how bad I felt before I started this diet. I didn’t realize how much my weight impacted me after 45 years of consistently gaining weight.”

In addition to losing the unwanted pounds, Joe discovered that his health improved significantly. He was able to discontinue his blood pressure medication, reduce the dose of his cholesterol medication and begin resuming a more active life.

One of the keys to dieting is to “stay ahead of your hunger,” says Dr. Rifai. This consists of eating small, healthy portions of protein foods every 2-3 hours. This way you never get hungry and overeat.

“People can quit smoking, quit heroin or cocaine, but you can’t quit eating. We need to eat. The key is to not let yourself get hungry,” says Dr. Rifai. “Our bodies are designed to gain weight to survive.”

Exercise is another key element to losing weight, but it does not have to necessarily begin at the same time as the food modifications. However, an exercise regimen is important to maintaining the weight that you do lose, says Dr. Rifai. Unfortunately, our sedentary lifestyle doesn’t always lend itself to exercise.

“We went from building pyramids by hand back in ancient times to riding moving sidewalks from the north side to the south side of Somerset mall! I know it’s very stressful to walk that,” Dr. Rifai states sarcastically.

“Exercise can be as easy as parking farther away in a parking lot, gardening, mowing the lawn, or taking the stairs. It doesn’t have to be 2-3 hours in a gym.”

So many benefits can result from weight loss that most patients of Dr. Rifai’s find themselves with a new lease on life. The motivation that patients feel to continue the program and the benefits they reap from feeling better about themselves translates into more sustained outcomes.

“This is not a war on obesity for people, this is a war on poor lifestyle,” says Dr. Rifai. “Thus, the war requires a plan, and we give people that plan.”

Key mistakes people make is skipping meals to lose weight, says Dr. Rifai. By skipping meals, you are letting your body get hungry. When there is no nutrition in the body to feed from, then it starts feeding from your muscle, which in turn reduces muscle mass. With loss of muscle mass comes a decrease in metabolism, which in turn causes us to burn fewer calories and gain weight.

“Many people skip breakfast. You should never skip breakfast,” says Dr. Rifai. “You should always eat within one hour of waking. Think about it, you’ve gone through 7 to 8 hours without eating, and then you skip breakfast and add another 4 to 5 hours on to that time. You have to stay ahead of the hunger.”

Utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach to weight loss is the cornerstone to successful weight loss, believes Dr. Rifai. By exercising, changing your lifestyle and educating yourself on healthy foods, you are more likely to be successful.

“We teach you how to cook and eat properly. We don’t teach you to drink four shakes a day, because all you learn is how to drink four shakes a day. You don’t learn how to eat properly and nutritiously,” says Dr. Rifai. “There is a place for protein supplements, but as part of the whole program, not the focus of dieting.”

So, the question still remains. If we know being overweight is dangerous to our overall health, why do we continue to see obesity rising in America today? The answer may simply lie in knowledge.

Tom Rifai, MD, BCPNS, is a lipid disorder and bariatric specialist as well as Director of the UnaSource Weight Control Program in Troy, Michigan. He graduated with “Highest Honor” from Michigan State University with his Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Pre-Med in 1992. He received his Medical Degree from Wayne State University in 1999 and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, in 2003.

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