Episode 131: Overcoming Hormonal Imbalances during Perimenopausal Stage with Dr. Dana Gibbs

Did you know that one in five children in the US struggles with obesity? With obesity putting them at risk for serious health issues, including high blood pressure and diabetes, it's crucial to discuss how we can help teens lead healthier lives.

In this episode, Dr. Evgenia (Jenny) Gourgari, MD, MS, PhD, a pediatric endocrinologist, reflects on her own struggles with weight as a teenager and how it shaped her career path. She emphasizes the importance of addressing teenage obesity not just from a medical standpoint, but also considering the individual's motivations and goals. Dr. Evgenia advocates for lifestyle changes over medication, highlighting the significance of sustainable habits like nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, and emotional well-being. 

Rather than endorsing short-term diets, she encourages adolescents to adopt long-lasting dietary patterns they can maintain for years, gradually building up healthy habits and finding enjoyment in physical activity to achieve lasting results.

Break teens’ obesity by living a healthy lifestyle beyond medications. Let's create healthier futures, step by step, by building positive habits. Listen now!

Episode Highlights:

• Background of Dr. Evgenia

• About the increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity and its impact on children's lives

• Strategies for parents to approach their teenagers about living a healthier lifestyle

• Various lifestyle changes, including nutrition, physical activity, screen time, sleep, and stress management

• Importance of sustainable habits and gradual habit-building for long-term health

Connect with Dr. Evgenia Gourgari:

• Facebook | Lifestyle for teens

• Instagram | @drjennygo

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/drgourgari

About Dr. Evgenia Gourgari:

Dr. Evgenia (Jenny) Gourgari, MD, MS, PhD, is an accomplished pediatric endocrinologist with a dedicated focus on pediatric obesity. Dr. Gourgari completed her residency in Pediatrics at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida in 2010, followed by a Pediatric Endocrinology fellowship at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Gourgari holds a Master of Science degree from Georgetown University and a PhD from University of Athens, Greece. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, with an additional certification in Obesity Medicine. Her passion to address pediatric obesity lead her to become also a certified Health Coach and start the “Lifestyle and Weight Loss for Teens Podcast”, hoping to educate as many families as possible with evidence-based information in topics related to healthy lifestyle and pediatric obesity. Dr. Gourgari has been actively involved in helping children who have hormonal problems for more than 15 years. Her expertise is recognized through numerous awards and publications in academic journals. Dr. Gourgari is an engaged member of professional organizations, such as the Obesity Medicine Association and the Pediatric Endocrine Society. Her extensive experience, scholarly contributions, and commitment to advancing the field of pediatric endocrinology and obesity make her a respected figure in the field.

Resources:

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Have you ever found yourself reaching for unhealthy snacks during times of stress? You're not alone. Studies show 38% of adults have overeaten due to stress in the past month. Let's talk about why this happens and how we can deal with it.

In this episode, Dr. Melissa McCreery, a clinical psychologist specializing in emotional eating and overeating, shares her journey of discovery and transformation in helping women overcome emotional eating. Reflecting on her own struggles with food, she realized the lack of expectation surrounding healing from emotional eating. Dr. Melissa emphasizes the importance of understanding emotional eating as a coping mechanism for underlying needs, whether it's dealing with stress or fulfilling hidden hunger. 

Dr. Melissa aims to empower women to break free from the cycle of overeating and regain control over their relationship with food. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing triggers and taking small, doable action steps towards self-care.

Break free from overeating! Join Dr. Melissa to regain control over your relationship with food in this newest episode. 

Episode Highlights:

• Definition of emotional eating and discuss common triggers

• Strategies for overcoming emotional eating

• Importance of small goals and self-care

• Strategies for overcoming overeating

Connect with Dr. Melissa McCreery:

• Website | www.toomuchonherplate.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/TooMuchOnHerPlate

• Instagram | @toomuchonherplate

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/melissamccreery

• YouTube | www.youtube.com/TooMuchonHerPlate

• Twitter | @MelissaMcCreery

About Dr. Melissa McCreery:

Dr. Melissa McCreery, a renowned clinical psychologist specializing in emotional eating and overeating to help us with overcoming the emotional eating and overeating that can occur. She has over twenty-five years of experience in the field, she has become a leading expert in helping women overcome their struggles with food and achieve lasting results.

As the host of the "Too Much on Her Plate" podcast and the author of "The Emotional Eating Rescue Plan for Smart, Busy Women," Dr. McCreery has dedicated her career to empowering women to break free from the cycle of overeating and emotional eating.

Resources:

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We all want to achieve our goals, but sometimes life gets in the way and we're not able to stay consistent.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of staying consistent with our wellness journey and provide five steps to achieve this. The first step is to give ourselves grace and accept that perfection is not necessary. The second step is to decide on our priorities and focus on one or two major goals at a time. The third step is to set realistic small goals in order to achieve these priorities. The fourth step emphasizes the need to make time for our wellness journey by scheduling it into our daily lives. Lastly, I encourage celebrating wins and acknowledging accomplishments along the way.

Take charge of your wellness journey today! Follow these five steps to consistency and celebrate your victories along the way. Start now and prioritize your well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• About a 71 year old woman named Marilyn, who achieved consistency in her wellness journey

• Five steps to stay consistent in your wellness journey

• Step 1: Give Yourself Grace

• Step 2: Decide on Your Priorities

• Step 3: Make Realistic Small Goals

• Step 4: Find Time in Your Schedule

• Step 5: Celebrate Your Wins

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, “Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

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While medicine helps with many illnesses, choosing a healthy diet can make you feel better and happier. It's like giving your body a natural boost for a brighter, healthier life.

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Powell, a board-certified family medicine physician, discusses the role of nutrition in preventing and managing various health conditions. She mentions the importance of adopting a healthy diet early on for primary prevention and promotes the consumption of whole, unprocessed "Jesus foods" over man-made processed options. Dr. Lauren also explains the simplicity in nutrition by applying two straightforward tests to determine whether a food item is processed. These are either questioning whether one can recreate a product at home with its given ingredients, or the "grandma test," asking if a grandmother or great-grandmother would recognize and identify the food. 

Dr. Lauren advises using Instacart for grocery shopping because it saves time and helps cook more. She also mentions adding vegetables to your favorite meals to make it healthier. 

Don’t miss out on this newest episode and get ready to stop your medication and build a healthy lifestyle instead. Tune in now!

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Lauren’s background as a family medicine physician and her interest in nutrition and health

• Role of food in chronic disease management

• Importance of Eating Healthy 

• How to determine if a food item is processed or healthy

• Finding the right diet for each person

• Suggestions for busy individuals

• Advice for incorporating healthy foods into one's lifestyle

Connect with Dr. Lauren Powell:

• Website | www.drlaurenpowell.co

• Facebook | www.facebook.com

• Instagram | @drlaurenpowell

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurenpowell

• YouTube | www.youtube.com/channel

About Dr. Lauren Powell:

Dr. Lauren Powell, a board-certified family medicine physician, is a media personality and frequently called upon by local & national television, print, radio and online media to give a fresh perspective and new information on nutrition and health.   Dr. Powell travels throughout the US speaking at churches, corporations, conventions, and colleges sharing her knowledge and insight regarding disease prevention and cure utilizing food, earning her the title of The Culinary Doctor® by her peers and patients. She combines practical, responsible academic knowledge with her humor and high-energy personality, making her a highly sought after national speaker. 

Dr. Lauren Powell became extremely passionate about nutrition and health after her father suffered a major health scare.  Her objective is to educate the Black community about diet and how food preparation affects health.  Her goal is to end generational patterns of adverse health outcomes in the African American community through teaching healthy cooking techniques.

Resources:

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Various surgical interventions exist for weight loss, but if apprehensive about traditional surgeries, alternative treatment procedures are available to support weight loss efforts.

In this episode, Dr. Janese Laster, a quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and nutrition, discusses two popular non-surgical weight loss alternatives for individuals hesitant about traditional surgery. These alternatives are the gastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) procedures. The gastric balloon has shown a 10-12% total body weight loss in clinical trials, but in practice, outcomes are often more substantial, attributed to patient follow-up and education. Both procedures provide shorter recovery times and fewer side effects compared to traditional surgery. She emphasizes the need for ongoing support and lifestyle changes post-removal of these devices.

Dr. Janese advises choosing a provider who emphasizes follow-up care, considering the emotional aspect of weight loss. She highlights potential symptoms for gastric balloon and ESG patients and encourages selecting a supportive team aligned with individual goals.

Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of these alternative weight loss solutions and discover the path to a healthier, happier you!

Episode Highlights:

• Endoscopic Weight Loss Procedures

• Preparing for a Weight Loss Procedure

• Symptoms after non-surgical procedure

• How to take care of your body after the procedure

Connect with Dr. Janese Laster:

• Website | www.guttheoryhealth.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/Janese-Laster-MD

• Instagram | @dr_janeselaster

• Tiktok | @janeselastermd

• Twitter | @gutdoc18

• Youtube | www.youtube.com/watch

About Dr. Janese Laster

Dr. Janese Laster is quadruple board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine and a Nutrition Physician specialist. She completed both residency and fellowship training at Georgetown University Hospital, then the Nestle clinical nutrition fellowship and an advanced bariatric endoscopy fellowship in Madrid, Spain. She then founded Gut Theory Total Digestive Care where she specializes in uncovering the root cause of excess weight, customized weight management through evidence-based nutrition, anti-obesity pharmacology, and innovative, non-invasive bariatric endoscopic weight loss procedures.

Resources:

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Have you ever heard or read misconceptions about medications that make you hesitant about getting medical procedures done? Let's clear up the confusion and get accurate information together about medications like Ozempic, Manjaro, Wagovy, and Zepbound, and how they are related to weight loss.

In this episode, Dr. Janese Laster, quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and nutrition, discusses medications such as Ozempic, Manjaro, Wagovi, and Zepbound and their relation to weight loss. She debunks the common misconceptions regarding these medications and explains how this works and the process of these medications. Contrary to online fears, taking Ozempic without diabetes isn't harmful. Dr. Janese explains that Zepbound, similar to Ozempic, addresses diabetes and weight loss. She also addresses misconceptions about IBS, emphasizing the importance of investigating symptoms individually. 

Weight loss with these medications is a gradual process, aiming for around 5% total body weight loss in twelve weeks, as per FDA guidelines. Dr. Janese emphasizes realistic expectations, gradual dosage increases, and the importance of lifestyle changes alongside medication use. 

Ready to embark on a journey of health and well-being? Listen and learn from experts, dispelling myths on medications. Take the first step towards a healthier you! 

Episode Highlights:

• Weight Loss Injectables differences and specifics

• Benefits of Weight Loss Injectables

• Definition and significance of GOP Ones.

• How GOP Ones work in the body to promote weight loss.

• Importance of making dietary changes and adopting a healthy lifestyle with weight loss injectables.

Connect with  Dr. Janese Laster:

• Website | www.guttheoryhealth.com

• Instagram | @dr_janeselaster

• Twitter | www.guttheoryhealth.com

About Dr. Janese Laster

Dr. Janese Laster is quadruple board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine and a Nutrition Physician specialist. She completed both residency and fellowship training at Georgetown University Hospital, then the Nestle clinical nutrition fellowship and an advanced bariatric endoscopy fellowship in Madrid, Spain. She then founded Gut Theory Total Digestive Care where she specializes in uncovering the root cause of excess weight, customized weight management through evidence-based nutrition, anti-obesity pharmacology, and innovative, non-invasive bariatric endoscopic weight loss procedures.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

Every new year, we often set resolutions to achieve throughout the year, but obstacles in achieving them may arise during the process.

In this episode, Dr. Janice Walker, a dual board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, shares more about herself and her profession. She discusses the obstacles that hinder people from achieving their goals, such as a lack of a plan, unrealistic expectations, lack of support, stressors, and time constraints. Dr. Walker recommends measures for individuals to get back on track, including adequate sleep, meal planning/prepping, regular physical activity (even chair exercises), using what you have around you for exercise equipment, incorporating kids into workouts, positive social connections, and stress management. 

Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals is crucial for achieving goals. She also advises seeking medical evaluation and treatment for any underlying health conditions that may be impacting overall well-being.

Ready to make positive changes in the new year? Discover practical tips for a healthier lifestyle. Tune in now and start your journey towards a happier and more fulfilled you! 

Episode Highlights:

• About Janice Walker her practice in the outpatient setting

• Obstacles that stop people from staying committed to their new year's resolution

• Lifestyle measures for people to get back on track

• Importance of personalized goals

• Utilizing the SMART acronym for goal setting

Connect with Janice Walker:

• Website | www.mhs.net/providers/w/walker-janice-r

About Janice Walker

Janice Walker, MD DipABLM is a dual board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician. She has over 20 years’ experience in the medical field, including inpatient and outpatient settings. She currently practices in Pembroke Pines, Florida.  Dr.Walker was born and raised in Jamaica. At a young age, she became fascinated with the heart, and its interconnectedness with the other organ systems in the body. She marveled at this tremendous gift of life and felt driven to pursue medicine with a focus on preventing conditions that can compromise health. She took the science tract in high school, graduated at age 15 and moved to the United States to pursue her dream.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and her Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin.  She chose family medicine as a specialty, to deliver comprehensive care to patients of all ages. She obtained further certification in lifestyle medicine and uses its principles as she partners with individuals on their journey to attain and maintain health and well-being.

Over the years, Dr. Walker has seen the significant impact chronic medical conditions can have on individuals, families and the community. With family members having conditions ranging from high blood pressure to cancer, health and well-being are of utmost importance. She is not only committed to teaching and coaching on healthy lifestyle changes to facilitate optimal health, but she also strives to put these concepts into practice.

As a devoted Christ, wife, and mother, she cherishes family time, travel, and well being activities. She believes in being a good steward of the gift of life and her ability to make a profound impact in medicine. Committed to preventive care, she looks forward to partnering with individuals on the journey to optimal health.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

A common concern voiced by perimenopausal and menopausal women is the impact of hormonal imbalance on their health. Many experiences disrupted sleep, irritability, hot flashes, and the persistent challenge of weight loss. Let us explore the different strategies to overcome these hormonal challenges and enhance overall well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Dana Gibbs, an expert in hormones, allergies, and CEO of Consultants in Metabolism, talks about how women's overall health can be affected during perimenopausal and menopausal stages. She explains that as women lose estrogen and other hormones, it can lead to problems like insulin resistance and depression. Dr. Dana also points out symptoms of thyroid and menopause that might seem normal but are actually affecting health. She suggests seeing a doctor if you notice even small symptoms. Memory issues, like forgetting names, can be a symptom of menopause. When it comes to thyroid concerns, Dr. Dana emphasizes checking five thyroid hormones: total T3, Reverse T3, free T3, free T4, and TSH. She also highlights the importance of getting enough minerals, even if you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.

Are you curious about what you are experiencing on your body? Listen to this episode for more information about the changes in your body!

Episode Highlights:

• Importance of hormones in our body and how it affects our health during perimenopausal and menopausal stages.

• How insulin affects various aspects of health

• The effect of thyroid hormonal imbalance to the body and its symptoms

• Importance of talking with your doctor

• Effects of menopause to the body

• How to manage hormonal imbalances

• Steps in checking thyroid symptoms

• Importance of vitamin D

Connect with Dr. Dana Gibbs:

• Website | Consultants in Metabolism

• Facebook | https://www.facebook.com

• Instagram | @danagibbsmd

• YouTube | https://www.youtube.com

About Dr. Dana Gibbs

Dr. Dana Gibbs is an educator, Hormone expert, board-certified ENT, and allergist. Dr. Gibbs attended medical school in San Antonio Texas and trained in Otolaryngology at the University of Kansas. She practiced otolaryngology in Arlington TX for 23 years. Dr.Gibbs speaks online, presenting workshops that introduce physicians and patients to the unique solutions of an integrative Hormone practice. She recently retired from her ENT practice, and opened Consultants in Metabolism, a direct care practice for thyroid, metabolic and hormone management for Women and Men. The practice is located in North Texas and offers live and virtual visits.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

Achieving weight loss demands significant effort, discipline, and determination. However, when faced with obstacles, how does one persevere? Additionally, what strategies can be employed to effectively maintain and manage one's body to prevent a return to the previous state?

In this episode, life strategist and author Debbie Weiss shares her transformative journey of weight loss and self-discovery. Overcoming a lifelong struggle with weight, Debbie found inspiration to find her voice when she became her father's caregiver, and was able to prioritize health over appearance as well through time. Through small, manageable steps like Weight Watchers and dance workouts, she emphasizes the importance of not letting setbacks define progress and encourages self-compassion. Despite being an emotional eater, she found stress relief in dance-based workouts like jazzercise. Debbie underscores the significance of starting small, celebrating minor victories, and avoiding self-criticism on the wellness journey. Her journey has instilled newfound confidence, leading her to believe she can achieve anything, including writing a book.

Are you ready to embark yourself to the new you? Listen to this episode as you lose weight in a healthy manner for a healthy result. 

Episode Highlights:

• Debbie's struggles with weight and body

• Her journey on how she was able to find her voice

• The transformation of losing weight

• How to gradually lose weight

• How to cope with stress and body-shaming during the process

• The importance of baby steps and celebrating small wins

• Importance of perseverance and getting back on track after setbacks

• How does weight loss journey led to other achievements

• The power of starting small

Connect with Debbie Weiss:

• Website | www.debbierweiss.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/groups/maybeican

• Instagram | @debbie.r.weiss

• TikTok | @debbierweiss

Listen to her podcast!

• Spotify | Maybe I Can With Debbie Weiss

About Debbie Weiss

Debbie, a seasoned life strategist with over five decades of experience, has faced some of life's most daunting challenges head-on and emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. As the author of the highly anticipated memoir On Second Thought, Maybe I Can... and a contributing author in the collaborative book Heart Whispers, Debbie's Words have the power to uplift and motivate.

A tenacious entrepreneur, Debbie manages both a thriving insurance agency and her charming online store, A Sprinkle of Hearts. As host of the Maybe I Can podcast and an inspirational speaker, she generously shares her wisdom and insights on overcoming limiting beliefs and fears. As a dedicated family caregiver and mother, Debbie's resilience shines through in every aspect of her life.

Driven by her passion for helping others live their best lives, Debbie delights in laughter, dancing, reading and staying active during her leisure time. Her unwavering spirit and infectious enthusiasm inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

Who doesn't want to live a better, healthier life? Basically, everyone desires it. However, challenges always stand in the way of achieving good health.

In this episode, Dr. Tolulope Olabintan, owner and CEO of Livingspring Family Medical Center, shares her background as a family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, emphasizing the significance of both quantity and quality of life in patient care. She also mentions the joy she finds in helping patients improve their well-being through weight loss and increased mobility. Additionally, she discusses the challenges people face in adopting healthier habits, including negative mindsets and beliefs that they are destined to follow their family's health history. Dr. Olabintan provides tips for living a healthier life, such as incorporating movement into daily routines, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and minding one's thoughts to positively influence actions and decisions.

Don't miss out on the insights that can transform your well-being. Tune in now for a healthier, happier you! 

Episode Highlights:

• About Dr. Tolulope Olabintan

• Challenges people face in adopting a healthier lifestyle

• Tips for living a more healthier life

• Move

• Eat more fruits and vegetables

• Mind your mind

• Make water your drink of choice

• Get good sleep

• Active self care

• Prioritize taking care of your lives and making it a priority in the new year

Connect with Dr. Tolulope Olabintan:

• Website | www.livingspringmedicals.com

• Clubhouse | @dr_olabintan

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/livingspringmedicals

• Instagram | @dr_olabintanmd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/tolulope-olabintan-md-faafp-dipabl

• Tiktok | @dr_olabintan

• Youtube| www.youtube.com/@dr.tolulopeolabintanmd62

About Dr. Tolulope Olabintan

Dr. Tolulope Olabintan, MD, AAHIVS, FAAFP, DipABLM is a Board-Certified Family Physician, Board certified with American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She also completed a Women’s Health Fellowship and is a certified HIV specialist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine. She is fondly called by her patients as "Dr. O." 

Dr. O is also the owner and CEO of Livingspring Family Medical Center, a primary care center located in Mansfield, Texas. She has over 13 years of medical experience. She helps patients live long and well as she believes the quantity of life is just as important as the quality of life. She places emphasis on lifestyle changes that help patients thrive throughout life. Furthermore, Dr. O is a life-enthusiast, a Christian, wife, and mom who enjoys good cuisine and can’t get enough of the colors teal and orange. 

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click