I’ve seen thousands of patients who have previously “failed” to achieve meaningful results using popular fad diets. In fact, the failure of “fad” diets to solve my patients’ struggles has been so troublesome to me that it has caused a great deal of contemplation and reflection over the years. And, many times, I’ve lost sleep over the very common and extremely dangerous problem of excess body weight that demands a powerful solution.
Tag Archives: research
Obesity is a Real Disease!
The American Medical Association made headlines June 18, 2013 by acknowledging that obesity is, in fact, a true disease. For those struggling with overweight and for those of us engaged in the medical battle against obesity these past 20 years, this was not really news, but an affirmation of sorts. Indeed, both the medical causes and complications of obesity are just as medical in nature as other common diseases. Let me explain…
3 Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight (And None of Them Are Willpower)
Don’t Blame Your Lack of Willpower for Your Troubles at the Scale
by Emily Farris, Kansas City Enhance Health & Wellness Magazine, Jan-Feb 2011
Download the article as a printable PDF or view the article layout online.
“If only I wouldn’t have had that first French fry…”
“If only I didn’t like pasta so much…”
“If only I could resist the chocolate croissant at the coffee shop every day…”
If any of those statements sound familiar, you’ve probably blamed your willpower, or lack thereof, for excess weight at some point in your life. But Dr. Rick Tague, M.P.H. and founder of the Center for Nutrition and Preventative Medicine in Leawood and Topeka, Kansas, would tell you to stop being so hard on yourself. In fact, he says willpower has very little, if nothing, to do with weight.
Why Are You Overweight?
By Dr. Rick Tague
The Real Answer May Surprise You
I usually ask patients why they think they’re overweight. Too often the answer is predictable. “I don’t have self-control.” Or, “I’m too lazy to exercise.” The fact is that overweight individuals are typical of all Americans. 95% of Americans do not exercise regularly, even though everyone is aware of the benefits.
So, not exercising is not the cause of obesity. Otherwise, 95% of Americans would be obese! And, I’ve never seen any research to support the notion that overweight individuals suffer from a lack of “self-control”. They tend to be successful in their careers, their families, and in their personal lives. After treating thousands* of patients, I have not seen that lack of self control is any more common in overweight individuals.