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Nora lost 61 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nora lost 61 pounds.  She didn’t want to fall prey to the obesity-related illnesses she saw family members dealing with.  She was motivated by God and her desire to live a healthy and happy life.  Here is what she shared with us:

Nora before and after

“My name is Nora Scott. I started working out in 2012. I exercised two day a week at first then I went to 5 days a week for 30 minutes a day.  I mostly worked out on the treadmill, did squats and jumping jacks. I changed my eating habits too. I started replacing my bad snacks, like chips and candy, with fruits and veggies!!! I cut out fast food as well, then soda. Eventually, I threw away everything in my home that was unhealthy! I never used diet pills or special drinks. I just workout and eat clean. I allow myself one day for cheats, on special occasion or a weekend. It’s taken me about a year 1 1/2 to lose 61 pounds. I started off at 307 pounds and now I weigh 246 pounds! What motivates me the most is God and my desire to live. I have over 10 members of my family that suffer from obesity-related illnesses and I didn’t wanna be next! No diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure for me. My desire to have a happy, healthy life motives me. My advice to people would be to stay committed and consistent. This is your journey, nobody else’s. Don’t feel pressured to compete. Everybody on earth is different. Stay focused and don’t forget why you started.”

What is Insulin Resistance and How Does it Affect Metabolism?

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insulin resistanceInsulin resistance happens when your body stops being able to properly use the insulin hormone that is manufactured by the body. It is a condition that can affect many systems of your body, as insulin is used for more than just managing glucose levels (key to blood sugar). Insulin plays a role in how well your metabolism works to process carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients like protein. When you develop insulin resistance, your body’s ability to manage energy and to properly process nutrients is seriously impaired.

Causes

While there are known genetic factors that influence a person’s chance of developing insulin resistance, it is also associated with certain medical conditions that may or may not share the genetic profile of someone inclined to insulin resistance. The genetic profile implies that if you are Latino, African-American, Native American or Asian American you have an increased risk for developing the condition. If you are obese you also significantly raise your risk no matter what your genetic profile. Excess weight that is held around the waist area is associated with being at risk. Some of the diseases commonly present prior to the development of insulin resistance include fatty liver, arteriosclerosis, skin tags and women with abnormalities in the reproductive organs are prone to insulin resistance as well. Those with acanthuses nigricans are also considered to be at a higher risk and may not be aware they have the condition. “Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder that results in velvety, light-brown-to-black markings that occur in areas including the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts.” (source)  That is why some overweight people experience a very dark coating in those areas that will sometimes be so thick it can be rubbed off.

Another cause identified for the condition has to do with conditions that may or may not be diseases or disorders but have in common that they place the body’s metabolism under unusual stress – these conditions can include:

  • being pregnant
  • taking steroids
  • having a severe infection or unrelated illness
  • high levels of stress
  • high cholesterol
  • use of steroids (prescribed or illegal)
  • sedentary lifestyle

Symptoms

There are several symptoms that indicate the presence of insulin resistance; some can only be detected with a fasting blood glucose test performed by your doctor. This test will show whether or not your body is using glucose appropriately and responding to the body’s natural hormone level well. Symptoms that you may notice yourself are increased fatigue after eating, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, kidney problems and increased weight gain around the mid-section of the body. Another sign that you may have developed insulin resistance is if you have heart disease or Type 2 diabetes. Both of these conditions are considered to be symptomatic of insulin resistance rather than accompanying disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for insulin resistance usually consists of a threefold approach of diet, exercise and medication. Medication may be necessary to promote better insulin use within the body while you are creating lifestyle changes that can manage or even reverse the condition. One of the single most important causes of insulin resistance has been identified as obesity coupled with a sedentary lifestyle. Losing weight is not enough to reverse the condition; you have to increase your exercise level to create an impact on the metabolism of your body that is a part of the insulin management process. One caution is to make sure that you have your doctor and a nutritionist be a part of designing any weight loss and exercise program you may choose to start as having insulin resistance can become complicated by further placing the body under stress. With the proper steps in creating change in your lifestyle, you can reduce the impact of insulin resistance on your life if not eliminate it altogether.

Risk Factors

Left untreated, insulin resistance can be a leading contributor to kidney disease, heart disease and high blood pressure. Studies have begun to suggest that the ability of the body to process insulin and manage glucose levels in the blood stream may have an impact on the rate of development of cognitive problems related to aging. Insulin resistance can lead to an increased risk for morbid obesity and all the risks associated with that condition as well.

How it contributes to weight gain and weight loss

Insulin resistance can both cause weight gain and prevent weight loss because it impairs the body’s ability to use glucose as fuel. Without the ability to use the insulin hormone to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins, there is little the body can do with the nutrients it has but to convert them into fat. Unfortunately, this is a very specific type of fat that is stored around the mid-section and has been linked to raised risks of certain types of cancers. While insulin resistance can make weight loss difficult to maintain, the body can self correct the condition given proper diet and exercise. It is a matter of being willing to commit to the protocol of lifestyle changes and medications (if necessary) to allow your body a chance to bring itself back into balance to avoid the risks associated with this condition.

metabolic syndrome

Candice lost 51 pounds

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Candice over came a lifetime of fighting obesity.  This proud mom and business woman is down 51 pounds from 307 pounds with clean eating and exercise.  Read her story and get inspired!

Candice before and after weight loss

“My name is Candice Edmund and I am a 40 year old female living in Houston, TX. Wow! Where do I start? First of all let me say thank you. You facebook page has been one of the main motivators for me to start this journey. You and the women on your page have impacted my life for the better and for that I say thank you. My weight has always been an issue. Through out my childhood and my adult life I have always been obese. Obesity is truly a demon that many of us deal with. It instilled a fear in me that prevented me from being the person that God has called me to be. Many nights I have gone to sleep with thoughts of what will happen to my children if I die of a heart attack in my sleep. Obesity paralyzes you and you live with a fear that only you and others that suffer from the same disease will only know. This summer, I went on a trip overseas. I had to ask for a seat belt extender and the flight was the most difficult and uncomfortable six hours of my life. I told myself on that plane when I got back home I would change…for good…for life. In July, I started working out at the gym 4 to 5 days a week and I started eating about 80% clean. This is amazing for me because I was a slave to food. I no longer am addicted to the sweets and pastries that once held me captive. Life can throw some curve balls your way and food has always been my way of dealing with those curve balls as they came…and believe me, many have come.

Thus far, my total weight loss is 51 pounds. My starting weight was 307 pounds. I have gained lots of muscle mass. Currently, I train 4 days a week with my trainer and I do cardio as well. Since July, I have completed in several 5K’s. Last week my trainer told me that a year from now he wants me to compete. He did not realize that when he said it I really took his statement to heart. This is now my long term goal. One day, I would indeed like to compete in lifting.

I still have a long ways to go in this journey. It is a daily battle and it is far from over. My short term weight loss goal is another 50 or so pounds and then I’ll set another goal, and then another goal to become the athletic person that I envision myself being. One day I will compete in weight lifting and one day I will accomplish my goal of zip lining over a waterfall in Brazil.

I thank God for you, your Facebook page, and the courageous women on your site.”

Check her out online: www.tealightfulparties.com

Candice before and after weight loss

 

Aleisha lost 134 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sonia sent in her sister’s transformation story.  Aleisha lost 134 pounds.  Sonia says that her sister is an inspiration to others.  Here is what she shared with us:

Aleisha before and after

“This is my sister Aleisha Jordan-Alston. She had a lot of different health issues but decided to make a change when she was told that she would not be around to raise her 5 children if she didn’t lose weight. She not only lost weight but continues to motivate others to do the same. I hope you can feature her on your page. She deserves it. I’m so proud of my sister.

About 2 1/2 years ago her doctor told her very matter of factly that if she did not lose weight that she would be dead in 5 years and to prepare herself and her 5 children. She argued with him back and forth all the while being embarrassed, shocked and enraged. By the end of the appointment he was a little more compassionate about it.  He told her that if she worked hard, he believed that she could do it but he also honestly felt that if she didn’t make a change she would die in 5 years or less. She didn’t want her to children to grow up without her (all under 16 at the time).  She also wanted to prove to her doctor that she could do it.  This is what motivated her to lose weight. She was having a problem sticking to the traditional workouts so she started walking with me and some of our friends which made it seem more like something fun to do instead of working out. She also loves dancing and included that in her workout schedule. A different doctor put her on a strict changes to her diet which she followed religiously. She changed how often she ate (every 3 to 4 hours) to the portion sizes. She cut out fast food, stopped using a lot of salt and stopped eating fried foods. She also doubled her vegetables (which she hardly ate before losing weight), cut out beef and pork and started eating mostly chicken, turkey and fish. Of course she drinks water constantly. Her total weight loss is 134 pounds. She started at 289 pounds in March 2012 and she’s only 4’11”. Her current weight is 155 pounds. She does treat herself every now and then to her chips, cookies, etc but once she got used to not eating them she knew she could make it. She says she’s so happy that she made this lifestyle change and I’m a proud big sister.”

4 Prescription Weight Loss Pills You Should Know About

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There is some good news about the change in how obesity is viewed as a disease by the medical community.  It may now be easier for you to have access to medical weight loss and weight management treatments covered by insurance, if you and your doctor feel it is the best choice for you. There are many different prescription diet pills that your doctor can prescribe and find the best one to help you reach a healthy weight. The other news is that now YOU have to educate yourself on these prescriptions so you can be an educated patient.  It’s a little extra work on your part, but the payoff is worth it, especially because some past pills have had negative side effects and were taken off the market.  Here are 4 prescription diet pills that you should know about.  (Talk to your doctor about these drugs so that you have all the info you need since this is just an overview.)

prescription diet pillsQsymia

Qsymia is one of the new hybrid prescription diet drugs that have come on the market that combine two or more prescription drugs to create one pill to address obesity. In Qsymia the combination contains phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is a popular appetite suppressant and topiramate is an anti-convulsing. In combination with diet and exercise, Qysmia is most often prescribed to those with weight issues that are related to diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The fact that Qysmia includes an anti-convulsant should be a sign that this is a diet drug that is not meant for anyone. There is a risk of potential addiction due to the phentermine ingredients and you should not suddenly stop taking Qysmia as there can be a risk for seizures. Qysmia should not be taken by people with a history of glaucoma or thyroid disorders and should not be taken if you are pregnant or nursing. There is a potential for complications from drug interactions and increased stress on your liver and kidneys so make sure to check with your doctor that this is the right diet pill for you.

Orlistat

Orlistat can be confusing to people as it is also sold under the name Xenical and Alli. The last branding of the drug does not require a prescription due to it being a much smaller dose than is clinically indicated for weight loss. Orlistat works by blocking fat absorption from food. It can block almost 20% of the fats taken in as a meal and the excess fat is passed from the body through regular bowel activity. Orlistat is generally combined with a reduced calorie diet and has a successful track record in morbidly obese patients that are at risk or have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or arteriosclerosis. The main concern with Orlistat beyond the typical ones of drug interaction lies with a unique form of vitamin deficiency that can occur while on the drug. In blocking the fat from being absorbed, Orlistat also blocks the body’s ability to absorb vitamins A, E, D and beta-carotenes from the fat, so a multi vitamin is recommended. Orlistat has a specific warning on it about interaction with many blood thinning drugs.

Xenical

Xenical is one of the brand names that the weight loss drug Orlistat is sold under. Unlike the other branding, Alli, Xenical maintains the clinical recommended dosage of 120mg per dose which is why it requires a prescription and alli does not. The dosage amount in Alli is not suggested to be of benefit to those who are morbidly obese. While Xenical is considered safe to take, there are some risks for side effects involved. Some people have experience hives, sweating, rashes or rapid breathing while taking Xenical. It is recommended that it is taken with a reduced calorie diet and a multi-vitamin as it blocks the natural absorption of some key vitamins from food as well as blocking fat absorption.

Phentermine

Phentermine is one of the best known of the prescribed diet pills and can be hugely effective when combined with a reduced calorie diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. It is a psychostimulant drug and is similar in composition to an amphetamine. It is used medically as an appetite suppressant and has been extensively studied. One of the biggest cautions about phentermine is that it can have addictive properties for people. The other main concern is that it can interact with other drugs in the same family, many of which are available without a prescription. If you are taking any antihistamine, decongestants or cold medicines be sure to let your doctor know. Phentermine is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

4 Things to know about Bariatric Surgery and Insurance

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Bariatric surgery has become recognized as the safest and most efficient way for someone who is morbidly obese to lose weight fast. For some people, the length of time it would take to lose weight using diet and exercise alone may not help them to avoid severe medical complications due to obesity. It may also be unwise for some people to exercise until significant weight has been lost to reduce stress on the joints and heart. Affording bariatric surgery has just gotten trickier, not easier over the years. Here are 4 things you need to know about Bariatric surgery and insurance.

How much will it cost on average?

insurance benefitsWhile the three main types of procedures are all priced differently, the overall average cost of any type of bariatric surgery will be about $42,000. The surgery itself can cost from 8 to over 16 thousand dollars, but that is just for the surgery. Bariatric surgery is a term used to refer to the process of preparing for the surgery and the recovery.  As a process, this can include extensive testing, therapy in some cases, in-patient recovery, out-patient recovery and follow up procedures. Unlike many surgeries that rely on one type of specialist and a generic support team; Bariatric surgery uses a specialized Bariatric team during the entire process and the whole procedure. This is why it is one of the most expensive procedures.

Obesity in Black America

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One in 5 people die from weight related illnesses and complications.  In many recent studies, Black Americans have the dubious distinction of having one of the highest rates of obesity in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). To be considered obese, you must have a body mass index* of 30 or higher. To be considered morbidly obese your body mass index must only hit the BMI of 35 with health complications, or have been measured at 40 for at least five years.

Obesity in Black America There are many theories of why the Black American community has such high rates of obesity, none of which have been conclusively proven as true. It is generally accepted that the cause is a combination of culture and genetics. Complicating the issue is that Black Americans don’t simply suffer from just a Black American culture that promotes obesity (there’s a debate on that), they are influenced (as all Americans are ) by the general American culture which also promotes a lack of activity and poor diet.  That leads to obesity across ALL racial categories. Here are just some of the major complications that you risk by remaining obese or seriously overweight. Losing weight radically reduces risk of death or health complications from each of these conditions.

I feel that it’s time that we face the health issues below and start to educate ourselves and our communities about the risks and how to turn these trends around!  Let me know what you think in the comments section.  Should we consider the studies that come out a call for action or is it all just more “bad news” about Black People?

Type II Diabetes

Black Americans are prone to type II diabetes, an acquired form of diabetes related to obesity. While this type of diabetes is on the rise in the US across the entire population, it is becoming more prevalent among Black Americans under the age of 25. Diet and exercise that lead to a return to a healthy weight and normal blood sugar levels can quickly remove the need for managing type II diabetes with medication and therapies for many people.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure and obesity go hand in hand. While the American culture emphasizes treating high blood pressure with medication, rather than emphasizing prevention – the Black community is at a disadvantage as many of the current medications have not been rigorously examined for their benefits on the genetic profiles of Black adults. While this imbalance in clinical trials is slowly being corrected, thinking you can rely on a medication to control your high blood pressure may not be realistic for everyone.  Having open communication with your doctor and other medical professionals is key to finding the right therapy that works for you.

Mortality

1 in 5 Americans die from weight related illnesses. Being obese, or even just overweight, can decrease your life span by increasing the strain on your heart and inviting in life threatening conditions that could be avoided. Due to high obesity rates, some Black Americans face shorter lifespans (Some studies show that this increases our mortality rate when compared to other racial groups in the US).

Weight-related Illness and Complications

More Black Americans are being diagnosed with weight related illnesses from diabetes to joint pain to pulmonary and breathing disorders than ever before. Excess weight can have an effect on the efficiency of your lungs and other vital organs as well as depressing your immune system and metabolism. It is also thought that being overweight can complicate your recovery from surgeries and other illnesses as fat acts as fast absorbing neutralizer for many medications and antibiotics.

Stroke

Obesity comes with high blood pressure and is also commonly associated with heart disease and poor cholesterol health. When you combine these elements together, there is a radically increased risk for stroke. Having a stroke can happen at any age. Being obese increases your risk of stroke and can also complicate your recovery from one.

Arthritis

Extra weight increases pressure on your joints and can act to reduce circulation. All of this can combine to an increase in mobility issues and arthritis. In many cases, the normal medications used to relieve arthritis pain are not as effective in patients who are obese as their weight is not taken into account with the dosage. If weight is taken into account, there is a secondary issue of potential toxicity or dependence due to the high medication dose.

Cancer

Recent studies have conclusively linked belly fat to an increased risk of breast cancer. It isn’t belly fat that is specifically the issue, it is the particular fat cell type called an estrogen receptor cell which is most common in the stomach area. Older studies have long shown a direct link between being obese and an increased risk of the following cancers: esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, endometrium, kidney, thyroid and gallbladder.

*Note: I know that many people dispute the validity of BMI in determining health, but it is the measure accepted by the medical profession at this time.  I also realize that the info I’m talking about in this article is based on research and studies that many may not agree with.  Many time the reaction I hear about info like this is that it stereotypes us or that “they” are saying that we are all fat and unhealthy.  My intention is to bring forward some info to make us all think about how obesity and weight-related illness is affecting our community.  We can look around our families, co-workers, friends and the whole of America and see that weight and poor eating is affecting the health of many.  It’s time that we stop dismissing the stats that DO on some level correspond with what we are seeing.  I’m not saying that every study is accurate…but every stat and study is not wrong.

Find out more

Dr. Tyeese Gaines – How obesity has become a part of black culture

The Office of Minority Health – Obesity and African Americans

US News – Blacks have highest obesity rates in US

National Cancer Institute – Obesity and Cancer

Are the Green Tea for Weight Loss Claims True?

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green tea for weight lossIf you were to believe all the advertisements, infomercials and half the websites on the Internet that are connected to a product with green tea, you might think that it is the magical answer to weight loss. It can be hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to evaluating products and supplements aimed at helping people burn fat because the issue of obesity is highly charged and there is a lot of money made on diet products. The tried and true methods of reducing calories, eating healthy and increasing exercise can seem too hard to maintain, if your schedule is overburdened or your current weight and lifestyle habits make it hard to break through into healthy living. Green tea has been presented as a cure-all of obesity, but are the green tea for weight loss claims true? The answer is a resounding yes and a huge no. Understanding how green tea can assist in weight loss and how to use it to support a weight loss program will help you achieve your goals realistically.

How to spot when things aren’t what they seem

The first thing you have to accept is that the human body is not designed to lose a pound a day. The body is hard-wired to prevent starvation and will quickly seek to regain the weight loss when the chance comes, and not just regain it, but to build up an additional surplus of fat just in case it is placed into starvation mode again. This is why healthy weight loss is most often calculated at a pound every week to two weeks. This pace means that the weight loss has not placed stress on the metabolism that will create a backlash weight gain and that your habits have changed to support sustaining the healthy weight loss as well.

What green tea does

Green tea leaves are taken from the plant Camellia Sinensis which is indigenous to China and grows in many areas of Asia. The leaves are harvested and prepared with a minimum of oxidization, which preserves a high level of naturally occurring polyphenols in the leaf. The polyphenols can then be consumed by ingesting the tea or water the leaf has been steeped in. These polyphenols contain many properties that are just beginning to be understood and documented by the scientific community to support the practices the tea has been used for in traditional medicines. Polyphenols have been shown to provide support to the immune system, act as a diuretic, have high concentrations of antioxidants, and have the effect of raising the metabolic rate without also increasing heart rate. Traditionally, green tea is used to increase energy, fight off sickness and as a weight loss agent. The thought is that by ingesting regular amounts of green tea in powder, capsule or infused water the polyphenols act within the system in support of immune and metabolic functions.  However, this is a theory but one with a lot of information out there to back it up.

How to use it to support a weight loss plan

No green tea product is going to help you lose weight just by taking it alone. It’s not a magic pill.  Green tea is a diuretic, so you will experience some water weight loss but that is not permanent. Green tea has been proven in scientific studies to aide in weight loss by increasing the metabolism by up to 4%. Your metabolism is how fast your body can process fat to fuel, which is how weight is lost. Green tea has also been shown to increase energy levels, similar to caffeine, which can help you keep up with exercise routines. There is also evidence that green tea supports healthy blood sugar maintenance which is also beneficial to weight loss management.

Guaranteeing success

Green tea can play a very important role in weight loss. By using it in conjunction with calorie management and an exercise program, can help you to lose weight and keep it off.  Just think of it as any other supplement you may choose to use.  It’s a tool. One of the best ways to incorporate green tea in your diet is to use it as a substitute for sugary or high caloric drinks, such as lattes and other fancy coffees. In the end, adding green tea to your daily diet may assist you in reaching your weight loss goals in a healthy way that can be maintained, but it will not do the work for you.

Weight Loss on a Budget Tip #25: Save Money at the Doctor’s Office

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Losing weight can help you achieve Tip #25: Saving Money at the Doctor’s Office.  “A person who is obese has annual medical costs $1,429 higher than someone of a normal weight, according to the CDC.” – Bankrate.com

save money medicine

  • Losing weight can reduce your risk factors for things like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers.
  • Reduce medications for diseases for which symptoms are improved when you lose weight.
  • Weight loss and getting healthy can help improve your immune system, thus helping you to stay our of the doctor’s office for common colds or infections.
  • “$1,850 more per year in medical costs for an overweight person than for someone of healthy weight, among employees at the Mayo Clinic and their adult dependents. $3,086 more per year in medical costs for a Mayo worker with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 40. $5,530 more per year in medical costs for a Mayo worker with a BMI above 40. By comparison, smokers’ medical costs were only $1,274 a year higher than nonsmokers’, who generally die earlier.” – Reuters

A few weeks ago, I posted an article where I outlined how obesity could cause you to have higher interest rates.  Here is part of that article:

Why being overweight could now cost more to insure.

It is an accepted medical fact that being overweight can increase a person’s risk for disease and complications from other treatments to the point that it can be life threatening or develop into chronic conditions. Obesity is linked to asthma, type-2 diabetes, stroke risk, high blood pressure, cardiac issues and recently a direct link between being overweight and an increased risk of breast cancer has been found. For health insurers, this flags those who are overweight as high risks for coverage. Federal regulations prohibit insurers from denying or limiting coverage to those who are overweight by denying it qualification as a pre-existing condition, but they have put in options for health insurers to charge higher rates to the obese.

How much higher will my rates be if I am overweight?

According to the new federal regulations, you could be charged anywhere from 30 to 50% more for the same health insurance that someone who has a healthy BMI is paying. For employers, this will help defray the costs of the group insurance plans they help carry.  The many of the people with health issues that the new health mandates are supposed to be helping get affordable coverage may become stuck in the catch-22 of having to pay higher rates than before.

Patrina lost 31 pounds

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Patrina lost 31 pounds.  This proud mom and grandmom used her grandson as motivation to fight obesity. Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Patrina (PJ) and I’ve been living the healthy lifestyle since April 2012. I weighed in at 205 pounds. I am now at 174 pounds. It’s been a journey but one I will not give up on. I’m 37 years old and I have a 3 month old grandbaby that I want to see grow up and play with. He has been my motivation as well as not be a statistic for obesity. I want to lose about 30/40 more lbs. I went from a 16w and now wearing a size 14 comfortably. Trying to get to a size 10/12 and about 155/160. Took a physical for insurance and they stayed I am in perfect healthy just need to lose weight because by their charts I’m obese.

This picture is a 6 months difference. I did this with diet and now exercising 5 times a week. Still have 20 more pounds I want to lose.  This page/pictures and stores have been a great motivation to me. Thanks for creating this page for Black Women.

Trina weight loss story Patrina weight loss photos