Board Certified Endocrinology and Obesity ( Why I Decided to Get Support)

By ATWBeauty, March 30, 2021 | Destination: NYC

Board Certified Endocrinology and Obesity ( Why I Decided to Get Support)

More than ever our energy is said to be at an all time low, maybe it’s the lack of movement for many of us, or the lesser interaction with friends and going out. We’ve also seen a rise in weight which has always been something I have struggled with my whole life. I decided to go to an Endroconologist to address my sudden weight gain, and also to find out more about what was going on with my body on a deeper level.

With Covid-19 making working out nearly impossible with gyms closed and depression at an all time high we’ve also seen a jump in obesity numbers. Many of us turning to food as a coping mechanism but also as a way to keep entertained.

On an effort to feel re-empowered I wanted to finally loose those 20lbs I felt I gained during Covid but I didn’t know where to start. That’s when I found a Latina who was trailblazing the medical field. Born and raised in Mexico she came to the US at the age of 25, and has been climbing the medical charts with her expertise in weight loss. Her office located in the Upper East Side of NYC, is a hidden gem that is considered a go-to for those looking to not only shift their mindset about weightless, but also turn around their habits to make the change needed to transform. Doctors can be overwhelming, but being the fact that she is a women, and has a friendly social media presence that answers real questions about everyday concerns for women like me and you gave me the confidence to look more into her services.

One thing I’ve discovered is that you can’t tackle this time alone, and more than ever I’ve come to understand it takes a village to re-spark that inspiration needed to reboot the system. I wanted to share my personal journey on re-finding purpose during these hard times and find some light at the end of the tunnel. I decided to do a full body exam to really look at whats going on internally and take some real next steps on finding some inner peace on finding beauty in the moment because if weight loss is also on your to-do list you’re truly not alone!

For me I’ve tried it all. Intermediating fasting, weight watchers, weighing my food, and just about any taboo formula to getting in shape. For many of us we know the struggle of weight being always a priority in the home, never thin enough but also our meals packed with rice, and intense cravings that are triggered by emotional baggage and stress with work and life.

So I decided to talk to an expert. The internet can be a very a scary place, leading you down a rabbit hole of concerns and I wanted to sit down with a true expert and for me that was Endroconologist. Dr. Salas-Whalen who helps clients take control of their health. You can book an initial 60-minute consultation virtually or in-person with Dr. Salas-Whalen to receive a thorough medical history, physical exam, in-house laboratory testing along with a body analysis utilizing InBody. This procedure allows you to understand exactly where you are in regards to your health to start making some real change. You are seen, and heard … and for once truly observed to understand how to take next steps in healing from inside out.

She believes that every patient is different and that effective care must be customized according to individual needs. We started on a journey to explore my recent weight gain during covid that was preventing me from having energy. After my blood work came back it showed I had Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is condition that produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones and also explained my weight gain. We immediately started on a plan to getting my weight to a normal balance to prevent future chronic disease such as diabetes which runs in my family and get my PCOS in check. We forget that obesity isn’t just about discipline its also a disease that needs doctor attentions before it gets worse. We created a 4 month plan that included dietary supplements and doctor check-ins to track my progress. Loosing about 2 lbs a week, with walking 1 hour a day, and conscious eating habits I can honestly say that I’ve seen a shift in my body not only in weight but also in energy and confidence. I never thought that going to a doctor and discussing my health would trigger my weight loss goals but here I was scaling at almost 190 lbs in November of 2020 with no way to turn it around so I found the support I needed to get myself not only into training my mind to take on new habits but also learn more about how my body was working to hit reset where the real change needed to begin. Take a look at some of my before and afters and this is only 2 month’s in. I’m excited to continue to share my journey, as this is the best decision I’ve ever made.

Here are some facts:
Obesity is a chronic,multi-factorial disease
800 Billion People around the world are living with obesity

What are the roots of obesity?

Biology.The body has mechanisms to protect itself from starvation
Healthcare access: Without trained healthcare professionals, most people who suffer from obesity won’t reach and maintain a healthy long-term weight goal
Food: Ultra processed food is contributing to the rapid rise of obesity
Medication for weight loss is only one part of a treatment plan ghat also includes nutrient, physical activity and behavioral therapy

DR. SALAS-WHALEN HAS A SCIENCE-BASED APPROACH TO TREATING OBESITY

A few common questions I get.

Will I gain the weight back? Dr. Salas said that they key to maintain the weight is adjusting the medication, and getting the body to relate on the new lifestyle and eating habits it needs to keep off the weight. 9/10 times patients will keep off the weight when they have seen these results as life-long changes vs short term results.

What are some of my biggest takeaways of this experience? For me understanding where my healthy weight is. After loosing some of the weight, I understood that it isnt just about a number but getting to a weight where Iam preventing future chronic disease like diabetes that runs in my family, and also to get my body ready for a healthy pregnancy. Weight is a leading factor for PCOS Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant. For me knowing I want to be a mom one day was something I needed to get checked right away and get in order. As much as weight is about looking good, its also about working on the interior to prevent future health conditions.

I even celebrated with a personal photoshoot for my 34th birthday to own all of the new me. On the other side of self doubt is so much self love. I started working out, eating healthy and seeing Dr. Salas as a way to re-discover my beauty, the beauty I felt in the inside I wanted to show on the outside.