Posts filed under 'Media'
Hi, Everyone –
New York Governor David Patterson is planning on presenting a $4 billion tax plan on Tuesday that would include an unprecedented “obesity tax.” The proposed 15 percent tax would be applied to high-calorie drinks such as regular soda, but exclude such beverages as milk, juice, diet soda and water. According to Patterson’s camp, the tax would generate nearly $404 million a year – a hefty sum that would definitely help the current $15 billion deficit. I’m interested to hear feedback on this issue. Do you think this is a good idea, or is it a slippery slope to be taxing personal health choices? What do you think?
Dr. Snyder
December 15th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
The hype this week surrounding Oprah Winfrey’s ups and downs with dieting really brings up an interesting fact: it doesn’t matter how much money and how many resources you might have, it’s not easy. Making the decision to get healthy is incredibly difficult; it’s truly a lifestyle change and a commitment. I wish her the best of luck in her journey to get healthy and commend her for apologizing to her loyal fans for “not walking the walk.” What do you think about Oprah’s weight struggle and how the media has handled it?
Dr. Snyder
December 13th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
With some weight-loss supplements, you really never know what you are going to get and that is why it is so important to be an informed consumer. That being said, the FDA recently issued a warning to consumers who might have taken two supplements: StarCaps and Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules. Both supplements were found to have prescription drugs in them and could cause harm to certain consumers. Check out this article on the Examiner for more information and be careful!
Dr. Snyder
December 2nd, 2008
Hi Everyone –
There is nothing better than hearing an inspirational story or accomplishment. You know, the kind that give you goosebumps and inspire you to make changes in your own life. One of things I like most about my job is witnessing people accomplish things they didn’t know they could accomplish. Well, I think you should make it a point to tell someone who might need some inspiration, and tell me too! Whether it’s about weight-loss, getting healthy or changing your life for the better, tell your story. If you would like to share it with me, send your stories to drmichaelsnyder@gmail.com.
Dr. Snyder
September 25th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
Another season of The Biggest Loser debuted this week, continuing the phenomenon. This show has really produced some amazing results, and has no doubt inspired a number of people to undertake their own weight-loss journey. However, it is really important to remember that these people are under incredibly close supervision by medical professionals and are losing an uncommon amount of weight very fast.
I’m curious to hear if any of you have any feedback about this show. Do you think it inspires people, or does it give them a false sense of hope? If you are one of the few people who have not heard of The Biggest Loser, check it out on the NBC Web site here.
Dr. Snyder
September 18th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
I have talked about this before, but it just really gets to me when people get up on a soapbox and tell you all how to eat right and be healthy when they don’t make that same commitment to themselves.
Even within the National Bariatric Society there are so many people stepping up and speaking out for obesity who are NOT being real role models. They are smoking and overweight. I believe in talking the talk, but you must also walk the walk!
I want you to know that I am right there with you – making the right decisions and trying to be as healthy as possible. I work out at 4:30am, because that is the only time I can find in my schedule. I am not asking you to do something I wouldn’t do myself.
Dr. Snyder
September 12th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
It has been an exciting week. Check out my coverage on the Virginian-Pilot and Lancaster New Era online!
Dr. Snyder
August 19th, 2008
Hi, Everyone -
My last post discussed the portrayal of weight images in the media, and I’m sure most of you have seen the media frenzy that has surrounded Jennifer Love Hewitt today. The media is glorifying her nearly 20-pound weight loss after photos were taken of her in a bikini and she was dubbed “heavy” by the ridiculous tabloids.
What is really sad about this situation is that Hewitt initially defended her physique and was acting as a sort of role model for normalcy. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this. Do you think she slimmed down just because of the pressure? Do you think the media breeds this mind-set of the “perfect” body?
Dr. Snyder
August 15th, 2008
I get a lot of questions on the word “satiety.” A lot of people hear about it but don’t really understand what the word means. The word “satisfaction” has the same root, so satiety is the feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
I talk about this word all the time with my patients and with others who want to lose weight. Everyone knows that you need to take in fewer calories to lose weight, but NOT everyone knows that this doesn’t need to be a painful process.
The key is getting your stomach to tell your brain that you’re full - you don’t need to eat anymore. That’s the concept behind weight-loss surgeries, of course, but satiety is becoming a huge trend for people who aren’t candidates for surgery as well.
Here’s WebMD’s take on satiety. They call it “The New Diet Weapon.” Have a look - you might just learn that you can lose weight without having to feel hungry all the time!
- Dr. Snyder
July 22nd, 2008
Hi, Everyone -
I wanted to let you know that I recently did a piece for the CBS affiliate here in Denver. I talked about weight loss with KCNC’s Kathy Walsh and Dr. Jim Hill from America on the Move.
A large part of our conversation was on bariatric surgery, which of course is a procedure I’ve done more than 1,500 times. While this type of surgery is an option for a small percentage of people, the truth is that most of us can lose weight without coming to visit surgeons like me.
It’s about living a full, healthy life. It’s about controlling your portions and eating smart - not about crash or fad diets. The link is below. Thanks for stopping by.
http://cbs4denver.com/video/?id=41426@kcnc.dayport.com&cid=128
Dr. Snyder
June 4th, 2008