Additional Benefits of Weight-Loss

In last Sunday’s New York Times, there was a great article highlighting the financial benefits of eating less. The article discusses the effects of obesity on health care costs and how some companies are actually incentivizing employees to lose weight and live healthier lives.

The article also mentions that a large amount of processed foods actually keep you from feeling full, causing you to eat more and gain weight.

Add comment December 8th, 2009

Treats Are Fun

Halloween is over, but many homes and offices still have candy sitting around. Caramel apples or dip, maybe? How did it go for you during Halloween treat month? Did you plan some cheats for treats you were craving? Were you prepared, so you didn’t end up tricked into eating too much of a treat or too many treats?

Remember I don’t say that treats are off limits. When you really want a treat, follow my cookie example in my book, Why Diets Don’t Work, on page 60-61. Basically, you’re just planning when to have the treat so that you are in control of the situation.

Don’t say, “I’ll finish this bag of leftover little treats. After all, they’re fun size.” Get rid of the extra stuff. Your body and your teeth don’t need the extra sweets.

If healthy habits didn’t happen, and you really feel guilty about all the stuff you ate for the sake of fall celebrations–just forget it about. It’s time to move on. Time to prepare for the next round of holiday festivities! You can do this. You can have control and a healthy lifestyle!

Add comment November 1st, 2009

A Virus Causes Obesity?

Hi, Everyone –

According to researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, there is actually a virus that causes obesity. The virus, dubbed AD-36, can apparently be passed as simply as the common cold and also causes cold-like symptoms. Here is how it works: the virus apparently replicates itself in fat tissue, thus creating more fat cells, expanding fat and leading to obesity. In one test conducted, nearly one-third of obese people had this virus, as compared to only 11 percent of their healthy-weight counterparts.

I’m interested to hear some thoughts on this so-called “obesity virus.” While it does sound like it has some scientific validity, do you think it will just be used as another excuse?

Dr. Snyder

Add comment September 14th, 2009

Obesity tax?

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

Add comment December 15th, 2008

Celebrities struggle too

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

Add comment December 13th, 2008

FDA recall of weight-loss supplements

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

Add comment December 2nd, 2008

Be an inspiration

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

Add comment September 25th, 2008

The Biggest Loser

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

Add comment September 18th, 2008

Walk the walk

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

Add comment September 12th, 2008

Check it out!

Hi, Everyone –

It has been an exciting week. Check out my coverage on the Virginian-Pilot and Lancaster New Era online! 

Dr. Snyder

Add comment August 19th, 2008