Dr. Jani sets functional approach to obesity talks Nov. 2, 3
Functional medicine specialist Dr. Uday Jani will present free library talks in November. His topic will be Beyond Calories and Exercise – New Insights on Taming Obesity. The talks are set from 3 to 4:40 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Lewes Public Library, and from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Milton Public Library.
“If you’ve tried a series of the latest no-fail diet programs, eliminated fat, dialed back the calories, pumped up the exercise, but still haven’t lost weight, it may be time to get to the root of the problem. Functional medicine looks at diet in a very different way,” said Jani, a local internist who specializes in functional and integrative medicine.
“We consider the root cause of obesity in each individual, which can result from myriad factors,” he said. “These can include eating foods packed with preservatives and additives, environmental toxins, hormonal changes and stress. All are prevalent parts of our lifestyle, but all make it difficult to lose weight and to keep it off.”
At his presentations, Jani will offer a new perspective on obesity, with effective strategies for finding a better way to tackle what is often a lifelong challenge.
“There is no quick fix or one answer for everyone,” he said. “That is why the functional medicine approach, taking into account patient-specific issues, often succeeds where more traditional strategies don’t.” Functional medicine begins with a thorough and highly individualized physical to identify the origins of obesity in the patient. Creating a personal timeline of when obesity began – in childhood, a steady creeping up in the middle years, or a sudden weight gain – is essential to effective intervention.
“While there are genetic factors that can impact weight, there are early environmental influences that can be responsible for the way insulin is processed or nutrients are absorbed,” Jani said. Potential triggers for weight gain can also be viewed through the prism of the patient’s history, and thoughtfully addressed. Medical conditions may be at the root, such as an imbalance in estrogen, progesterone or testosterone levels; chronic inflammation caused by certain foods or vitamin or mineral deficiencies; low levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine; thyroid problems; or elevated cortisol, the stress hormone released from the adrenal glands.
Other, less common causes are also studied. Sleep disorders, for instance, can have a significant impact on weight. “A question I always ask patients who are struggling with losing weight is how much sleep they’re getting each night because there is a strong link between obesity and sleep deprivation or sleep apnea,” Jani said. Digestive problems caused by imbalances in the microbiota (bacteria in the digestive system) can influence weight gain as well, and require a high-fiber diet to restore a healthy balance.
“Going beyond the traditional diet and exercise regimen to get to the root causes can make a profound difference in treating obesity,” Jani said. “I encourage those who are struggling with this issue to come and learn about this unique and very effective approach.”
For more information, call 302-684-0990 or go to www.udayjanimd.com.
