Obesity: Advances in managing this complex chronic disease.
Dr. Jennifer Penrose interviews a local Dr. Leila Borders, MD from Olympia Orthopedics Associates. We get to hear her story and focus on her speciality of obesity. We discuss how obesity in the US is a chronic disease that needs a better approach from the medical community overall. She discusses her approach to obesity and provides hope to people that have struggled with this for years.
Show Notes
- Obesity is an epidemic chronic disease that by 2030 50% of US adults are predicted to be obese. Obesity is a BMI of 30 and overweight is 25. Granted it is not always the best test since we know muscle weighs more than fat.
- Obesity puts you at risk for several cancers not to mention heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure
- Many people think fat cells are these “inert” cells. This is false. Adipocytes or fat cells actually secrete hormones and cytokines which increases systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation is linked with many diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, arthritis, heart disease and more! These fat cells even have an influence on brain chemistry! It is not just extra fat hanging on your body. These fat cells have devastating effects on every organ system.
- Obesity has over 300 genetic markers. Your genes do not determine your destiny! Your genes are a blue-print. You can turn your genes up or down depending on diet and lifestyle! However, if you have the blue-print you can make better decisions to influence those genes in your favor. Genetics is new on the horizon and we (the medical community) is still trying to understand how to use gene testing to help chronic diseases like obesity. (One of the better companies out there that does Gene SNP testing is nutrametrix and Dr. Penrose works closely with a nutritionist and PhD in analytical chemistry Dr. Nancy Miller-Ihli to understand your lab reports. Read more about the gene snp testing here: https://www.genesnp.com/)
- Gut microbiome is also very important and up and coming with its role in obesity. Dr. Borders discusses how fecal transplants are a potential solution in studies.
- Childhood obesity is also on the rise and close to 20% of children are obese. She said childhood obesity affects children mentally and emotionally in the same way that children that have cancer! We need to acknowledge this is a disease and children need help as much as adults.
- Intermittent fasting is discussed briefly as well as the “mediterran diet” as good potential options. There is no one way; except cut out refined carbohydrates & sugars, limit alcohol, limit processed foods, and eliminate fast food are universally recommended regardless what diet you do choose to follow.
- Dr. Borders takes a lengthy intake of 17 pages of patient’s history and spends a considerable amount of time to truly understand all the components affecting each person’s obesity and come up with a plan that works and is sustainable.
- Dr. Penrose and Dr. Border are both committed to helping people find solutions to this chronic disease. The medical community is continuing to look at genes, fecal transplants, and more studies to find more answers.
- Dr. Borders recommends a cook book: The Meditteranean Family Table. By Dr. M.D. Angelo Acquista
- Then we wrap up with Dr. Border’s contact information and what patients she sees and her favorite place to eat, tips for staying healthy, and places to enjoy in the South Sound.