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Obesity Care vs. Weight Loss: What’s the Difference?
The International Obesity Collaborative, a global alliance of professional organizations focused on improving obesity care, recently released a powerful consensus statement: obesity care and weight loss are not the same. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Isn’t all obesity care centered around weight loss? And wouldn’t weight loss be appropriate for someone with obesity? The answer may surprise you. Let’s take a closer look at the International Obesity Collaborative’s new consensus statement, what it means for healthcare professionals, and how it could reshape the way we approach obesity treatment in clinical practice.
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Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025!
On May 30th, I had the opportunity to speak to the graduating dietetic interns at Children’s Hospital Colorado, sharing my journey from clinical care to entrepreneurship in diabetes care and education. Here are a few reflections and words of wisdom I’ve embraced along the way.
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GLP-1 Success Starts with Dietitian Leadership
It should come as no surprise that a large part of the success with incretin-based therapies— like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound—stems from the effective integration of lifestyle modifications, particularly nutrition. This success occurs at both the individual and programmatic levels. But it’s not always for the reasons you might expect. By the time most people begin incretin-based therapy, especially for weight management, they’ve often already tried a range of diets: calorie counting, commercial weight loss programs like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers, and more. This time, they’re looking for something different—something that addresses the deeper pathophysiology and root causes…
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GLP-1 Therapy Part 4: Navigating the Decision to Discontinue
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference on the topic of nutrition strategies for effective GLP-1 use in obesity treatment. This premier event, dedicated to supporting nutrition and dietetics professionals in Colorado, offered a valuable opportunity to share updated evidence on GLP-1 therapies, while also debunking common myths to promote informed and unbiased nutrition counseling. In this four-part series, I’m excited to share my key recommendations to help support your practice. In Part 4, we’ll discuss some of the key questions to consider when deciding whether to discontinue therapy. New…
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GLP-1 Therapy Part 3: Strategies for Successful Weight Loss
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference on the topic of nutrition strategies for effective GLP-1 use in obesity treatment. This premier event, dedicated to supporting nutrition and dietetics professionals in Colorado, offered a valuable opportunity to share updated evidence on GLP-1 therapies, while also debunking common myths to promote informed and unbiased nutrition counseling. In this four-part series, I’m excited to share my key recommendations to help support your practice. In Part 3, we’ll discuss strategies for successful weight loss while on GLP-1 therapy, as well as the transition…
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GLP-1 Therapy Part 2: Preventing and Managing Side Effects
I recently had the pleasure of presenting at the Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference on the topic of nutrition strategies for effective GLP-1 use in obesity treatment. This premier event, dedicated to supporting nutrition and dietetics professionals in Colorado, offered a valuable opportunity to share updated evidence on GLP-1 therapies, while also debunking common myths to promote informed and unbiased nutrition counseling. In this four-part series, I’m excited to share my key recommendations to help support your practice. In Part 2, we’ll discuss strategies for managing and preventing medication-related side effects New to this series? Start with…
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GLP-1 Therapy Part 1: Setting Realistic Weight Loss Expectations
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference on the topic of nutrition strategies for effective GLP-1 use in obesity treatment. This premier event, dedicated to supporting nutrition and dietetics professionals in Colorado, offered a valuable opportunity to share updated evidence on GLP-1 therapies, while also debunking common myths to promote informed and unbiased nutrition counseling. In this four-part series, I’m excited to share my key recommendations to help support your practice. In Part 1, we’ll explore key considerations for identifying appropriate GLP-1 candidates and highlight the importance of setting realistic…
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Food Connects Us: A National Nutrition Month Celebration
It’s March already, which means it’s National Nutrition Month—a time to celebrate the power of food and nutrition and recognize the vital role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in promoting healthy eating through expert guidance and resources. This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights how food brings us together—linking us to our cultures, families, and communities. Sharing a meal is more than just eating; it’s an opportunity to learn about its preparation, the people who made it, and where the ingredients come from. Here are a few meaningful food connections that resonate with me! Creating Connections in the Kitchen Cooking at…
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Fatty Liver on the Rise: What You Need to Know
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that over 40% of the U.S. population will develop metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver, by 2050—equating to approximately 122 million adults. This number is both astounding and concerning, especially as fatty liver disease is rapidly becoming one of the leading causes of liver transplants—and a new liver isn’t easy to come by. In fact, the study predicts that liver cancer cases will double, while the need for liver transplants will quadruple. This raises an urgent question: What is being done to…
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Book Review: Saturated Facts by Dr. Idz – A Deep Dive into Nutrition Myths
This may come as a surprise—but I’m not much of a book reader, at least not when it comes to novels. After working through 2-3 peer-reviewed articles, reading daily nutrition briefings, sorting through countless emails, and keeping up with the news, my eyes need a break. More often than not, I turn to podcasts instead. However, I genuinely enjoyed Dr. Idz’s new book, Saturated Facts. His casual and frank approach to busting diet and nutrition myths, along with his breakdown of trending nutrition research, made for an enjoyable and informative read—something I actually looked forward to at the end of…
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Do Food Warning Labels Really Work?
On a recent trip abroad, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of food warning labels on items at the local mini-mart. Bold, bright labels reading “Danger: High Fat” or “Excess Sugar” were stamped across the front of snack packaging. I wasn’t surprised—I knew full well that the bag of chips I grabbed wasn’t the healthiest choice, but I really wanted to try them. When in Rome! Still, it made me wonder—do food warning labels actually deter consumers? Do they influence purchasing behavior, or do people, like me, simply ignore them when cravings strike? Let’s explore when and why food…
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Obesity Redefined: A Bold New Approach to Diagnosis
A recent publication in The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology is prompting the medical community to rethink how obesity is screened and diagnosed. Endorsed by over 75 organizations worldwide, including scientific societies and patient advocacy groups, this consensus calls for a major overhaul of the language, classification, and diagnostic criteria used to address excess adiposity and its impact on the body. Interestingly, the commission not only includes international experts from diverse medical specialties and regions but also individuals with lived experience of obesity. Together, they aim to define ‘clinical obesity’ and establish objective criteria for its diagnosis. Let’s dive into their…
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Blood Sugar Supplements: Backed by Science or Driven by Hype?
The start of a new year often brings an influx of private practice clients eager to tackle their health goals, and one of the most common topics of conversation is the potential benefits of supplements for glucose control. Many people hope that supplements might provide the extra boost they need to achieve success, especially when the prospect of overhauling their entire diet and lifestyle feels overwhelming. I frequently find myself addressing questions about which supplements, if any, are truly effective for managing blood sugar. Adding to the confusion is the sheer size of the global wellness industry, valued at an…
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Banning Artificial Food Dyes: Health Risk or Overreaction?
Lately, I’ve been fielding more questions than usual about food dyes, and I can’t help but wonder if the recent ban on six harmful food dyes in California schools is sparking more concern. Many of my clients are increasingly worried about how these dyes might affect their health goals—whether it’s weight loss, diabetes prevention, or overall wellness. The conversation around food dyes is gaining momentum, and it’s clear that people are paying attention to the potential impact on their health. For a long time, my mindset was, “If it’s on the market, it must be safe.” But since having a…
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The Weight of the Nation: Insights from the Global Health Data Exchange
A recent article published in The Lancet highlights the concerning status of overweight and obesity in the United States, providing a stark look at the trajectory of this public health crisis. Not only are the numbers projected to rise, but the data also underscores a troubling reality: efforts to combat overweight and obesity over the past 30 years have been largely ineffective. I’m no public health expert, but this clearly calls for a critical reassessment of current strategies and the adoption of a more comprehensive approach. Could this study be the wake-up call we need? Study Overview and Data Analysis…
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Are “Forever Chemicals” Really Forever?
I’d be lying if I said I thought much about the chemicals in my food or cookware. If they’re on the market in the U.S., they must be safe, right? But now, with a toddler at home, I feel a strong obligation to consider these health concerns—especially regarding PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. What are these “forever chemicals”? How do they end up in my food? Should I be worried, and what can I realistically do? If you’ve had similar questions, let’s take a closer look at some of these recent health claims and explore practical strategies to reduce…
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Seed Oils Uncovered: Are the Risks Greater Than the Benefits?
In recent years, seed oils—such as canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn oils—have become central to discussions on healthy eating. While widely used in home kitchens and food manufacturing, questions have emerged about whether their potential risks may outweigh their benefits. To better inform our choices, let’s take a closer look at the facts about seed oils, including their nutritional profiles, processing methods, and potential impact on health. What are Seed Oils? Seed oils are extracted from various seeds, including canola, sunflower, soybean, and safflower. They’re commonly used in cooking, baking, and food production due to their mild flavor, affordability, and…
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A Closer Dive into the “Food is Medicine” Debate
What we eat has profound effects on our health and well-being. Research shows that dietary habits can influence the risk of developing various diseases; while some foods may contribute to chronic health conditions, others offer therapeutic and protective benefits. This has led many to advocate for the concept of “Food is Medicine,” emphasizing nutrition’s potential to prevent and manage disease. But what about when conventional medicine is necessary? Are we asking patients to choose between food and pharmacology? Let’s take a closer look at the “Food is Medicine” debate to explore how nutrition and traditional medicine can complement each other…
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Dietitian Abroad: Japan Edition
As a dietitian traveling abroad, I’m always curious about the unique ways different cultures approach food and nutrition. My recent two-week journey through Japan was no exception, offering both surprises and delightful discoveries when it came to the country’s culinary traditions and eating habits. From mindful eating practices to unexpected flavors, Japan’s food culture left a lasting impression. In this article, I’ll share four elements that stood out during my travels, each offering insight into the fascinating relationship between food, health, and tradition in Japan. The Taste of Tradition Japanese traditional cuisine, known as washoku, emphasizes balance, seasonality, and simplicity.…
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Cortisol and Weight Gain: How Stress Affects Your Body
Cortisol has become a prominent topic in discussions about weight loss. Often referred to as the “fight or flight” hormone, it is closely associated with stress. Recently, many health and wellness influencers have suggested that elevated cortisol may be responsible for unexplained weight gain or the body’s resistance to weight loss. But is this accurate? Are abnormally high cortisol levels truly contributing to the obesity epidemic? Let’s take a look at what the science says. What is Cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. It is often referred to as…
