This webinar is entitled “Optimal Lifestyle Intervention for Patients with Diabetes: The Joslin Why WAIT Model.” It is delivered by Osama Hamdy, the Medical Director of the Obesity Clinical Program at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, and also the creator of the Why WAIT program, clinically proven to support weight loss and glucose control among diabetic patients. The “WAIT” in Why Wait stands for Weight Achievement and Intensive Treatment. It is a 12-week multidisciplinary program for weight control and…

This webinar Dr. Osama Hamdy, the medical director of the obesity program at the Joslin Diabetes Center. This presentation is entitled, “Nutrition Revolution in the Prevention and Management of Obesity and Diabetes” and discusses the pathology of diabetes, specifically why it is the result of carbohydrate intolerance and glucose toxicity. Furthermore, he discusses the role of micronutrients and demonstrates the evidence for medical nutrition therapy. A major risk factor for diabetes is obesity, but independent of obesity and BMI, elevated…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Sleep plays an important role in foundational health with inadequate amounts contributing to risks associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.1 One study reviewing the relationship between insufficient sleep and chronic health issues concluded, “Sleep duration of less than 6 hours is a risky behavior for the development of chronic diseases, particularly stroke and cancer, and should be therefore addressed in public health campaigns.”2 Studies have shown that the risk…

by Bianca Garilli, ND It has been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the case of the growing obesity epidemic and the concurrent increase in insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), it is important to understand the relationship between obesity and IR, and to identify biomarkers which can aid in the identification and prevention of these conditions. Inflammation is thought to be a major driver of the IR process, with evidence…

Functional Medicine and Women’s Health: Interview with Joel Evans, MD Part 1: Thyroid, Adrenals & Excess Estrogen We sat down with Joel Evans, MD to talk about Functional Medicine options for common women’s health issues. Q: Let’s talk about thyroid dysfunction. What are underlying causes that can be addressed through nutrition? What are the risks if left unaddressed? A: Thyroid dysfunction is incredibly prevalent, and the signs may be a little bit insidious. That’s why we have to evaluate our patients for thyroid…

Dr. Frank Hu is a professor of nutrition, epidemiology, and medicine at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School. In this presentation, he discusses the relationship between saturated and unsaturated fats, sources of carbohydrates, and risk of cardiovascular disease. There have been recent sensationalist headlines on the role of fat in the diet and its relationship to cardiovascular disease. Professor Hu clears up the confusion in this presentation. A recent paper by Professor Hu and…

by Bianca Garilli, ND The rise in childhood overweight and obesity has been dramatic over the past three decades, with the number of overweight children tripling in that time frame, resulting in approximately 1 in 5 children (17%) in the US now estimated to be overweight.*1 Furthermore, while more children are becoming overweight, the heaviest children are getting even heavier.1 From 1971-1974 to 2009-2010, the prevalence of obesity in US children increased:**2 From 4.8% to 12.1% in children ages 2-5 From 4%…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Based on the theory that each blood type (i.e., O, A, B, and AB type) represents distinct genetic traits and ancestral dietary habits, the popular “blood-type diet” advocates eating according to one’s blood type to achieve optimal health. For example, individuals who are type O (“the hunter”) would benefit most from a high-animal protein diet with avoidance of grains, legumes and dairy products; type A (“the agrarian”) are best with a vegetarian diet; type B (“the…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the US: 30 million US adults have diabetes (90-95% type 2 diabetes [T2D]), with another 84 million living with prediabetes.1 The most influential, modifiable risk factors for diabetes include overweight/obesity, lack of physical activity, and smoking.1 With diabetes-related medical costs and lost work/wages totaling $245 billion/year,1 the US cannot afford to let this epidemic remain unchecked. Clinicians who are equipped to implement successful, evidence-based lifestyle interventions for their…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Guidelines for reduction of diabetes risk consist of recommendations such as: Losing 5-7% of your starting body weight if overweight Following a healthful diet by lowering caloric intake, choosing water in place of sweetened beverages, and reducing fat in the diet, particularly trans fat Engaging in 30 minutes of exercise 5 times weekly1 More specific recommendations are discussed on the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease website including resources for following the Choose…