Weight of the Nation

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center
Published: May 15, 2012
Woman sitting pensively by window.

On June 14, HBO launched its series “Weight of the Nation” a series tasked with raising the dialogue of obesity to a national level. Scottsdale Weight Loss Center was there to watch the premier viewing.

The first episode effectively made the case that obesity is a disease that affects nearly every organ in the body.

The second episode addressed choices for those who are obese. Click here to watch it for free

Here are some highlights:

  • The Bogalusa study showed that obese children had early signs of heart disease. Autopsies on obese children who died from accidental deaths had plaques in their arteries. 50% of children from Bogalusa are now obese.
  • Obesity is a genetic disorder in which environmental factors allow it to flourish.
  • The Mississippi Delta is Ground Zero for obesity, with the highest obesity rates in the country.
  • Fat deposits in the liver (fatty liver disease) is becoming a more common reason for liver failure and need for liver transplantation. 25%-30% of adults have fatty liver.
  • Weight gain in those who are already obese leads to rapid increase in health consequences-increase cholesterol and liver fat. Preventing weight gain may be just as important as losing weight. 5% weight loss leads to significant improvement in health, including clearing of liver fat.
  • 20% of cancers in cancers in women are caused by obesity. Obese and overweight people are 80% more likely to develop dementia.
  • The Nurses Health Study showed that obese women were 50-100 times more likely to develop diabetes. Diabetes causes a breakdown of blood vessels, leading to amputations, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and blindness.
  • To lose weight, make small steps, be realistic, enlist support to help you achieve your goal, keep portions under control, track your intake, plan and structure your meals, eat breakfast, eliminate sugary drinks, and make exercise a part of your life.
  • All diets ultimately lead to reduced caloric intake. Fad diets focus on weight loss, and not weight maintenance. People who have lost weight must be diligent, since they are not metabolically the same as people who have always be normal weight.
  • Cutting out sugary drinks is the single best change you can make. “Juice is just like soda,” in the words of Robert Lustig, MD.
  • Exercise alone will not result in weight loss. Exercise is the key to keeping it off. Physical activity is ALWAYS good for your health.
  • Be MINDFUL: Pay attention to what you eat. Spend a couple of minutes enjoying the look and smell of your food before you start eating. Enjoy each bite.
  • Obesity cannot be solved by simple diet and exercise alone. It requires a medical team. Gastric Bypass surgery can lead to complications, such as fistulas, kidney stones, infections. At least 1 in 300 will die from the procedure.
  • “Grilled, Steamed, Baked” are common words used by successful weight managers.
  • Exercise is the number one predictor of weight maintenance.
  • Never give up!

We thank those who shared their stories, their inspirations, their successes, and their challenges. Did you watch the show? Tell us what you thought.

Reviews

Excellent rating
Based on 420 reviews
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Diana is the Best!!
Sara mackey profile picture
Sara M
12 days ago
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Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
John Janovic profile picture
John J
29 days ago
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Best of the best - Dr. Z !!
Mar S profile picture
Mar S
33 days ago
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The Biltmore location is top notch! Everyone there is so very friendly, professional and makes the experience so personal and easy. Highly recommend!
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Sue M
35 days ago
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This practice is everything you would want from a physician office. Professional and knowledgeable staff and caring providers 10 stars!!!!
Lisa Young profile picture
Lisa Y
41 days ago
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Everything perfect
Andi Kate profile picture
Andi K
46 days ago
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I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20. It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
MJ Wilcox profile picture
Mj W
53 days ago
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SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
Donna L profile picture
Donna L
55 days ago
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The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
Paula Stiles profile picture
Paula S
81 days ago
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I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment. Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA. Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss. I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
Joyce Kelner profile picture
Joyce K
88 days ago
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Amazing staff and great program! Feeling great!
Brian Hauser profile picture
Brian H
92 days ago
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I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off. I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off. I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did! The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input. They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective. Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well. Good to not feel alone on this journey.
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Stephanie P
105 days ago
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