In a recent revelation about extreme weight loss, Dr. Whit Roberts of Health Utah has shared insights into an innovative approach that addresses the multifaceted nature of obesity.
Dr. Roberts reflects on his initial concerns when Debbie, a patient standing at 5’2″ and weighing 360 lbs, first came to his clinic. Unlike many others, Debbie’s case was compounded by a deeply rooted family history of obesity and associated health problems. “Her family’s battle with obesity dates back generations, with every member succumbing to heart attacks before the age of 57,” Dr. Roberts explained. Despite extensive efforts, Debbie was plagued by self-doubt, which he believed was a significant barrier to her weight loss success.
Recent studies challenge the traditional view that genetic factors are the primary drivers of obesity. The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium has identified 97 genetic markers linked to obesity, but these markers contribute only minimally to weight gain, influencing BMI by just 2.7% on average. The FTO gene, often associated with obesity, contributes to a mere 0.34% variance in weight, as detailed in research reviewed by the National Library of Medicine.
Dr. Roberts underscores that while genetic predispositions may necessitate additional effort to manage weight, the predominant challenge lies in overcoming ingrained habits of failure and self-doubt. “Many individuals, like Debbie, struggle with feelings of inadequacy that hinder their ability to believe in and achieve successful weight loss,” he said.
Dr. Roberts also points out that the blame for obesity often placed on individuals is misplaced. According to him, the primary contributors to obesity are the food industry’s profit-driven motives and widespread physical and mental health issues. He references Dr. Deborah Cohen, a senior scientist at the RAND Corporation, who argues that the food industry exploits consumer vulnerabilities for profit and advocates for increased government regulation to ensure healthier food environments.
The approach at Health Utah emphasizes addressing these broader causes. Dr. Roberts describes how Debbie’s condition involved not only significant weight but also severe health issues including fibromyalgia, neuropathy, insomnia, chronic pain, and prediabetes. The initial phase of treatment involved diagnosing underlying pathophysiological causes such as insulin resistance and thyroid disorders through comprehensive assessments including health surveys, blood tests, and body scans.
During a 12-week intensive program, Health Utah’s team implemented a tailored treatment plan for Debbie, which included dietary modifications, hormone-balancing supplements, and weekly coaching sessions. These sessions covered life skills, nutritional counseling, and therapeutic techniques like hypnotherapy to support weight loss and address subconscious barriers.
Although Debbie did not achieve a 200-pound weight loss in the initial 12 weeks, she made significant progress over two years, benefiting from ongoing support and follow-up care. Health Utah’s unique program aims to equip patients with the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for long-term weight management and overall health.
