Join a Program! part 2

By Dr John Ellis MD // Leave a comment

This is a follow-up  to a previous post I wrote on the effectiveness of weight loss programs like Weight Watchers in comparison to primary care physicians. A Weight Watchers funded study, “Primary care referral to a commercial provider for weight loss …

Losing weight and getting healthy TOGETHER!

By Dr John Ellis MD // Leave a comment

Family/friends tend to gain or lose weight together. An NY Times article makes an interesting read of the importance of groups on weight loss. It notably stresses the effectiveness of having a group that consists of people who are not “cosy” (aren’t friends) …

Community members trained to tackle obesity in the Hispanic community

By Dr John Ellis MD // Leave a comment

The Hispanic population is one of the most obese ethnic groups in the U.S, and obesity levels within this community is rising. Dr. Guadalupe Ayala of San Diego State University conducted a study, “Effects of a Promotor-Based Intervention to Promote Physical …

Join a program!

By Dr John Ellis MD // 1 Comment

A new study shows that people who joined Weight Watchers lost more weight over a year than folks managed for weight loss by their primary care physicians. We’ve previously noted that doctors often have difficulty and limited success in counseling their patients …

My favorite fruit!

By Dr John Ellis MD // 3 Comments

The new Weight Watchers PointsPlus system allows unlimited fruits and veggies.  I haven’t done Weight Watchers, but I totally agree with this aspect of their program. I have long allowed myself unlimited amounts of my favorite fruit = cherries. I …