Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Tulane’s Bariatric and Weight Loss Center.
Resolution Revolution: A New Approach to Weight Loss
As we ring in the new year, many of us are familiar with the cycle of making resolutions, especially when it comes to health and weight loss. For busy moms—and dads, too—this often means vowing to exercise more, eat healthier, and “finally” get disciplined.
This year, let’s make setting resolutions to lose weight a thing of the past by effectively treating obesity instead of focusing on quick fixes.
“Obesity is a disease,” explains Dr. Shauna Levy, Bariatric Surgery Specialist at Tulane Weight Loss Clinic. “It’s never been about discipline, motivation, or strictly diet and exercise. Yes, those elements play a role, but they’re not everything.”
Dr. Levy emphasizes that society has often placed the blame on individuals, perpetuating the myth that a lack of self-control is the root cause of obesity. This narrative ignores the medical complexities of obesity as a disease and the fact that, for many, traditional methods like dieting and exercise alone are insufficient.
Research consistently shows that even under ideal circumstances—meticulously planned meals, structured exercise programs, and professional coaching—most people achieve only about a 4-5% reduction in total body weight. For individuals with more significant weight loss needs, this is rarely enough to improve health outcomes. “The truth is, it was never going to work for most people,” Dr. Levy states. “It’s time we stop blaming ourselves and start treating obesity as the complex medical condition that it is.”
We’ve entered an era with a broader range of treatment options than ever before. From medications to surgery, medical interventions offer new solutions for those struggling with their weight.
Medications, such as the popular GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by suppressing appetite and targeting hormonal pathways. But they’re not the only options. More affordable pills are also available, making treatment accessible to a wider range of patients. “We can help you figure out what’s best for you, whether that’s medication, surgery, or a combination of approaches,” Dr. Levy notes.
Bariatric surgery remains a highly effective option for those who prefer a more permanent solution or who haven’t seen the desired results with medications. Surgery suppresses appetite and reduces calorie absorption, addressing weight loss from multiple angles. Dr. Levy points out that while medications are often a lifelong commitment, bariatric surgery provides a one-time intervention with lasting results.
It’s important to note that these treatments aren’t just for busy wives, moms, or bachelorettes. Husbands, fathers, brothers—anyone struggling with obesity can benefit. “This is about treating a disease, not assigning blame,” Dr. Levy stresses. “And just like with any other disease, the earlier you address it, the better your outcomes will be.”
This year, instead of focusing on guilt or discipline, consider focusing on health and the medical solutions available to you. Dr. Levy reminds us, “Wouldn’t it be nice to go into Carnival season without feeling guilty about what you ate or drank? Or to not feel like you’re battling cravings all the time?”
Obesity treatments can help alleviate those struggles, giving you a new relationship with food and your body. It’s not about creating a “new you.” It’s about embracing the person you already are—just healthier, happier, and free from the cycle of self-blame.
Let this be the year to break the cycle. If you’ve been doing the same thing over and over with no success, maybe it’s time to try something different. Talk to a specialist, explore your options, and start treating obesity as the medical condition it truly is.
The team at Tulane Weight Loss Center is here to help. Conveniently located at 4720 S I-10 Service Rd W, Suite 501 in Metairie, we offer personalized solutions to fit your needs. Our friendly clinic staff is happy to verify your insurance benefits, providing support and clarity to make your journey as smooth as possible.
For more information, call the Tulane’s Bariatric and Weight Loss Center at 504-988-BARI (2274) or visit tulaneweightloss.com.
About the author
Shauna Levy, MD, MS, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Medical Director of Tulane’s Bariatric and Weight Loss Center. She is double board certified in General Surgery and Obesity Medicine and fellowship-trained in minimally invasive surgery with a focus on Foregut and Bariatric procedures.
Dr. Levy specializes in anti-obesity medications and surgical weight loss treatments, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, roux-en-y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch. She is passionate about helping patients treat obesity and works closely with them to achieve long-term weight loss.