#165: Advice on Diet Meds, Food, Diabetes from Doctor Opening New Weight Loss Clinic

Growing up in India, our guest this week on "Run The Race" is a doctor who's been practicing 41 years, including almost 3 decades in America. As an endocrinologist, he's been helping people live longer especially in Columbus GA, part of the South where there's an epidemic of obesity of obesity and diabetes. As he gets ready to open a new state-of-the-art weight loss, clinic, we hear his life hacks on nutrition, expert advice on weight loss drugs and more on this podcast, which we hope you subscribe to, (3:22) Dr. Bantwal Suresh Baliga says learning your body stats (on new technology) is so important to help you know how to change your lifestyle for the better. Some people have hormonal, genetic challenges. What's the best way to achieve weight loss goals? He says there's not a one size fits all diet that can work, but what to watch for is insulin resistance climbing - making you more at risk for lots of health problems like cancer, stroke, etc. but there are things you can control. (14:50) Faith is also vital for your health, as he recommends especially wives and moms to take time for yourself. This physician says if you're frustrated, turn to the Lord and meditate. (17:00) Dr. Baliga has some wisdom on food shopping and exercise instead of "yo-yo dieting." He lists steps for insulin resistance. Can you live on a diet of 800 calories per day? That's what he suggests for some patients as an initial kickstart. Other recommendations: eat before you grocery shop; exercise (he gives some numbers); walk to places and while working. (22:31) We see a lot of ads for weight loss drugs, but none are 100% safe. These medications change pathways of the brain, to take away cravings and that happy dopamine from tasty food...but there are side effects. (30:15) On Friday July 14 in Columbus GA, he and his wife (also a doctor) are opening the Chattahoochee Institute for Wellness, Longevity & Weight Management. He breaks down how patients will pay, plus what they'll do at the new clinic - including special tests for your hormones and calorie burn, yoga, cooking demonstrations, cognitive behavioral therapy. He also says yes you can do this weighr loss on your own, if you're disciplined and healthy enough. Dr, Baliga has specific advice about foods to eat and avoid. Sleep is a factor too! (41:20) We wrap up our podcast chat talking about bringing medical care to a rural village in India where there were many cobras and he saved lives through a state-of-the-art snake bite clinic. (45:50) And we learn about his journey from India to the UK to the USA, where he believes it's God's Will for him to be, where there's not enough endocrinologists. I close out the episode with my quick weight loss story and a prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.