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Understanding 'Ozempic Face': Prevention and Treatment Options Ozempic, a popular GLP-1 agonist medication, has gained attention for its efficacy in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss. However, an unexpected side effect, dubbed 'Ozempic Face,' has become a concern among users. This term refers to the sagging, gaunt appearance that can result from rapid weight loss, especially in the facial area. Understanding how this unwanted side effect occurs and exploring ways to prevent and treat it is essential for those considering or currently using this medication. How ‘Ozempic Face’ Occurs ‘Ozempic Face' is primarily the result of significant

Today I’m excited to share some fantastic news about Garden State Bariatrics’ latest offerings in aesthetic treatments. If you’ve been looking for non-surgical solutions to tighten your skin or contour your body post-weight loss surgery, you’re in luck! We’ve added cutting-edge treatments to our lineup of services that are less invasive and more cost-effective than traditional plastic surgery procedures. First up, Morpheus8. Picture this: smoother, tighter skin with minimal downtime. Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten your skin from the inside out. Whether you’re dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, or acne scars, Morpheus8 can

There is a meme out there that says ”sitting is the new smoking,” capturing the idea that not exercising is bad for you, perhaps even as bad as smoking? Frankly, I am not totally sure that is true but, no doubt, exercise is good for you (the human body is designed to move, after all) and so a lack of exercise is probably harmful. Regular readers of this blog (I know there are a few of you out there!) may have noticed that I am not a big fan of snacking and so I want to propose a new meme....”Snacking

I Wish I Had Less Muscle Mass… …said no 80 year old EVER! This is a topic I’ve discussed often in these pages, and I suspect I will return to it often in the future. The more I research the topic of longevity, the more I appreciate the importance of muscle mass. We all understand, at least at an intuitive level, that ‘frailty’ is a big source of disability and unfortunately death in the Elderly. But that understanding becomes much more concrete when it’s backed by facts. Let me share an astounding statistic that captures what I am talking about

Given this is the time of year for resolutions, I figured I would chime in with my own suggestion for how to be successful with whatever your resolution is: Make the desired behavior (your resolution) the default behavior. Eventually, we all lose the battle with willpower (the main reason resolutions, and diets for that matter, often don’t work). So, rather than have a daily battle with willpower I suggest simply creating a rule and following it. You’ve been following rules your whole life, so let’s hack that system to our advantage. Consider a common resolution: "Lose 20 (or 30) pounds

Embarking on the path of weight loss surgery is a transformative journey. It's not just about shedding pounds; it's about embracing a new, healthier lifestyle that includes proper diet and exercise. At Garden State Bariatrics in New Jersey, we are committed to the well-being and success of our patients. A crucial aspect of achieving your weight loss goals is understanding how nutrition affects your body during this transformative process. Key Considerations: Protein Intake and Rapid Weight Loss Similar to the challenges faced by those struggling with obesity, rapid weight loss and dietary restrictions after bariatric surgery can trigger changes in

By Dr. Michael Bilof I’ve been thinking lately that to really succeed at something… like really, truly succeed you have to play the “Long Game”, not the short game. Since our interest in these pages is health, fitness, and longevity, let me put it in those terms. The ‘short game’ is the crash diet: you get some results (sometimes even good results!) but they never last, not really. You lose 20 lbs. in 6 weeks, but as soon as you stop the unsustainable diet you gain those 20 lbs. back plus 10 more over the next 3 to 4 months…

You did it. You worked hard to meet the requirements necessary for undergoing bariatric surgery. You had the procedure and got through recovery. You quickly shed pounds in the year after surgery, and were keeping up with your post-surgery diet. But… First you hit a plateau, and now the pounds have started to come back. At this point, some patients want to give up. Don’t let this be you: you can get back on the right track, and we’re here to help. Why Do Patients Regain Weight After Surgery? Weight regain after bariatric surgery is not uncommon. While sometimes a

As obesity rates continue to rise, more and more people are seeking effective solutions for weight loss. Two popular options are bariatric surgery and weight loss medications. While both approaches aim to help individuals shed excess weight, there are significant differences in terms of cost and long-term sustainability. Read on to explore the efficacy, financial implications, and sustainability of bariatric surgery compared to weight loss medications, and to learn more about the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach. The Financial Burden of Weight Loss Medications Weight loss medications have gained popularity as a non-invasive alternative to bariatric surgery. Studies

By Dr. Michael Bilof Last month I did a brief overview here of the medical research on the new ‘wonder weight loss drugs’ that are on the market. In case you did not read it or didn’t know there are new ‘wonder drugs’ in our midst, the 2 drugs are Semaglutide (brand name Wegovy/Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro). The take home message from the research literature is that these drugs are effective for a significant number of the patients who take them (at least half in most of the studies) and, more importantly, they are relatively safe. Since we