Category: Weight Management

Spotlight on Obesity Clinical Research Trials
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Clinical research trials test the effectiveness of a new treatment or therapy on volunteer patients during a development phase before being introduced to the public. 

Participating in clinical research trials is an integral part of our practice and provides Central Texans an opportunity to receive new and promising treatment and/or cutting edge technology.

Research participants do not have to be a current Texas Diabetes patient to enroll in a clinical trial and we are actively recruiting patients for obesity studies – both those with diabetes and those without diabetes. 

There is no cost for participation, and the provided medications and study-related labs and exams are free. In addition, most studies will compensate patients for their time and travel.

Obesity Clinical Research 

Our board-certified endocrinologists have served as principal investigators in obesity trials over the past decade to help patients with their weight loss management. Obesity is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of health problems including diabetes, heart disease or respiratory issues.

“We see research as a very important part of what we do at Texas Diabetes,” says endocrinology expert Dr. Thomas Blevins. “We are currently studying the next generation of obesity agents just as we studied the GLP-1 agonists that are available today.”

Dr. Blevins recently served as a co-author for a published study on a promising innovative obesity agent called Oforglipron.

“We are now offering a new obesity trial for an investigational drug that is being developed as a chronic weight management treatment,” explains Dr. Blevins. “To qualify for this study, participants must be living with obesity and have at least one weight-related health issue other than type 2 diabetes.”

Anyone interested in learning more about this study can contact our research department to learn more. 

Patient Success with TD&E Research Trials 

One TD&E patient who has participated in obesity clinical research is 61-year-old Carla. Three years ago, she was prediabetic and wanted help managing her weight, so she opted to participate in a three-year study that involved weekly shots, counting calories, and working with a TD&E study coordinator and registered dietician to help her reach her goals.

She completed the clinical research trial in December 2023 with the following positive results:

  • Shedding 130 pounds
  • Losing her prediabetic status
  • Eliminating her blood pressure medicine 

TD&E applauds Carla for her diligent efforts to tackle weight loss while contributing to the greater advancement of medicine and science! 

She encourages other patients looking for additional ways to improve their condition to take the first step by contacting TD&E to see what clinical research trials are available.

“The Texas Diabetes research team was my greatest cheerleader,” shares Carla. “Someone was always available to help keep track of my health and advise me every step of the way.”

To those who sign up for clinical studies, Dr. Blevins thanks them and says, “we are indebted to the patients who volunteer to take part in our research trials at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology.” 

Clinical Research Opportunities at TD&E

You can learn more about our research department and currently enrolling clinical trials here. Please feel free to contact us at (512) 334-3505, option 4, to speak to a research coordinator about our enrolling studies.

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What are the benefits of weight loss and weight loss management?
Posted on by Leslie Branon

The benefits of weight loss and then maintaining a healthy weight are countless. 

Your circulation and blood pressure will improve, muscles and joints will be more flexible, cholesterol levels will stabilize, better sleep is possible, blood sugar levels will become more balanced, and the list goes on…

The CDC estimates that if you lose just 5-10% of your body weight, you will benefit from it in so many ways. 

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, our team of endocrinology experts treat diabetes, thyroid issues, osteoporosis, and promote heart disease prevention.

We are highly invested in helping our diabetes patients to lose any excess body weight to better manage their blood sugar levels and their overall health. Lowering your body weight will encourage the pancreas to work more efficiently to keep up with insulin production and help sustain healthy blood sugar levels. 

One of our advanced practice providers, Brandy Wellmon PA-C, CDCES, contributed to an article about weight loss and blood sugars. 

Wellmon says that “the most important aspect of a successful weight loss program is that it must be tolerable to the patient so that the changes are lifelong.”

Experts and research suggest that making adjustments to your diet and adding regular exercise to your daily routine are the main factors that contribute to successful weight loss.

Wellmon shares that she tells patients not to expect significant weight loss until they have sustained the changes for at least three months. 

Ways to help with your dieting and weight loss goals include:

  • Seeking professional guidance from a nutritionist and/or physical trainer
  • Setting realistic goals that you can achieve and sustain over the long term
  • Staying positive, working consistently, and trying not to compare your weight loss journey to someone else’s

Research does show that weight loss medications can help in extreme cases when diet and exercise have failed, but these should be taken strictly under the supervision of your physician and as directed. 

Wellmon warns that there could be risk in losing weight too fast as well if not done safely.  

“Losing too much weight can lead to excessive or rapid bone loss, increasing risk of osteoporosis,” she says. “Also, extreme weight loss or losing it too quickly can have an adverse effect on hormones.”

In the race to lose weight, remember that a slow and steady pace often wins. Make smart choices to facilitate your unique weight loss goals that you will be able to stick to and sustain. Your body will thank you for the many benefits associated with these efforts to maintain a healthy weight for years to come.  

Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes and Thyroid Conditions 

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes and other endocrinology services can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.  

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.

weight and insulin resistance
Weight and Insulin Resistance Connection
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Insulin resistance is a common condition that is linked with weight gain in many individuals. When our bodies become resistant to insulin, it can result in higher levels of glucose in the blood, and cause the body to store energy rather than burn fat.

Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology Advanced Practice Provider Brandy Wellmon, PA-C shares her knowledge about insulin resistance for The Checkup. Wellmon explains, “People that naturally gain weight in their belly are more prone to insulin resistance.”

Wellmon recommends developing a weight loss plan and committing to it in order to see results.

​​“If you set your expectations to attainable goals, then the first and most important thing to remember is you should stick with your lifestyle improvements for at least three months before you should expect to see a significant amount of weight loss.”

Read the article for tips to lose weight with insulin resistance.

For more information on our personalized approach to weight management, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endocrinologists by requesting an appointment online or call (512) 458-8400. 

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you with helpful wellness and health information.

eat better resolution
Tips to Keep your ‘Eat Better’ New Year’s Resolution
Posted on by Leslie Branon

As we get further into 2023, it can become increasingly difficult to stick with the New Year’s resolutions you made. Priorities constantly shift to keep up with busy schedules and new commitments, and – despite your best intentions – the goals you made can quickly be forgotten.

If ‘eat better’ was on your list of New Year’s resolutions, we’re here to not only help you achieve that goal but also make it an ongoing habit. Here are some tips to help you eat better throughout the year.

Approach your Resolution as a Lifestyle Change

Think of your resolution to eat better as a lifestyle change, not just a box on a list of goals to check off. To help you eat better more consistently, consider making little changes at first. For example, try to add a fruit a day into your meal plan. Then, gradually add more fruits and vegetables while eliminating processed foods. Dr. Keta Pandit recently shared her expertise on healthy weight management with Medical News Today. She says, “lifestyle habits, such as increased exercise and eating a well-balanced meal high in protein and fiber, are crucial to maintaining weight loss.” While taking steps to eat better, she recommends thinking about the larger health picture rather than a temporary life obstacle. Envisioning an achievable and realistic goal in a set amount of time is an important exercise to build a change in lifestyle because it allows people to focus on the goal with a purpose. Making some small changes by building small habits to achieve this goal is how most people can make successful changes. It also helps to find a system to track those habits in order to build a lifestyle change that is sustainable.

Make a Realistic Plan

Changing your diet can be an overwhelming process and it likely won’t happen overnight. When you can, set smaller goals for yourself throughout each week to ensure you’re moving at a pace that you can maintain. If eating better is part of a larger goal to lose weight, consider joining a program to help build a realistic plan that fits your needs. Our NextStepMD Weight Loss Program is designed to help you lose weight, maintain weight loss, and gain better control of your health. We offer one-on-one sessions and work closely with our patients to recommend the methods that offer the greatest opportunities of success. We’ll educate, motivate and support you through your weight loss journey, which includes establishing new eating habits.

Remember that Setbacks are Temporary 

With any lifestyle change, there are going to be days when you fall off course and don’t meet your goal. When this happens, the key is to remember that these setbacks don’t have to be permanent. Don’t give up – each day is a new opportunity to make any needed adjustments, move forward, and take a step closer to your goals!

Schedule a Free Health Coach Consultation 

Our knowledgeable health coaches are dedicated to helping you start your journey to a healthier, more energetic lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more about how our one-on-one coaching session can support you and your long-term goals. 

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.

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