Ask Dr. Denton: 'Why Am I Still Fat?'

The answer is in the right match up and a true commitment to move forward to improving the temple we've been given by God, our body.

PORTSMOUTH, VA. (Catholic Online) - If you're like me you have spent most of January trying to get in shape, start a new exercise regimen, and lose a little... A lot of weight? The latest diet didn't work and I just couldn't stop the urge to get that extra 15 minutes of work, sleep, family time, prayer time, TV time, economy discussions, presidential discussions.... Don't get me wrong all of this is important, especially prayer and family time, but a little more personal time is going to help all the others. So lets just say you find that extra time and will power to limit what you (I) eat. What is the right regimen for you (me)?

In the end your personality will help to direct the diet and exercise for you. All diet and exercise routines have a success story and a failure story. The answer is in the right match up and a true commitment to move forward to improving the temple we've been given by God, our body.

First a review of some of the more popular diets and how they work.

The Zone diet: Well respected and popular nutrition expert Barry Sears developed a nutrition based diet that has led the way to the majority of today's current diet books. The Zone diet was well known at the Vatican during John Paul II. The concept is relatively simple you eat 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat at each meal and have a balanced snack between these meals and near bedtime. As Barry Sears has demonstrated even more simply" Your plate should have a piece of protein the size of your palm and the rest of the plate should be fruits and vegetables." The vegetables should not be white carbohydrates, the proteins should be lean, and the fat should be monosaturated i.e. olive oil. This diet is extremely healthy and will lead to a consistent weight loss over months.

Who does well on this diet? Classically a patient individual with a moderately motivated personality. This is a diet that the entire family can use and continue on without fear of effecting your children's health.

The Atkins diet: The high protein low carbohydraite extreme was born from the work of Dr Atkins. This diet will lead to a 10lb weight loss in the induction phase over a two week period. The high protein forces the body into ketosis and the body starts eating up fat. Some muscle loss occurs but the high protein intake leads to less muscle loss than seen in fasting type diets. After two weeks, a maintenance program with similarities to the Zone diet is recommended. Most physicians are against the two week induction period because of the stress placed on the body during this period. This is not a diet for the weak at heart nor the diabetic population. This diet fits for the personality that likes the extreme. If you can fast easily you can get through the induction period.

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South Beach Diet: The Diet was created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist.
There are basically three phases in SB Diet. You eat normal portion sizes In Phase 1, but all carbohydrate is restricted. This is the strictest phase in the diet and will last for two weeks. It emphasizes lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and shellfish. Low-Glycemic-index vegetables are allowed as well as low-fat cheese, nuts, and eggs. Dieters should expect to lose somewhere between 8 to 10 pounds. In Phase 2, some of the banned food is slowly introduced while weight loss continues to around 1-2 pounds per week. You should remain on it until you have lost your desired amount of weight. Phase 3 is for maintenance and should be followed for life. Should your weight begin to climb, individuals on this diet return to Phase 1. If this diet sounds familiar it's because it is a modification of the Atkins and Zone diets. The phase one period is not as extreme in the South Beach Diet in comparison to the Atkins Diet. The online services regarding this diet are excellent and similar to those of the Zone Diet.

Mediterranean Diet: This diet has been around since olives became the mainstay of fat in the Mediterranean Diet. The diet is based on lean meats, monosaturated fats, and fruits and vegetables. Pasta is allowed in moderation. This diet is a nutrition type diet focused on the healthy attributes of the Overall Mediterranean Diet. Many cardiologists support this diet because of the low intake of polysaturated fats and the moderate intake of monosaturated fats. If you like Italian food without the pasta you will like this diet. This is not a diet that is going to give you fast results. A marathon runners approach to dieting is what comes to mind. "slow and steady pace."

Flat Belly Diet: Authors Liz Vaccariello and Cynthia Sass, MPH, R.D., have focused on the Mediterranean diets olive oil (monosaturated fats - MUFAs) to bring a new twist on healthy living. The diet has a starter anti-bloat phase, which includes high use of a citrus-herb-spice-cucumber drink. The diet then moves to a 28 day meal plan. Does this diet lead to a flatter belly? Yes if you aren't bloated and you have lost some weight, chances are your belly will flatten. This is the Mediterranean diet with an extra early push to get weight off quickly so you will stay motivated.

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Flexitarian Diet: Dawn Jackson is a registered dietitian and author of this diet. This is a Vegetarian type diet with some small amounts of meats being consumed. The 5 week meal/diet plan gradually increases the intake of healthy vegetables. If you have an aversion to meats then this diet has real potential for you. The client needs to be a high self motivator especially if meats have been a large part of your diet.

Weight Watchers: The low-fat diet and exercise components of this program are only a minor part of the true thrust of this diet. The strong group support and counseling are what really drives the client to their weight loss goals. In some ways this is the AA of weight loss. The individual who can make the time to go to weight watchers will loose weight, period. The program is ideal for the personality that needs peer pressure and a team sport approach to weight loss. This is a nutritionally sound diet with great education and support. The downside is time required to capture the whole program.

Jenny Craig Program: This is a lifestyle type diet. In some ways this is Weight Watchers Sister. The meals are packaged for you in an attempt to teach both portion control and nutrition. Counselors work with the clients to help set up meal plans and healthy lifestyle maintenance. The prepared meals are in the 15$ - 18$ per day range. This diet is ideal for someone who needs help with meal preparation and a little peer pressure.

Next, we will examine why you are still fat, help you to find the answers to the real questions and set you on the path to "beautiful living".

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Dr Denton D. Weiss, M.D. is board certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He is sought after for his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Weiss' approach to his medical practice flows from his convictions about the meaning of life which are deeply rooted in his Catholic Faith. He and his wife, Michelle strive for an integrated approach to life which recognizes the unity of the body, mind and soul. They call this approach "Bella Vitae"... or "Beautiful Living". He is a contributing writer to Catholic online.

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