Two well-known Scottsdale weight loss doctors released their first book this week, titled Chasing Diets: Stop the Endless Search and Discover the Solution, bringing hope and practical guidance to those who have spent years or a lifetime trying to lose weight on their own or with quick-fix “fad” diets.

Chasing Diets explains how and why the medical condition of obesity is difficult or impossible to manage on one’s own. The book provides realistic, evidence-based steps about how to lose the weight and keep it off. Interspersed with stories and real experiences of people who have struggled with obesity and been successfully treated, the book is a companion guide for anyone ready to stop playing the self-blame game and finally deal effectively with his or her weight. 

Authors Craig Primack, MD and Robert Ziltzer, MD, both certified in the treatment of obesity, have treated patients with weight struggles for more than 12 years at one of the Valley’s premier weight loss facilities, Scottsdale Weight Loss. Both doctors have been featured in numerous national media outlets such as Dr. Oz, Harper’s Bazaar, Huffington Post, Health.com and more.

Obesity, defined as having a body mass index of 30 and above, is categorized as a chronic medical disease by the American Medical Association. Obesity impairs normal function in almost every organ; causing diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, various cancers, arthritis, lumbar disc disease, and sleep apnea.

“We want people who have been battling weight gain to embrace the message that obesity is a true medical condition that is not their fault, and as with other diseases, they should feel empowered to get specialized medical support to manage it,” says Dr. Robert Ziltzer. “An obesity medicine specialist can effectively help with weight loss and maintenance.”

The book gives readers insight into the four key pillars of losing weight and, as important, keeping it off:

Medical Management: This may include adding medicine to reduce weight and hunger, but also potentially reducing or substituting medications that contribute to weight gain

Dietary Change: Diet needs to be individualized for each person with regard to calories, macronutrients and hunger.

Activity Plan: Exercise is a necessary but surprisingly small part of weight loss, but critical for weight maintenance.

Education: This includes education on learning self-monitoring and how to manage triggers that make you want to eat; planning for social meals; and practicing mindfulness.

“Quick-loss fad diets simply don’t work because as someone loses weight their body fights to maintain the weight, leading to a disheartening cycle of failure for the dieter,” explained Dr. Craig Primack. “It’s critical for someone struggling to lose weight to know that it’s not their fault – it’s not a matter of ‘willpower’ but of accepting and medically treating this condition.”

The book further details how and why this type of physician-directed weight loss program for obesity helps people lose weight faster and healthier; studies show that the faster and better the quality of weight lost, the greater chance of keeping the pounds off. 

With nearly 2,600 certified obesity medicine physicians in the U.S and hundreds more becoming certified annually, a person seeking treatment may search for an accredited physician in his or her area. To read Chasing Diets: Stop the Endless Search and Discover the Solution, please visit Amazon.

For information about the authors, visit https://www.scottsdaleweightloss.com/our-doctors/craig-primack-md-facp/ and

https://www.scottsdaleweightloss.com/our-doctors/robert-ziltzer-md/.