Off the Meds

'My 600-lb Life' proves weight loss can even help you stay healthy in flu season

2018-01-31T01:36:00.001-05:00

At first glance, TLC's reality TV show "My 600-lb Life is about obesity, bariatric surgery, and hopefully, weight loss. But as folks lose weight, they find other health problems clearing up too. Losing weight also strengthens broken autoimmune systems. Here's what you can learn from the gastric bypass patients about healing mind, body, spirit and even staying healthy in #Flu season. Most of the information from this article is thanks to reports by Newsweek and TLC. 'My 600-lb Life' proves weight loss can even help you stay healthy in flu season

Honey Boo Boo reveals Mama June in guilty secret on weight loss reality show

2018-01-20T00:02:00.001-05:00

On the season 2 premiere of "From Not to Hot" Honey Boo Boo [VIDEO] discovered #Mama June in a mega-guilty secret. After her jaw-dropping weight loss and the nasty breakup with Sugar Bear, June Shannon is exploring a new lifestyle. What it includes has HBB Alana Thompson scared and her dad and new wife lawyering up. Honey Boo Boo reveals Mama June in guilty secret on weight loss reality show

'My 600-lb Life' Amber Rachdi trolled by Youtube weight loss scam after obesity

2017-11-17T14:08:00.001-05:00

The weight loss success stories on TLC "My 600-lb Life" are awe-inspiring and in some cases, scam-inspiring. Amber Rachdi of Season 3 lost nearly 450 pounds or two-thirds of herself. Now the young woman is being trolled by a fake Youtube account selling a diet scam called "The 3 Week Diet." The issue proves there's money to be made on weight loss, and that many people want a piece of the pie, even if they have to go to fraudulent lengths. 'My 600-lb Life' Amber Rachdi trolled by Youtube weight loss scam after obesity

Fat-shaming, body love and weight loss: the unpopular view

2017-10-10T11:29:00.000-04:00

About the whole big body love thing which is so en vogue just now, I'm going made a very unpopular statement. It's unsafe to accept your body regardless of size. Okay, while you're choking on your coffee and firing off a rant-storm, hear me out.

I advocate positive self-image no matter what size you are. Making fun of a person's weight, shape, color, characteristics, gender, etc is just mean. But conversely, ignoring obesity (or anorexia at the other end) is dangerous. Accepting the fat makes it easier to gain more weight. It snowballs the more you ignore your growing body.

And about beauty in obesity-- I may believe that I am beautiful at 100 pounds overweight. But I don't have the right to insist that others call me beautiful. And that seems to be the expectation of those who advocate body love.

Clearly we all deserve acceptance as humans regardless of body size. But is obesity attractive--that's in the eye of the beholder and the obese person. Most people do not feel attractive carrying a lot of extra weight around. Is that because they have been body-shamed by others? It could be part but it's not all.

When you are morbidly overweight you are not as healthy. You feel more sluggish and less energized. You're tired all the time and get sick more often. It's not- fat-shaming to say that. These are incontrovertible biological facts. You might say, well anorexia isn't healthy either which of course it isn't. But this isn't an either-or situation. Both an eating disorder and obesity are dangerous.

And as such, neither are attractive. If you look at me when I was 100 pounds heavier, you can see inflammation in my face. My features are hidden and bloated. I had skin problems from psoriasis with weight gain. You could even hear the fat in my voice (fat around organs and facial structures makes it harder to breathe and creates respiratory problems).

It is unrealistic and delusional to insist that others call us beautiful no matter what we look like. When we genuinely feel good about ourselves we don't need others to constantly affirm it. It sets me up for disappointment and hurt if I say I'm fat and gorgeous and folks have to agree--and they don't. People don't like having opinions shoved at them. They tend to come out nastier than they intended. Plus if gives fat-shamers leverage to mock with.

So what should we do if we are overweight--hide in corners and wait for permission to speak? Do we need to lose weight to make us valuable. No and No. We should work to develop self-confidence within ourselves which will give us the impetus we need to take care of ourselves. We should behave as beautiful people, giving to others, caring and reaching out to those in need.

And then, as the genuine confidence grows, we find the mojo to work at weight loss. And weight loss helps boost the self-esteem. I gain confidence knowing that I have the power over food addictions and eating habits. And we grow stronger, more empowered and capable as our bodies grow healthier and lighter. It's a symbiotic relationship building confidence through healthy weight control.

Vegan, paleo and ketogenic diet weight loss recipes with diet food swaps

2017-09-26T20:31:00.001-04:00

I have lost 100 pounds using a variety of diet tips and tricks. I don't follow a specific weight loss diet because there's no one meal plan that hits everything I'm looking for. So I do like they say in the Al-Anon slogans, "take what you like and leave the rest."

The 'how I lost 100 pounds' diet

My eating strategies are culled from a variety of #weight loss programs. The #Ketogenic Diet, South Beach, hypertension DASH diet, paleo, Mediterranean Diet, Weight Watchers and more. Some of my favorite weight loss tricks are food swaps. Using the "eat this, not that" and "hungry girl" concepts, I create recipes that trade fatty, sugary, salty, junky ingredients for healthier, low-calorie ones. Vegan, paleo and ketogenic diet weight loss recipes with diet food swaps

DWTS star Barbara Corcoran shares shocking 'Shark Tank' type weight loss tips

2017-09-21T17:55:00.001-04:00

Reality TV mogul Barbara Corcoran will grace the "Dancing With the Stars" stage in season 25. Keo Motsepe and the "Shark Tank" celebrity form the team of #Sharkeo and will perform starting Sept. 18, 2017. It probably doesn't surprise you that the slender ABC star can cut a rug. But her weight loss secrets will shock you. Shark Lady shared how she stays swimmingly thin. DWTS star Barbara Corcoran shares shocking 'Shark Tank' type weight loss tips

Steven Assanti claims shocking 'My 600-lb Life' return, weight loss, drug rehab

2017-08-23T23:08:00.001-04:00

He's baa-ack: Steven Assanti, the bombastic bariatric surgery patient of "#My 600-lb Life," promised a return to season 6 of the reality TV show after trash-talking TLC. What's more, he claims to have kicked drugs and can't understand why people still call him an addict. Dr Younan Nowzaradan vetoed Assanti's gastric bypass surgery after the 34-year-old made such a nightmare of himself. The once 850-lb man has lied and made contradictory statements about weight loss and Dr. Now. He's so disliked that there is an anti-Assanti Facebook group. Is Steven a maligned martyr or the "big, fat liar" so many have pegged him? Steven Assanti claims shocking 'My 600-lb Life' return, weight loss, drug rehab

'Big & Little' Chuck Love talks weight loss fail, little people's obesity issues

2017-06-01T11:22:00.001-04:00

TLC's Chuck Love shared a heart-breaking story of his struggles with weight loss and social isolation. The "Big & Little" star explained why obesity stalks Little People more than those who are not height-challenged. And his story sheds light on patients on another TLC Reality TV show, "My 600-lb Life." 'Big & Little' Chuck Love talks weight loss fail, little people's obesity issues

'Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent admits plastic surgery, Botox addiction: What's up?

2017-04-12T11:00:00.001-04:00

"Hi, my name is #lala kent, and I'm a plastic surgery addict." That's what the "#vanderpump rules" alumni just admitted. At 26 years old, the reality television celebrity says she's had just about every form of cosmetic surgery, silicone implant or Botox treatment known to man. And she regrets most all of it except for two. How much of the reality diva is real and how much is silicone? Which are those magic procedures that she couldn't live without? 'Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent admits plastic surgery, Botox addiction: What's up?

'Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent admits plastic surgery, Botox addiction: What's up?

2017-03-24T17:05:00.001-04:00

"Hi, my name is Lala Kent, and I'm a plastic surgery addict." That's what the "Vanderpump Rules" alumni just admitted. At 26 years old, the reality television celebrity says she's had just about every form of cosmetic surgery, silicone implant or Botox treatment known to man. And she regrets most all of it except for two. How much of the reality diva is real and how much is silicone? Which are those magic procedures that she couldn't live without? 'Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent admits plastic surgery, Botox addiction: What's up?

Ali Fedotowsky 50-lb weight loss shocks: you'll never guess how 'Bachelorette' lost baby fat

2017-02-24T12:27:00.001-05:00

Ali Fedotowsky is looking mighty trim these days after her 50-lb weight loss. The "Bachelorette" alum shed pregnancy weight gain in anticipation of her wedding. The most surprising part of Ali's weight loss is what she ate to achieve it -- carbs. That's right, Fedotowsky's diet consists of a fair portion of carbohydrates and you'll never guess what's on the menu. Ali Fedotowsky 50-lb weight loss shocks: guess how 'Bachelorette' lost baby fat?

Kailyn Lowry pregnant or did 'Teen Mom 2' star gain weight after weight loss?

2017-02-10T16:12:00.001-05:00

Is Kailyn Lowry pregnant after her divorce from Javi Marroquin? Did the "Teen Mom 2" star reveal a baby bump and positive pregnancy test on Instagram? The reality TV mom certainly looks heavier after last year's weight loss. Did those reports of cheating on husband Javi result in another unplanned pregnancy for the "16 and Pregnant" star? Kailyn Lowry pregnant or did 'Teen Mom 2' star gain weight after weight loss?

Fitness guru Molly Galbraith cracks weight loss, cellulite myths in 'flawed' butt selfie

2017-01-30T17:42:00.001-05:00

Contrary to au courant fashion, one celebrity fitness blogger isn't embracing her flaws. Molly Galbraith posted a now-viral butt selfie, with cellulite and all, but not to be politically correct. Folks praised her pictures for showing what the less-tactful might call a "big butt" and "overweight" thighs. But it's Molly's refreshing response that people really appreciated. The point of the butt selfies was to crack open long-cherished myths about cellulite, weight loss and body flaws. She exposed the manufactured crisis in advertising about what defines physical imperfections. Fitness guru Molly Galbraith cracks weight loss, cellulite myths in 'flawed' butt selfie

Jamie Foxx talks 75-lb weight loss, weight gain, plus, does spot-on Denzel Washington

2017-01-29T17:26:00.001-05:00

Jamie Foxx bragged about his weight loss to Ellen Degeneres recently. And though he joked a lot, he gave some interesting insight into how easily weight gain creeps up. The "Sleepless" actor shared tips on how he was able to drop and add nearly 75 pounds between movie roles. And some of them are going to shock you. Jamie Foxx talks 75-lb weight loss, weight gain, plus, does spot-on Denzel Washington

Jennifer Aniston debuts strange weight gain of some 50 pounds: what's eating weight loss guru?

2017-01-06T12:09:00.001-05:00

Jennifer Aniston is showing odd weight gain recently and no one's quite sure why. Pals say the "Friends" star is having marriage troubles after the divorce of her ex-husband Brad Pitt from second wife Angelina Jolie. It's said that Jen's showing too much support for her current husband Justin Theroux's liking. The A-lister did gain weight for a movie role in "Cake" but that was back in 2014. Regardless of etiology, doctors speculate the svelte actress has packed on as much as 50 pounds. What's up with the former "Sexiest Woman of All-Time"? Has she really gained 50 pounds doctors are predicting? Jennifer Aniston debuts strange 50-lb weight gain: what's eating weight loss guru?

Mariah Carey brags up weight loss eating two-food diet: but doctors warn against bizarre crash diet

2016-12-14T18:20:00.001-05:00

Don't look to Mariah Carey for weight loss tips any more than fashion advice. The diva boasted that she keeps thin by superhuman willpower and a strict two-food-only diet. Note she isn't confident enough not to photoshop pics to erase fat. The reality TV star was cagey about actual weight loss and cosmetic surgeons speculated that it was more plastic surgery than diet and exercise. The "Mariah's World" star claims to follow a rigorous diet that no one else can follow. And you shouldn't if you want to lose weight and keep it off. Doctors advise against odd restrictive fad diets. Read on to learn how to lose weight practically. Mariah Carey brags about weight loss eating two-food diet: guess what's on menu?

'Teen Mom 2' Jenelle Evans gushes over 3rd unwed pregnancy despite custody war, abortion

2016-11-30T21:44:00.001-05:00

Teen Mom 2" Season 8 promises more train wrecks and relationship chaos. Unwed Jenelle Evans is happily pregnant again with her latest boyfriend David Eason despite his arrest for domestic violence, her aborting a baby, and separate custody battles for her other children. The gushing mom shared photos of sons Jace and Kaiser cuddling the new baby but season previews show that life isn't all baby bumps and happy families. Will this "Teen Mom" get it together in the new relationship or will she wind up battling to parent yet another child? 'Teen Mom 2' Jenelle Evans gushes over 3rd unwed pregnancy despite custody war, abortion

'My 600-lb Life' asks if transgender Chay can stop blaming, find her weight loss mojo as Lola?

2016-11-08T17:01:00.001-05:00

On the last season of TLC reality TV show "My 600-lb Life" Chay promised to be the weight loss wunderkind after gastric bypass surgery. This very articulate strong young man was on a fast track to thin but his train got off course when he revealed he was transgender. Now blaming, excuse-making Lola has derailed not only gender reassignment surgery, but also weight loss. Can Lola rediscover that mojo she exuded earlier? 'My 600-lb Life': Can transgender Chay stop blaming, find her weight loss mojo as Lola?

Val Kilmer opens up on tongue cancer, Michael Douglas, weight loss, Christian Science digs

2016-11-03T15:09:00.001-04:00

Michael Douglas threw a lit match in a powder magazine with claims that Val Kilmer is secretly battling tongue cancer. It reopened debate that the "Tombstone" actor was acting irresponsibly and praying away health problems in keeping with his anti-medicine religious beliefs. Kilmer's apparent weight loss made cancer claims plausible. Kilmer opened up on cancer, Michael Douglas, accusations of ill health, Christian Science and his new play "Citizen Twain." Val Kilmer opens up on tongue cancer, Michael Douglas, weight loss, Christian Science digs

Sia Cooper rocks 40-lb weight loss: 'Fit Mommy' blogger defends extreme pregnancy fitness

2016-10-21T08:06:00.001-04:00

Sia Cooper is becoming a celebrity in the fitness world. On her YouTube channel, she's inspiring viewer with her 40-lb weight loss. But the "Fit Mom" blogger's health habits before having kids weren't so great. In fact, her diet and exercise lack were so spectacularly bad that she was showing signs of early aging. And it was looking 40 at 20 that spurred her to shed weight. Even with a two-year-old and eight months pregnant, Sia was thinner and in better shape than before having kids. Critics attacked the young mom saying she was hurting her baby with extreme pregnancy fitness. Just a few months after birthing the second baby, Cooper has shed baby weight in a healthy way. Here's how. Sia Cooper rocks 40-lb weight loss: 'Fit Mommy' blogger defends extreme pregnancy fitness

Selena Gomez back in rehab for weight loss, anxiety, fat-shaming, lupus--what's the story?

2016-10-12T19:59:00.001-04:00

Selena Gomez is back in rehab again and if you're wondering the reason, take your pick. The former Disney child star was diagnosed with lupus and folks were concerned that was related. Gomez also debuted amazing weight loss recently which could be down to online bullying after her breakup with Justin Bieber. Gomez has struggled with body image issues, depression, anxiety and panic attacks. What's the story behind this most recent mental health retreat? Selena Gomez back in rehab for weight loss, anxiety, fat-shaming, lupus--what's the story?

'DWTS' Laurie Hernandez rocks Michael Jackson's 'One,' 'Queen of Ballroom' is perfect 10

2016-10-04T22:50:00.001-04:00

What a thriller! During "Dancing With The Stars" Cirque du Soleil week, Olympic gymnast #Laurie Hernandez rocked Michael Jackson and earned the first perfect 10 for her jazz dance. The young "Final Five" Olympian tore up the DWTS dance floor while her partner, pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy struggled to keep up. Judge Julianne Hough was so wowed she proclaimed Hernandez "Queen of Ballroom" to Jackson's King of Pop. 'DWTS' Laurie Hernandez rocks Michael Jackson's 'One,' 'Queen of Ballroom' is perfect 10

Octomom Nadya Suleman admits plastic surgery finally and her logic will have you in stitches

2016-09-28T22:03:00.001-04:00

Octomom Nadya Suleman admits plastic surgery and her logic will have you in stitches

Octomom Nadya Suleman fessed up to plastic surgery, finally, and her logic behind it will have you in stitches. Octomom is a single mom of 14 who had IVF octuplets while on welfare. She's also a prescription drug addict, porn star, food stamps fraudster, bankrupt mom with $1 million debt, possible disability scammer, and reported child neglecter. In an attempt to shed the Octomom image, Nadya is rebranding herself Natalie Suleman. Part of the new look is honesty, so after years of denying accusations of getting cosmetic surgery while on welfare, Suleman came clean, but with caveats. Here's the truth, or Octomom's version of it about her taxpayer- funded plastic surgery.

Val Kilmer weight loss horrors: what's behind Kilmer's mysterious gaunt body, weight gain?

2016-09-22T22:27:00.001-04:00

Val Kilmer has experienced one of the most shocking cases of celebrity weight loss ever. As a buff and sexy hottie in "Willow," "Batman," and "Top Gun" Kilmer literally ballooned to unrecognizable. But then Kilmer was spotted not too long ago looking positively gaunt and sickly thin. Being a very private person, he kept mum about rumors of illness. But the whole story of Kilmer's weight loss was revealed recently and it will horrify you. Val Kilmer weight loss horrors: what's behind Kilmer's mysterious gaunt body, weight gain?

Zika virus infection low at Brazil Rio 2016 Olympics: Yale calms mosquito borne bug fears

2016-08-17T21:56:00.001-04:00

Zika infections won't be nearly as high as WHO has hyped them to be. Zika virus infection low at Brazil Rio 2016 Olympics: Yale calms mosquito borne bug fears