Despite dieting and exercising, some people find it difficult to lose weight which can cause frustration and a lack of self-esteem.
They shouldn’t despair because Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz might have the solution, including simple weight loss surgery and new therapy drugs.
Dr. Cruz-Muñoz, a pediatric surgeon at Miami’s Mercy Hospital and an expert in metabolic and bariatric medicine, has been treating obese patients for more than 20 years and most of them don’t have a clue as to the problem of dropping weight.
Even with a strict diet and rigorous exercises Cruz-Muñoz said sometimes they are not enough to lose weight because of genetics and decrease stigma, among other issues, and recommends other options to combat obesity.
Dr. Cruz-Muñoz is bringing his lecture series to the Key Biscayne Ocean Club from noon-2 p.m., on Feb. 4. The event is sponsored by the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Cruz-Muñoz, a Miami native, said helping his patients fight obesity has been the soap box of his career.
“It affects many of my patients so I try to do the lecture series on fighting obesity as often as I can,” he said. “Some people with obesity just accept the way they are, ‘this is the way I’m and god made me this way.’ Being overweight can cause serious health issues.”
Dr. Cruz-Muñoz said they include strokes, heart attacks and cancer. He said treating excessive weight problems can reduce the risks of serious health issues.
“About 40 percent of cancer diagnosis is related to obesity,” he said. “We have to decrease obesity so they can live longer and healthier lives.”
Dr. Cruz-Muñoz shares his expertise on weight-loss procedures such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, as well as the treatment of acid reflux, gallbladder disease, hernias, and other abdominal conditions.
He said new therapy drugs on the market are the best dose for combating obesity as well as a simple procedure through the month.
Dr. Cruz-Muñoz said most people trying to lose weight are unaware of six different procedures that can help drop pounds and keep the weight off for the long term.
He said difficulty losing weight epitomizes his patients’ frustration but when they learn the reasons behind the issue, it gives them new hope due to treatment.
“It’s a combination of things why people can’t lose weight or can’t keep it off,” he said. “For example, genetics, the environment, constant stress and eating foods that make the body become more obese. Foods they think can help them lose weight which is part of their genes can reach the level of obesity.
To attend Dr. Cru-Muñoz’s lecture series at the Ocean Club, the cost for chamber members is $15 and $30 for non-members.
For more information call (305) 361-5207.