Tag Archives: Biggest Loser 6 Weeks to a Healthier You

I Have Diabetes – Now What? A New Patient’s Guide to Managing Type 2 Diabetes

There are more than 25.8 million people living with diabetes in the U.S., according to the CDC. They also say that adds up to just more than eight percent of our total population. It’s a tricky disease to manage and an expensive one, with a total annual cost of $2 billion. More startling? Eighty percent of cases are reversible, but that part is up to you.

If you’re one of the nearly two million newly diagnosed cases of diabetes each year, it can be worrisome, to say the least. The word strikes fear in those who have it, and worry in their loved ones. Life as you know it seemingly changes in an instance. But that’s OK. It’s a hard reality check to follow, but one that can literally save your life.

doctor patient

With Dr. Sarah G. Khan, our resident pharmacist and diabetes education expert, we’ve created your one-stop guide to diabetes for new patients. We’ll answer your questions, provide you with resources, and give you options to manage or reverse your disease.

1. Do you want to manage or correct your diabetes?

“I think diabetes is a combination of both managing and correcting,” explained Dr. Khan. “There are other factors such as illness and stress that raise blood sugars which aren’t always under a person’s control.” Ask yourself which path you want to take.

If you want to manage… (more…)

Posted on July 2, 2023 by Natalie K

Biggest Loser Cures Diabetes Ahead of What Standard Medicine Can Achieve

Isn’t it a little bold to say you’re curing diabetes, was my first question for Biggest Loser’s Dr. Robert Huizenga, better known as Dr. H. He asserted that not only can it be done, but Biggest Loser is blazing the trail where curing diabetes is concerned. Yes, a reality show is doing more than his standard medical peers.

We spoke this morning in preparation for tonight’s episode in which the contestants will spend their last week on the ranch. As everyone says their farewells, they’ll meet with Dr. H one more time to find out, aside from their scale weight, how they’ve changed their bodies and their health. For Gina, she’s leaving the ranch without the type 2 diabetes she arrived with.

“If we can keep Gina at the levels she’s at tonight for the next 2-5 years, we’ll say we cured her diabetes,” said Dr. Huizenga.

How is that so? Right now, Gina’s diabetes has been reversed, or is in remission. As Dr. Huizenga explained, they’ve returned all the indicators to normal. To achieve cure, they have to stay that way for the next several years.

Gina’s not the only one turning back time on this disease. Young Lindsay, one of the teen ambassadors featured this season, is celebrating a complete reversal of her pre-diabetes. Doing so at such a young age is better and easier than trying to go back when she’s forty, explained the doctor.

“It’s like putting the toothpaste back in the tube,” he analogized. (more…)

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Natalie K

Biggest Loser’s 6 Weeks to a Healthier You Shines as a Best Diet of 2024

In yesterday’s announcement from US News and World Report’s Best Diets 2024, Biggest Loser took two top spots. Yes, the diet often bashed by critics for what they “see” on TV and not necessarily what they’ve researched received high honors.

First, the list tied Biggest Loser with DASH Diet, also named 2024’s best diet, as the Best Diabetes Diet. Then, it was ranked number two, behind Weight Watchers, as one of the Best Weight-Loss Diets.

The review, completed by a volunteer team of 22 renowned experts, ranked Biggest Loser based almost entirely on the plan outlined in the book Biggest Loser’s 6 Weeks to a Healthier You. Cheryl Forberg, RD was the original co-author, along with Dr. Michael Dansinger, and the author of this book.

“I am thrilled that this review was based mostly on my 6 Weeks to a Healthier You book, which has the most comprehensive and solid science on the plan as well as the ingredients selections,” she told us after hearing the news.

Forberg was the primary dietitian on the show, working with each contestant behind the scenes since season one. Late last year, at the end of season 12, she announced she was leaving Biggest Loser to pursue other work, including growing her Flavor First brand.

(more…)

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Natalie K