BMI TeleMed

12/27/2025

Plain Talk About Weight Loss Plateaus.
Let’s talk about something almost everyone hits on a weight-loss journey — the dreaded plateau.
So… what is a plateau?
A plateau is simply a stretch where the scale doesn’t budge much (or at all), even though you’ve been doing the right things. It feels frustrating, but here’s the good news: it’s normal, expected, and fixable.
Why plateaus happen!!
When you lose weight, your body becomes more efficient. In plain English — a smaller body needs fewer calories to run….

• Your BMR (basal metabolic rate) is the energy your body needs just to exist.
• Your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) is what you need to maintain your current weight — BMR plus Daily Activity.

At the start of your weight loss program, you were eating fewer calories than your body needed to maintain your starting weight — and the pounds came off. 👍

But now?
Your body has adjusted to your new weight. The calories that once caused weight loss are now just enough to maintain where you are. That’s the plateau.

Here’s the simple math:
• Eat more than your TDEE → weight gain
• Eat equal to your TDEE → weight stays the same
• Eat less than your TDEE → weight loss resumes

Right now, you’re hovering right around “equal.”
Your body isn’t being stubborn — it’s being protective.
Your metabolism slows a bit as a built-in safety feature. Your endocrine system decides, “Hey, this weight seems fine. Let’s protect muscle and energy.” That’s homeostasis doing its thing.

Nothing is broken. Your body just needs a new nudge.

How we break the plateau
To start losing again, we need to find about 500 calories a day from one of three places:

1️⃣ Eat a little less
Cutting another 500 calories a day equals about 1 pound per week. Easier said than done — I know.

2️⃣ Adjust medication (if appropriate)
Increasing your GLP-1 dose can help curb appetite so eating less feels more manageable. The trade-off? Sometimes more nausea or constipation. We always balance benefit vs. side effects.
3️⃣ Move more — but be realistic
Exercise helps, but here’s the honest truth:
It’s easy to eat 100 calories.
It takes a lot of movement to burn 100 calories.

For Perspective:
• Walking 3 mph for 90 minutes burns ~450 calories
• 10,000 steps burns about 300–400 calories
• Rough estimate: 30–40 calories per 1,000 steps.

Want to burn more? Pick up the pace or add hills.

Other calorie-burning options:
• 🚴 Spin class: ~400–600 calories in 45–60 minutes (hard work)
• 🏋️ Weight training: ~180–500+ calories/hour depending on intensity (also hard work)
And here’s the honest truth:
Hard work is effective — but it’s not always sustainable. So do what you like to do and can maintain.

Bottom line
A plateau doesn’t mean failure.
It means your body has adapted — and now we adjust the plan.

We’ll work together to decide whether the next best step is:
• tweaking calories,
• adjusting medication,
• adding movement,
• or (most often) a combination of all three.

Stick with it. You’re not stuck — you’re just at the next checkpoint.
As always, we’re here to help
BMI TeleMed
Achieve and Maintain
Follow us at www.bmitelemed.com

10/30/2025

I’m doing everything right and still can’t loose weight.” Ever hear that from friends and family members?

When most people think about weight loss, they think: diet + exercise = results.

But the truth is… your hormones are the real directors behind the scenes. They control your cravings, sleep, motivation, metabolism — even how your brain reacts to food.

At BMI TeleMed, we look beyond the scale and help you bring often overlooked hormones back into alignment to support long-term weight success. Let’s meet a few often overlooked key players:

Discover how Hormone Weight Loss with BMI TeleMed helps balance dopamine, cortisol, and leptin for lasting results and improved well-being.

10/12/2025

Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1s May Change the Odds for overall cancer risks

A new JAMA Oncology study (Dai et al., 2025) found that adults with obesity who used GLP-1 medications had a 17% lower overall cancer risk compared to non-users.
Researchers used an advanced “target trial emulation” design to strengthen the findings — showing how GLP-1s may support whole-body Health & Wellness, not just the number on the scale.
Bottom Line: GLP-1s don’t just change the scale — they may change the odds.

09/26/2025

Patients often ask about “microdosing” GLP-1 medications. It’s important to clarify the difference between low-dose therapy and microdosing so you can make informed decisions about your care.
• Low-Dose GLP-1 Therapy
Using the lowest therapeutic doses of GLP-1 receptor agonists (for example, 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg semaglutide) can be very effective. These doses are part of the FDA-approved titration schedule and are often used to help patients adjust comfortably, manage side effects, or maintain results long term.

• “Microdosing” GLP-1s
True “microdosing” refers to amounts far below the lowest therapeutic dose. Unlike secretagogues (drugs that stimulate your body to release its own hormones), GLP-1s are synthetic analogs that require a certain threshold of receptor engagement to work.
Doses below this threshold don’t activate the receptors in a meaningful way. In other words, microdosing GLP-1s is unlikely to provide any clinical benefit—it functions more like a homeopathic concept than a pharmacological treatment.

Our Approach
At BMI TeleMed, we prescribe GLP-1s at evidence-based, clinically effective doses tailored to the individual. This ensures you receive real, measurable benefits for appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and weight management—without wasting time or resources on sub-therapeutic “microdosing.”
GLP-1s
Dose GLP-1s
TeleMed

09/20/2025

When most people think of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide, they think of weight loss and blood sugar control. But did you know these same medications may also play a role in supporting mental clarity, focus, and long-term brain health?

At BMI TeleMed, we’ve seen how improving our patient’s metabolic health does more than help the waistline—it often helps the mind, too.

Why the Brain Loves Balance
Your brain runs on glucose. Big blood sugar swings can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and unfocused. Over time, those swings can also increase the risk for cognitive decline.

GLP-1 medications help by smoothing out those highs and lows, giving your brain a steady fuel supply. Patients often describe it as a noticeable lift in mental energy—less “brain fog” and more sharpness.

Brain Benefits Our Patients Report
* Sharper Focus – Less distraction and more ability to stay on task.
* Better Mood – Fewer emotional crashes from blood sugar spikes.
* Improved Sleep – When sleep improves, so does memory and clarity.
* Peace of Mind – Knowing you’re protecting long-term brain health.

The Science is Exciting
Early research suggests GLP-1 medications may even reduce brain inflammation and help protect against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. While this research is ongoing, the link between better metabolic health and better brain health is strong.

Whole-Body Health, Whole-Life Benefits
At BMI TeleMed, we believe weight management isn’t just about appearance or numbers on a scale. It’s about energy, confidence, and protecting your future brain health.

If you’re ready to feel clearer, lighter, and more focused, we’re here to help.
management
fog
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08/18/2025

Are All Breads and Deserts Bad?
Not all — but most of the ones you find in grocery store aisles or at fast food chains are. These usually contain refined white flour, added sugars, and processed oils, making them ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

However, there are breads and desserts that can fit into a healthy eating plan — especially if they’re made with whole ingredients, have fiber, and avoid unnecessary additives.
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The Better Bread Options to Look for:
• 100% Whole Grain / Whole Wheat Bread – the first ingredient should be “whole wheat flour” or “whole grain [name].”
• Sprouted Grain Bread (like Ezekiel bread) – made from sprouted whole grains, higher in protein and fiber.
• Sourdough (Traditional Fermented) – real sourdough uses natural fermentation, which improves digestibility and gut health. (Caution: many “sourdough” breads at grocery stores are just flavored white bread—check labels.)
• Rye or Pumpernickel (whole grain) – denser, high in fiber, and slower to spike blood sugar.

Avoid:
• “Multigrain” breads where the first ingredient is enriched wheat flour. Yep, “Multigrain” often just means several refined grains.)
• “Light” breads — usually ultra-processed, filled with additives and artificial sweeteners.
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The Better Dessert Options
Healthy desserts don’t mean “no sugar ever” — it means choosing versions made with whole ingredients that don’t overwhelm insulin sensitivity.
Examples:
• Dark Chocolate (70% cacao or higher) – less sugar, rich in antioxidants, and beneficial for heart and brain health in moderation.
• Fruit-Based Desserts – baked apples with cinnamon, grilled peaches, or fruit salad with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Homemade Oatmeal Cookies – made with rolled oats, nut butter, and minimal sweetener (like honey or mashed banana instead of refined sugar).
• Greek Yogurt Parfait – plain Greek yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of nuts.
• Almond Flour or Coconut Flour Treats – lower glycemic impact and higher protein/fiber compared to white flour pastries.
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The Middle Ground
Some desserts and breads are “less bad” rather than truly healthy”:
• Angel Food Cake → lower fat and calories, but still refined flour + sugar.
• Banana Bread → can be healthy if made with whole grain flour and less sugar, but store-bought versions are usually loaded with sugar and oil.
• Gluten-Free Pastries → often marketed as healthy, but many are made with refined starches (tapioca, rice, potato flour) and lots of sugar.
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The Takeaway
Not all breads and desserts are created equal:
• Whole grain, sprouted, or naturally fermented breads can support gut health and more stable blood sugar.
• Desserts made with whole ingredients (fruit, nuts, oats, dark chocolate, yogurt) are far better than refined pastries, cakes, or packaged sweets.
• Portion matters — with the holidays around the corner…..you don’t have to be “that person”. You know the person that lectures every one on the unhealthy offerings during the holidays. Enjoy. Be Happy. But be mindful and have a small portion.

One final thought. Since I mentioned “The Holiday Season” ….and it’s almost right around the corner starting in late October….remember that during these winter months it’s natural for our metabolism to slow down. You can still loose healthy weight but it may not show up on the scale at the same rate as before. It may not be a stretch to say that “every pound not gained during The Holiday Season…..is a pound lost.”

07/30/2025

Why Your Brain Loves Junk Food (and What You Can Do About It)

Understanding “Brain Food Reward” and How to Take Back Control

Have you ever felt drawn to a bag of chips or a slice of cake—even when you weren’t hungry? You’re not alone. There’s a scientific reason why certain foods are almost irresistible, and it has everything to do with how your brain works.

Welcome to the world of Brain Food Reward.

What Is “Brain Food Reward”?

Our brains are wired to help us survive. When we eat food—especially high-calorie foods—the brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which makes us feel good. This is your brain’s way of saying:

“That felt great. Do it again.”

But here’s the catch:
Modern processed foods are designed to be hyper-palatable meaning they’re packed with just the right mix of sugar, fat, and salt to trigger an intense pleasure response in the brain. More than fruits. More than veggies. More than anything nature intended.

The result?
We crave these foods not because we need fuel, but because our brain remembers the reward and wants it again.

Why This Matters for Weight Loss

When your brain constantly chases food rewards, it becomes harder to • Stop eating when you’re full
• Say no to unhealthy snacks
• Resist cravings—even when you’re not hungry

And if you’ve ever tried to “just have more willpower,” you know how exhausting (and frustrating) that can be.

How GLP-1s Help Break the Cycle

Medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide don’t just help you feel fuller—they also reduce the brain’s obsession with food rewards. Many patients report:
• Fewer food cravings
• Less emotional eating
• More control around food

It’s not a magic fix, but it’s a powerful tool to help you reset your brain and your habits.

Rewiring Your Brain for Better Habits

While medication helps quiet the food noise, lasting success comes from combining it with behavioral changes:
• Eat slowly to give your brain time to register fullness
• Avoid “trigger foods” that send your reward system into overdrive
• Practice mindful eating—pay attention to taste, texture, and satisfaction
• Get support from a care team or program designed to help you succeed
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Final Thoughts

If you’ve struggled with cravings, emotional eating, or feeling out of control around food, it’s not your fault. Your brain was simply doing its job—chasing that “food reward.” The good news? With the right tools, you can take back control.

At BMI TeleMed, we combine science-backed medications with personalized support to help you overcome plateaus, rewire your brain, and achieve sustainable weight loss.

Ready to quiet the cravings and reclaim your health?

Let’s talk.

07/30/2025

With Another Dooley Noted Podcast – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 6 months in a row. 🎉

07/29/2025

Why You Crave Junk (and What You Can Do About It)
No judgment—we’ve all wrestled with a bag of chips at midnight.

You’re not hungry. You just ate. But there it is… a cookie calling your name like it owes you money. What gives?

Welcome to the wild world of Brain Food Reward—the reason your brain lights up like a Christmas tree when you eat cheesy fries but barely blinks at broccoli.

Here’s the deal:
Back in caveman days, our brains were wired to celebrate high-calorie food. It was rare!
Fast forward to today… snacks are everywhere—loaded with sugar, fat, salt, and “can’t-eat-just-one” flavor science.
Result? You’re not just eating food—you’re chasing a dopamine high.

It’s not weakness. It’s biology.
Your brain says, “Ooh! That candy bar was fun. Let’s do it again.”
Now you’re stuck in a loop. Not broken—just human.

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How GLP-1 Meds Can Help
Semaglutide. Tirzepatide. These meds help quiet the food noise in your brain.

Patients often say:
“I don’t think about food as much.”
“Cravings? Way less.”
“I left fries on the plate. Who even am I?”

They won’t do all the work—but they can help you regain control.
⸻
So what can you do?
Try these brain-friendly swaps:
Walk instead of snack when stressed
Eat slowly—your stomach’s full before your brain gets the memo
Treat food like a relationship—if it’s toxic, it’s time to set boundaries
Don’t starve yourself—your brain will fight back hard
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Final Thought:
You’re not lazy. You’re not weak.
You’re wired.
Let’s rewire—together.

👉 Message us or visit bmitelemed.com to learn more.

BMI Telemed provides game changing weight loss solutions through clinically proven medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.

07/01/2025

The Micronutrient Trifecta for Metabolic Health…
Here’s the power trio many overlook:
✅ Vitamin D helps regulate mood, immunity, and fat metabolism
✅ Magnesium is essential to activate and convert Vitamin D into its usable form
✅ Vitamin B6 aids in the enzymatic processes that allow both D & Magnesium to work efficiently in your body

Deficiency in one can hinder the others.
That’s why it’s important to support optimal levels—especially for patients on GLP-1 therapy, where absorption and nutrient needs shift.

Even the best medications need the right nutritional foundation to work at full potential.

06/29/2025

GLP-1s Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle, not magic….only Disney World is magical.

At BMI TeleMed, we know that lasting weight loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we don’t just hand out prescriptions—we walk the journey with you.

Our proven 3-legged stool approach keeps your goals grounded:

1. The Drug – Weekly GLP-1 injections help curb cravings, control appetite, and increase insulin sensitivity. For some patients, we utilize micro-dosing strategies to minimize side effects while maximizing results.
2. The Practitioner – Our experts provide personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching tailored to your biology and routine.
3. The Patient – That’s you! Your commitment, consistency, and collaboration are what make real change possible.

We also offer innovative support like compounded Semaglutide or Tirzepatide with Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) to help ease potential GI side effects; behavioral guidance to quiet food noise, and safe and effective supplements for added energy and metabolic support.

Everyone’s path is unique—but with the right tools and the right team, long-term success is possible.

Ready to take the first step? Let’s build your plan together.

06/23/2025

Time Restricted Eating (TRE) boosts GLP-1 outcomes. Our method lets your body achieve optimal results during rest.

Time Restricted Eating supports weight loss, improves metabolism, and aligns with your natural rhythm for sustainable health and energy.