“We are living in a caveman’s body here in 2020.”
That is the assessment of Aram E. Jawed, M.D., FACS, board-certified general and bariatric surgeon at the JFK for Life Bariatric Surgery Program. Dr. Jawed has researched the evolution of obesity and concludes our biology, stomachs, digestive systems, and hunger hormones are archaic, outdated and obsolete.
In advance of a series of seminars on surgical weight loss occurring on March 17, April 21 and May 19, Dr. Jawed explains his findings:
Early humans spent their days hunting, foraging, gathering and running from predators. They dined mainly on low-calorie leafy greens, nuts and fruit, with an occasional meat treat if they managed to kill an animal or scavenge. The result: a trim physique.
Today, we’re sitting in cars, at desks and behind computers. On top of that we are eating calorie dense, processed, sugary and fatty foods, which our body craves and we have easy access to.
Throughout history mankind has struggled with starvation due to droughts, famine and plagues; we have built biological defenses against starving, but have never needed defenses against overeating.
When someone loses large amounts of weight from a fad diet, their metabolic rate falls in response because their biology is fighting to regain the weight back (prevent them from starving). As the person slowly returns to their former eating habits after losing weight, they pack on even more pounds than before because of their lowered metabolic set point.
“I have many patients who come in after years and years of dieting and are still obese, who are eating lettuce and tomatoes and going to the gym every day and can’t lose weight is because their metabolism is shot. They don’t want to hear ‘diet and exercise,’ something they have been doing all their lives. They need a real solution,” Dr. Jawed said.
By altering our biology for those who are suffering from morbid obesity and its consequences, we are in a sense updating our digestive system to the society that we live in today. We can still enjoy food and at the same time feel satisfied with smaller amounts but our bodies stop yearning for more.
If you or someone you know is already struggling with morbid obesity it can feel hopeless because no matter what you do, your biology is going to win; unless you change it.
The seminars will be held at 98 James St. in Edison on March 17, April 21 and May 19. The events are open to the public. Seats for the event may be reserved by calling 732-744-5955, or register directly at jfkmc.org/bariatrics.
