DORIS DEFIES THE ODDS--AND LOSES WEIGHT!

A nice lady, a patient in her 50s, called me recently frustrated at having done everything she's read and been told on how to lose weight, but remains at a standstill and dislikes the shape that her belly has assumed. She wants it off, or at least reduced so she can get into a fashionable halter-bikini like her friends, and sunbathe in her back yard private-like.

So I recommended this and that, and the other. And she politely responded that she's already done this, that, and the other. I must've sounded frustrated because she said "You're probably thinking I'm a pain in the ass." To which I told her she was just reading my mind.

I recommended some blood tests, specifically thyroid studies, and a chemical metabolic profile, which is an inconvenience for the nice busy lady, and will probably not be done any sooner than later. I told her that no one at Auschwitz was ever fat and that there were no such creatures as fat marathoners or distance-walkers, in an effort to assure her that there was indeed a solution out there for her somewhere.

Anyway, before we signed off, as a last resort, not knowing what else to advise the nice busy lady, I told her I would run her plight by the AI and see what it had to say about such a recalcitrant situation. And so I did, and so what follows is the advice of the cyber-doctor thing and its advice to her. Maybe coming from something tech-inspired versus something else with DNA, it may encourage her to better comply. Let's hope so. ----

​CYBER-DOCTOR:
If I were speaking to your friend, I’d start by telling her that walking three times a day for ten minutes is already a good sign — it means she’s building a habit of movement. But if the goal is to lose weight, then it’s not just about adding more of the same. Sometimes the body holds on to weight for reasons that aren’t obvious, and the first step is to figure out what’s quietly standing in the way.

Many people believe they eat healthy, but the definition of “healthy” can be misleading when it comes to weight loss. A salad drowned in dressing, a handful of nuts three times a day, or a “healthy” smoothie with lots of fruit can pack far more calories than expected. Tracking every bite for a week or two — even the “just a taste” moments — can be eye-opening. She might discover that hidden sugars, big portion sizes, or snacks are adding up without her realizing it.

Protein, fiber, and healthy fats are the cornerstones of feeling full and satisfied while losing weight. At every meal, she could aim for a palm-sized portion of protein — like chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, or tofu — and fill half her plate with vegetables for fiber. Healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocado are fine, but should be used sparingly. The balance matters: enough protein to maintain muscle, enough fiber to keep hunger at bay, and just enough fat to keep the meal satisfying without tipping the calorie scale.

Her walking routine is good for her heart and joints, but to nudge the scale downward, she may need to increase the challenge. That could mean turning one or two of those walks into brisk walks that raise her heart rate, or extending them gradually to 30–45 minutes. Adding resistance training two or three times a week — even simple bodyweight moves like squats, push-ups, or resistance band exercises — can make a big difference. Muscle is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories even while she’s at rest.

At age 55, hormones can also be part of the equation. Menopause often brings changes in metabolism, fat distribution, and muscle mass. If her efforts aren’t producing results, it’s worth having her thyroid, blood sugar, and hormone levels checked. Certain medications can make weight loss harder, and her doctor might have options for adjusting those if needed.

Sleep and stress are two areas people often overlook when trying to lose weight. If she’s sleeping less than seven hours a night or dealing with constant stress, her body may respond by holding on to fat. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can actually make weight loss harder, especially around the midsection. Making time for good sleep and for relaxing activities — reading, deep breathing, prayer, meditation, light yoga — isn’t indulgence; it’s part of the weight-loss strategy.

Finally, I would tell her to set realistic expectations. At her age, the healthiest and most sustainable weight loss might be one to two pounds a month, not a week. That slow pace is actually better for keeping the weight off long term. And she should watch for non-scale victories — better energy, improved lab results, clothes fitting more comfortably — as those changes can be just as encouraging as a number on the scale.

If she wants extra help, she could join a structured program for accountability, work with a registered dietitian, or get guidance from a medical weight-loss clinic. Sometimes having an outside eye — and a plan you don’t have to figure out alone — makes the journey easier.

Not bad advice.

Because at the end of the day, when it's all said and done, life is not complete unless you can really look good in a halter-bikini. I wish her, and many others, much success.