Understanding the effects of obesity on the brain


Obesity Effects on Brain in Brooklyn NY Area

We are all aware of the effects obesity has on our bodies, but did you know that obesity can affect your brain? Obesity’s impact on the brain is continually studied to help professionals better understand this condition and what can be done to help patients who find it much more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Alexander Shapsis of EndoSlim Clinic of Atlantic Gastroenterology is a Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained gastroenterologist in Brooklyn, New York, who continues to educate himself to stay abreast of changes in medicine relating to obesity and obesity management. Recent studies have shown that there are certain … Continue reading

Understanding the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure


Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in Brooklyn NY Area

Patients who struggle with jumpstarting significant weight loss may find themselves challenged by the changes in their diet and activity routine. They might feel disappointed that they cannot achieve the results they want. In certain situations, Dr. Alexander Shapsis of EndoSlimClinic, part of  Atlantic Gastroenterology in Brooklyn, New York, might recommend certain weight loss procedures such as the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, also referred to by the acronym ESG. What is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty? Dr. Shapsis describes endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, or ESG, as a nonsurgical endoscopic weight loss procedure. It is a minimally invasive procedure that helps reduce the size of … Continue reading

Common Challenges People Face When Trying to Lose Weight


Challenges people face when trying to lose weight, Dr. Alexander Shapsis of Atlantic Gastroenterology located in Brooklyn NY

It has been determined that approximately 42% of Americans fall into the category of “obese.” The statistics continue to rise and become more and more concerning every year. Excess weight doesn’t just mean you need a new wardrobe–it also means individuals are at an increased risk of specific medical conditions and health problems, from cancer to diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. While there are several diets and ways to maintain a healthier weight in today’s day and age, there are many challenges that individuals face when it comes to losing excess weight and maintaining a healthier weight. Dr. Alexander Shapsis … Continue reading

Why should we be treating obesity as a disease? Answers from a Professional


Why should we be treating obesity as a disease? Answers from a Professional in Brooklyn Area

Obesity continues to be a growing problem in the United States. And with almost half of all patients on Medicare benefits, or those with a BMI over the score of 40, considered obese, it will cause increasing healthcare costs with time. Patients over the age of 65 with severe obesity are likely to double by the year 2030. The United States healthcare system spends over $500 billion each year to help individuals with obesity and other coexisting conditions that are often related, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Dr. Alexander Shapsis is a Board-Certified gastroenterologist at EndoSlim Clinic of … Continue reading

Pfizer’s Oral Diabetes Drug Could Freshly Join the Lineup of Sought-After Drugs for Weight Loss


Pfizer Weight Loss Drug in Brooklyn NY Area

In the news today, many patients are learning about certain Type 2 diabetes medications that can be used for those without diabetes to aid in weight loss. Patients who are obese are often fighting many coexisting medical conditions that are a result of excess weight on the body. Weight loss can be challenging for many, so by considering certain diabetes drugs such as Ozempic, patients have a fighting chance at getting their bodies to a healthier weight. However, patients considering injectables such as Ozempic and Wegovy may reconsider if they fear needles, as these medications are injected and not taken … Continue reading

What are the primary health risks of prolonged stress levels?


Health Risks of Stress Brooklyn NY Area

While stress is inevitable, there are many reasons why patients should take great care to control it and keep it in check. Our Board-Certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Alexander Shapsis, of Atlantic Gastroenterology of Brooklyn, New York, can educate patients on stress hormone imbalances and how cortisol and the body’s natural stress response can cause weight gain. The production of cortisol is just one of the many health risks of stress. What is cortisol? Cortisol is best described as a hormone produced by your adrenal glands and is best known as the primary stress hormone. When stressful situations occur, the body increases … Continue reading

A Look At The Long Term Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy


Ozempic and Wegovy in Brooklyn NY Area

Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have proven to be highly effective in promoting weight loss and treating diabetes. But what many Brooklyn, New York residents who visit Dr. Alexander Shapsis at Atlantic Gastroenterology may not realize is that the long-term effects of these medications rely on you staying on them. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. It is being hailed by many as a miracle drug in the battle against obesity. However, the long-term outlook entirely relies on how long you stay on the medication. As long as you are on it and are following your … Continue reading

Why a Gastroenterologist Should Treat Obesity


Treat Obesity With Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists in Brooklyn Area

When you think of managing your weight, you may think it’s time to turn to an improved diet or a personal trainer at your local gym. But did you know that your gastroenterologist can help? Dr. Alexander Shapsis, a Board-Certified gastroenterologist at Atlantic Gastroenterology and founder of EndoSlim Clinic in Brooklyn, New York, encourages you to consider treating obesity under the care of a gastroenterologist and hepatologist (GIH). With their professional help, you can see the changes needed to achieve a healthier body and lifestyle while improving self-confidence and self-esteem. 10 Reasons Why a Gastroenterologist Should Treat Obesity When you … Continue reading

Following global trends in obesity and learning how it can impact one’s health


Impact of Obesity in Brooklyn NY Area

Many adults deal their entire life with an unhealthy diet and a process of weight gain and weight loss. Fad dieting has created the “yo-yo dieting” effect, causing both men and women to bounce around their ideal weight often within their lifetime. This can be caused by an unhealthy diet and short-term weight loss that does not nurture a healthy lifestyle long-term. Dr. Alexander Shapsis of Atlantic Gastroenterology, Brooklyn, New York, is a Board-Certified gastroenterologist who knows firsthand the effect obesity and weight gain can have on one’s health. The negative effects of obesity  Dr. Alexander Shapsis and his team at … Continue reading

How personalized medicine may be used to treat obesity and sustain weight loss successfully


Phenotype-based Antiobesity Medication Selection in Brooklyn Area

Personalized or targeted medicine is transforming how we treat conditions like obesity. Our Board-Certified gastroenterologist at Atlantic Gastroenterology, Dr. Alexander Shapsis, stays on top of the latest research to benefit patients with persistent weight loss challenges in Brooklyn and greater New York City. Notably, research partly supported by the Mayo Clinic and featured in the April 2021 issue of the journal Obesity suggests strides in:  How nuances among patients with obesity are identified  How those nuances are accounted for in the selection of antiobesity medication  Eighty-five percent of the initial 450 study participants were classified into “subgroups” and subject to … Continue reading


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