Welcome to a year in review of Metabolic Health in teens! 

A year in review: Teen Metabolic Health in 2023



I can’t think of a more prolific year for teen metabolic health than 2023. And, I’m not just talking about the FDA’s approval of GLP-1 medications like wegovy. In fact, did you know I created my metabolic telehealth clinic well before I even heard of the STEP teens trial showing the results of using semaglutide in teens?  Medication is one part of the puzzle.

Not the whole treatment puzzle. 



It’s been a frustrating year too. The most frustrating thing about what I do is that no one is focusing on health. Our culture and health systems (lots of doctors) are still attached to the Energy Balance Theory of CICO (calories in calories out). Parents are very stuck in it and then their teens are stuck in it too. Their bodies are metabolically adapted to a low number of poor quality macronutrients. That’s their biggest obstacle to getting results. They often binge on refined carbohydrates at home after restricting their intake during the day.  Some teens don’t feel safe eating in front of other people. It all makes sense to me. The UPF (ultra-processed food) system and its addictive triad of trans fats, salt and refined sugar (HFCS, high fructose corn syrup) along with their digital neuromarketing tactics are powerful drivers of the epidemic of poor nutrition and binge eating in teens. Our weight-biased society creates constant body judging and food shaming in teens.  



The best study findings out in 2023, and there’s absolutely no comparison are the TODAY study findings showing that Youth Type 2 Diabetes is a more aggressive disease than seen in adults. Learn more here: 

https://www.adameetingnews.org/live-updates/session-coverage/today2-study-youth-onset-type-2-diabetes-more-severe-than-adult-onset-disease/



I want my legacy to be that I helped as many children and teens as possible enter young adulthood without the burden of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sound easy? It’s not. It’s an epically difficult mission. 2023 has been a year with metabolic ups and downs and some wins. 



As parents learn more about insulin resistance and metabolic health and are willing to let go of the harms of diet culture, then their teens are able to make the changes necessary to get positive health outcomes. 



Medication is only one part of the puzzle. There are so many action steps to take to improve metabolic health. All health habits count. Start by downloading my What’s your health why? Printable and fill it out for 2024. It’s powerful work! 



Start with your health why,

Dr. Karla

Welcome to a year in review of Metabolic Health in teens! 
A year in review: Teen Metabolic Health in 2023
 
I can’t think of a more prolific year for teen metabolic health than 2023. And, I’m not just talking about the FDA’s approval of GLP-1 medications like wegovy. In fact, did you know I created my metabolic telehealth clinic well before I even heard of the STEP teens trial showing the results of using semaglutide in teens?  Medication is one part of the puzzle.
Not the whole treatment puzzle. 
 
It’s been a frustrating year too. The most frustrating thing about what I do is that no one is focusing on health. Our culture and health systems (lots of doctors) are still attached to the Energy Balance Theory of CICO (calories in calories out). Parents are very stuck in it and then their teens are stuck in it too. Their bodies are metabolically adapted to a low number of poor quality macronutrients. That’s their biggest obstacle to getting results. They often binge on refined carbohydrates at home after restricting their intake during the day.  Some teens don’t feel safe eating in front of other people. It all makes sense to me. The UPF (ultra-processed food) system and its addictive triad of trans fats, salt and refined sugar (HFCS, high fructose corn syrup) along with their digital neuromarketing tactics are powerful drivers of the epidemic of poor nutrition and binge eating in teens. Our weight-biased society creates constant body judging and food shaming in teens.  
 
The best study findings out in 2023, and there’s absolutely no comparison are the TODAY study findings showing that Youth Type 2 Diabetes is a more aggressive disease than seen in adults. Learn more here: 
<a href="https://www.adameetingnews.org/live-updates/session-coverage/today2-study-youth-onset-type-2-diabetes-more-severe-than-adult-onset-disease/">https://www.adameetingnews.org/live-updates/session-coverage/today2-study-youth-onset-type-2-diabetes-more-severe-than-adult-onset-disease/</a>
 
I want my legacy to be that I helped as many children and teens as possible enter young adulthood without the burden of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sound easy? It’s not. It’s an epically difficult mission. 2023 has been a year with metabolic ups and downs and some wins. 
 
As parents learn more about insulin resistance and metabolic health and are willing to let go of the harms of diet culture, then their teens are able to make the changes necessary to get positive health outcomes. 
 
Medication is only one part of the puzzle. There are so many action steps to take to improve metabolic health. All health habits count. Start by downloading my What’s your health why? Printable and fill it out for 2024. It’s powerful work! 
 
Start with your health why,
Dr. Karla

Welcome to the IME Community podcast for teens, parents and doctors.  IME Community, powered by Dr.Karla, ActivistMD is where self-love is your superpower to achieve your weight and life goals and make your mark in the world!

Welcome to the IME Community podcast for teens, parents and doctors. &nbsp;IME Community, powered by Dr.Karla, ActivistMD is where self-love is your superpower to achieve your weight and life goals and make your mark in the world!

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